The case revolves around a dispute between Villarreal CF SAD and SS Lazio Roma S.p.A. concerning a loan agreement for a player transfer in 2010. Villarreal loaned the player to Lazio with an option for a permanent transfer, contingent on the player passing a medical examination conducted by Lazio’s doctors. The examination revealed hypertension, leading Lazio to deem the player unfit for competitive sports. Villarreal contested this decision, arguing the medical tests were flawed and that the conditions precedent clause in the loan agreement violated FIFA regulations. The FIFA Players’ Status Committee ruled in favor of Lazio, stating that Article 18.4 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players applies only to contracts between professionals and clubs, not to loan agreements between clubs. The committee also found no evidence of manipulation in the medical examinations and noted the loan agreement did not specify a deadline for returning the player. Villarreal appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to annul the FIFA decision and claiming damages for unjust termination of the employment and transfer agreements. The CAS panel upheld the FIFA decision, emphasizing that Article 18.4 does not apply to inter-club agreements and that the medical examination clause was valid. The panel also clarified that the loan agreement was strictly between the clubs, with the player’s co-signature merely indicating consent to the transfer, not establishing an employment relationship. The panel dismissed Villarreal’s claims of bad faith or bias in the medical examination, noting the process was conducted by specialists and confirmed by Villarreal’s own doctor. The panel further rejected Villarreal’s argument that Lazio should have explored treatment options, as the agreement only required assessing the player’s fitness at the time. The CAS ultimately dismissed Villarreal’s appeal, confirming Lazio’s compliance with the loan agreement’s terms and the validity of the medical examination process. The ruling underscored the importance of clear contractual terms in football transfers and the limited scope of FIFA regulations in governing agreements between clubs. The decision was final and binding, closing the matter without further recourse.