The case involves a dispute between Kayserispor Kulübü Dernegi (the Club) and a professional football player (the Player) regarding the termination of their employment contract, adjudicated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Player terminated the contract unilaterally on 15 December 2017, citing the Club's persistent failure to pay his salaries and other contractual obligations despite multiple default notices. The Club contested the termination, arguing the Player lacked just cause and disputed the outstanding payments. The employment contract, signed in January 2017, stipulated substantial payments over three seasons, but the Club repeatedly missed deadlines, leading to partial payments and significant arrears. The Player filed a claim with FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC), seeking unpaid salaries, breach of contract compensation, and additional damages under Swiss law. The DRC partially accepted the claim, ordering the Club to pay €150,000 in outstanding remuneration with interest.
The CAS panel upheld the DRC's decision, ruling that the Club's failure to pay constituted a material breach, justifying the Player's termination with just cause. The panel emphasized that late payments made after termination did not negate the breach but were relevant for calculating compensation. The Club was found liable for damages, and the panel adjusted the compensation amount based on objective criteria, including the remaining contract value and the Player's subsequent employment with another club, which mitigated some damages. The final compensation awarded was €905,958.90, plus 5% annual interest from specified dates until payment. The panel also offset a prior payment of €36,041.10 made by the Club.
The decision reinforces the principle that clubs must adhere to contractual obligations, and failure to do so entitles players to terminate contracts and seek compensation. The CAS panel's ruling underscores the importance of contractual stability in professional sports and the role of arbitration in resolving disputes fairly. The case highlights the legal consequences of financial breaches in employment agreements and the mechanisms available to players for redress. The final award, issued on 13 January 2020, partially upheld the Club's appeal but confirmed the Player's right to terminate the contract and receive adjusted compensation. All other claims were dismissed, and the Club was given 30 days to comply with the payment order. The ruling serves as a precedent for similar disputes, emphasizing the need for timely salary payments and the consequences of contractual breaches in football.