The case involves a protracted legal dispute between Club Estudiantes de Mérida and footballer Andrés Lizardo Angulo Quiñonez, adjudicated by FIFA and later the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The conflict arose from the club's failure to pay the player's salary for four months in 2013, as stipulated in their employment contract. The player initially sought redress through the Venezuelan Football Federation's National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC), which ruled in his favor, ordering the club to pay the outstanding wages. However, the club did not comply immediately, leading to a six-point deduction in the league as a sanction. Subsequently, the player filed a claim with FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC), which also ruled in his favor, ordering additional compensation for breach of contract. The club argued that it had already settled the debt per the NDRC decision, but FIFA maintained its jurisdiction and upheld its ruling.
The club's persistent non-compliance with FIFA's decisions led to further disciplinary actions, including fines and the threat of point deductions. The club appealed to CAS, challenging the validity of the FIFA DRC decision on procedural grounds, such as improper notification and alleged violations of due process. The club also invoked principles like res judicata and ne bis in idem, arguing that the matter had already been resolved by the NDRC. However, CAS rejected these arguments, finding that the club had been properly notified and had ample opportunity to participate in the proceedings. The panel emphasized that the club's failure to challenge the FIFA DRC decision in a timely manner rendered it final and binding.
CAS also dismissed the club's claim that it had fulfilled its payment obligations, noting that the player had specified a Colombian bank account for payment, which the club ignored. The cheque issued by the club to a players' union representative was deemed invalid as it was never cashed and unrelated to the FIFA DRC decision. The panel upheld FIFA's disciplinary measures, including fines and potential point deductions, as proportional and consistent with established practice. The ruling reinforced FIFA's authority in regulating financial disputes in football and underscored the importance of adhering to contractual and procedural obligations.
Ultimately, CAS dismissed the club's appeal, affirming the FIFA DRC and disciplinary decisions. The case highlights the consequences of non-compliance with financial commitments in professional football and the rigorous enforcement of disciplinary measures by governing bodies. It also clarifies procedural aspects, such as the creditor's right to specify payment conditions and the debtor's obligation to comply. The decision serves as a precedent for similar disputes, emphasizing the need for timely and proper adherence to contractual and regulatory requirements in sports governance.