Labour Disputes
Texto da decisão
REF. FPSD-18909
Decision of the
Dispute Resolution Chamber
passed on 22 January 2026
regarding an employment-related dispute concerning
the player Rokas Lekiatas
COMPOSITION:
Frans DE WEGER (The Netherlands), Chairperson
Johan VAN GAALEN (South Africa), Member
Calum BEATTIE (Scotland), Member
CLAIMANT:
Rokas Lekiatas, Lithuania
Represented by Martynas Kalvelis
RESPONDENT:
FCU 1948 Craiova, Romania
pg. 2
REF. FPSD-18909
I. Facts of the case
1.
On 23 January 2024, the Lithuanian player Rokas Lekiatas (hereinafter: the Player or the
Claimant) and the Romanian club FCU 1948 Craiova (hereinafter: the Club or the Respondent)
entered into an employment contract (hereinafter: the First Contract) valid as from 25
January 2024 to 30 June 2024, with a unilateral option to extend it for the period from 1 July
2024 to 31 December 2026.
2.
Clause 4 of the First Contract provided as follows (quoted verbatim):
“Article 4:
Remuneration
i. The Club undertakes to pay the Player, subject to the due registration of the contract
with the PFL/RFF, the validity thereof and the granting of the full and definitive right to
play, for his professional services, for the period 25 January 2024 - 30 June 2024, the
following amounts:
a. For the period 25 January 2024 - 30 June 2024, the monthly net amount of 7,000 EURO
(seven thousand), payable in lei, the official exchange rate of the Romanian National
Bank, on the day of the payment, to be paid at the latest on 15 of the month.
ii. The date on which the player is entitled to receive remuneration is date from which
the contract is duly registered with the RFF/PFL and the player has the complete and
definitive right to play.
iii. The payment obligation of each instalment shall fall due on the 15th of each month
following the month for which the instalment is paid (for July the payment instalment shall
become due on 15 August, for August, the payment instalment shall become due on 15
September, etc).
iv. The Player’s remuneration and other financial entitlements will be paid to the Player
as follows, always indicating the reason for the relevant payment (eg ‘Payment June 2023’)
(please specify the applicable payment method):
(…)
V. Other amounts agreed by the parties to be paid to the Player:
1. The player shall benefit, for the validity of this contract (25 January 2024 - 30 June
2024), from:
pg. 3
REF. FPSD-18909
a. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
b. Objective-related bonuses, for each football season, as follows:
i. In case the team FCU 1948 Craiova Fotbal Club ranks, at the end of the 2023-2024
regular season, in the first six places (1-6) for play-off, the player shall benefit from a
bonus of 5,000 EUR (five thousand) net, on condition that the player plays in at least 60%
of the official matches or the player shall receive a bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five
hundred), if he plays in less than 60% of the official matches;
ii. In case the team FCU 1948 Craiova Fotbal Club qualifies, at the end of the 2023-2024
season, for the European competitions, the player shall benefit from a bonus of 5,000 EUR
(five thousand) net, on condition that the player plays in at least 60% of the official
matches or the player shall receive a bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred), if
he plays in less than 60% of the official matches;
a. the amount of EUR 300 (three hundred) net for accommodation expenses, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility. The damages and
prejudices to the accommodation shall be exclusively borne by the player and will lead to
the cancellation of the obligation to provide such monthly amount to the Player for
accommodation. The monthly amount shall be only provided for the duration of the
competition season or for the validity of the contract and only in exchange for a renting
contract, duly registered with the relevant authorities;
II. In case the Club takes up the right to extend the validity period of this contract for 01
July 2024 - 31 December 2026, the parties negotiated the following financial terms:
A. for the period 1 July 2024-30 June 2025, the player shall benefit from:
a. a monthly net fee of 9,000 EUR (nine thousand) net, payable in lei, at the official
exchange rate of the BNR, on the day of the payment;
b. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
c. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net in case the team ranks 1-6, in the 20242025 regular season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60% of the official
matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he will receive a
bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
pg. 4
REF. FPSD-18909
d. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net for qualification to the European
competitions, in the 2024-2025 season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60%
of the official matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he
will receive a bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
e. a monthly amount of 300 (three hundred) EUR for accommodation, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility, under the terms of Art.
V, I, letter c);
A. for the period 1 July 2025-30 June 2026, the player shall benefit from:
a. a monthly net fee of 10,000 EUR (ten thousand) net, payable in lei, at the official
exchange rate of the BNR, on the day of the payment;
b. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
c. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net in case the team ranks 1-6, in the 20252026 regular season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60% of the official
matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he will receive a
bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
d. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net for qualification to the European
competitions, in the 2024-2025 season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60%
of the official matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he
will receive a bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
e. a monthly amount of 300 (three hundred) EUR for accommodation, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility, under the terms of Art.
V, I, letter c);
A. for the period 1 July 2026-31 December 2026, the player shall benefit from:
a. a monthly net fee of 10,000 EUR (ten thousand) net, payable in lei, at the official
exchange rate of the BNR, on the day of the payment;
b. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
c. a monthly amount of 300 (three hundred) EUR for accommodation, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility, under the terms of Art.
V, I, letter c);
pg. 5
REF. FPSD-18909
Unless specified differently, the match/performance bonus payments are paid at the
latest on the last day of the month during which the objectives were accomplished.
The objective-related bonuses shall be paid within 30 (thirty) days from the validation
thereof by the PFL/RFF.
The monthly remuneration and other amounts payable by the club to the player under
this contract shall be paid by bank transfer to the account indicated by the player (opened
with a bank in Romania). The Club shall specify, in respect to each payment, the contract
obligation to which it corresponds (e.g.: ‘Remuneration for June 2023’).
vi. The Club undertakes to calculate, withhold and pay to the relevant government
authorities the taxes and contributions payable in respect of the net income earned by
the player, at the minimum mandatory level stipulated by the applicable law.”
3.
Clause 14 of the First Contract stipulated (quoted verbatim):
“Article 14: Termination clause
i. In case, during the performance of this sports-activity contract, the Player wishes to
unilaterally terminate this contract, prior to the term for which the contract was
concluded, under art. 1538, the New Civil Code, the parties evaluate in advance the
damages due to the club at the 3,000,000 EURO (three million). This amount is certain,
fixed and due within 30 days from the date on which the Player notifies his intention for
unilateral termination.
ii. When the value for the penal clause was assessed, upon entering into the contract,
the following were taken into account: the individual value of the Professional Player, the
increase of the team’s value, due to the contribution of the Professional Player, as well
as the increase of the player’s individual value by means of the national and international
competitions he took part in.”
4.
Furthermore, clause 15 of the First Contract set forth (quoted verbatim):
“Article 15: The option to extend the contract
i. The Club has the option to unilaterally extend the validity period of this contract for 2
(two) years and 6 (six) months, from 01 July 2024 - 31 December 2026 by means of a
written notification, sent to the player and to the RFF/PFL, until 31 May 2024.
ii. In case the Club takes up the right to extend the validity period of this contract for 01
July 2024 - 31 December 2026, the parties negotiated the following financial terms:
A. for the period 1 July 2024-30 June 2025, the player shall benefit from:
pg. 6
REF. FPSD-18909
a. a monthly net fee of 9,000 EUR (nine thousand) net, payable in lei, at the official
exchange rate of the BNR, on
the day of the payment;
b. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
c. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net in case the team ranks 1-6, in the 20242025 regular season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60% of the official
matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he will receive a
bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
d. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net for qualification to the European
competitions, in the 2024-2025 season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60%
of the official matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he
will receive a bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
e. a monthly amount of 300 (three hundred) EUR for accommodation, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility, under the terms of
Art. V, I, letter c);
A. for the period 1 July 2025-30 June 2026, the player shall benefit from:
a) a monthly net fee of 10,000 EUR (ten thousand) net, payable in lei, at the official
exchange rate of the BNR,
b. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
c. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net in case the team ranks 1-6, in the 20252026 regular season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60% of the official
matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he will receive a
bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
d. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net for qualification to the European
competitions, in the 2024-2025 season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60%
of the official matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he
will receive a bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
pg. 7
REF. FPSD-18909
e. a monthly amount of 300 (three hundred) EUR for accommodation, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility, under the terms of
Art. V, I, letter c);
A. for the period 1 July 2026-31 December 2026, the player shall benefit from:
a. a monthly net fee of 10,000 EUR (ten thousand) net, payable in lei, at the official
exchange rate of the BNR, on the day of the payment;
b. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
c. a monthly amount of 300 (three hundred) EUR for accommodation, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility, under the terms of
Art. V, I, letter c);”
5.
Lastly, clause 16 of the First Contract included the following (quoted verbatim):
“Article 16:
Termination of the contract
i. This contract is automatically terminated at the end of the period for which it is
concluded.
ii. This contract may be terminated before its date of expiry, by mutual agreement of
the parties.
iii. In case of occurrence of a force majeure, pursuant to Article 13 above, this contract
shall be terminated in accordance with the provisions of applicable law.
iv. The player or the club may unilaterally terminate the contract only subject to the
conditions and with the consequences stipulated by the Regulations on the Status and
Transfer of Players of FIFA/FRF (as applicable).
v. If the Player or Club unilaterally terminates the contract with just cause, the other
party shall be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the RSTP of FIFA/FRF in
force (as applicable). Similarly, if the Player or Club unilaterally terminates the contract
without just cause, the terminating party shall be sanctioned in accordance with the
provisions of the RSTP of FIFA/FRF in force (as applicable).
pg. 8
REF. FPSD-18909
vi. The obligation to pay the federative right shall become due on the date on which the
professional football player terminates this contract or, as the case may be, on the date
on which the player tests positive for any forbidden and illegal substances.
vii. This contract may be only terminated by the Player in exchange for the full payment
of the termination clause of EUR 3,000,000 (three million) net within 30 (thirty) days from
such termination.”
6.
On 12 March 2024, the parties concluded a new contract (hereinafter: the Second Contract)
valid as from 1 July 2024 until 31 December 2026.
7.
Clause 4 of the Second Contract established (quoted verbatim):
“Article 4:
Remuneration
i. The Club undertakes to pay the Player, subject to the due registration of the contract
with the PFL/RFF, the validity thereof and the granting of the full and definitive right to
play, for his professional services, for the period 01 JULY 2024 -31 DECEMBER 2026, the
following amounts:
a. For the period 1st of July 2024 – 30th of June 2025, the monthly net amount of 9,000
EURO (nine thousand), payable in lei, the official exchange rate of the Romanian National
Bank, on the day of the payment, to be paid at the latest on 15 of the month;
b. For the period 1st of July 2025 - 30th of June 2026, the monthly net amount of 10,000
EURO (ten thousand), payable in lei, the official exchange rate of the Romanian National
Bank, on the day of the payment, to be paid at the latest on 15 of the month;
c. For the period 1st of July 2026 – 31st of December 2026, the monthly net amount of
10,000 EURO (ten thousand), payable in lei, the official exchange rate of the Romanian
National Bank, on the day of the payment, to be paid at the latest on 15 of the month.
ii. The date on which the player is entitled to receive remuneration is date from which
the contract is duly registered with the RFF/PFL and the player has the complete and
definitive right to play.
iii. The payment obligation of each instalment shall fall due on the 15th of each month
following the month for which the instalment is paid (for July the payment instalment shall
become due on 15 August, for August, the payment instalment shall become due on 15
September, etc).
pg. 9
REF. FPSD-18909
iv. The Player’s remuneration and other financial entitlements will be paid to the Player
as follows, always indicating the reason for the relevant payment (eg ‘Payment June 2023’)
(please specify the applicable payment method):
(…)
V. Other amounts agreed by the parties to be paid to the Player:
I. The player shall benefit, for the validity of this contract (1st of July 2024 – 31st of
December 2026), from:
4. for the period 1 July 2024-30 June 2025, the player shall benefit from:
a) a monthly net fee of 9,000 EUR (nine housand) net, payable in lei, at the official
exchange rate of the BNR, on the day of the payment;
b. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
c. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net in case the team ranks 1-6, in the 20242025 regular season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60% of the official
matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he will receive a
bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
d. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net for qualification to the European
competitions, in the 2024-2025 season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60%
of the official matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he
will receive a bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
e. a monthly amount 300 (three hundred) EUR for accommodation, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility, under the terms of Art.
V, I, letter c);
B. for the period 1 July 2025-30 June 2026, the player shall benefit from:
a. a monthly net fee of 10,000 EUR (ten thousand) net, payable in lei, at the official
exchange rate of the BNR, on the day of the payment;
b. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
c. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net in case the team ranks 1 -6, in the 20252026 regular season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60% of the official
pg. 10
REF. FPSD-18909
matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he will receive a
bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
d. a bonus of 5,000 (five thousand) EURO net for qualification to the European
competitions, in the 2024-2025 season, on condition that the player plays in at least 60%
of the official matches. If the player appears in less than 60% of the official matches, he
will receive a bonus of 2,500 EUR (two thousand five hundred);
e. a monthly amount of 300 (three hundred) EUR for accommodation, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility, under the terms of Art.
V, I, letter c);
B. for the period 1 July 2026-31 December 2026, the player shall benefit from:
a. a monthly net fee of 10,000 EUR (ten thousand) net, payable in lei, at the official
exchange rate of the BNR, on the day of the payment;
b. a match bonus of 500 EUR (five hundred) net only for victory and only if the player is
in the starting 11; if the player enters the match as a substitute, he shall receive, only for
victory, a bonus of 250 (two hundred fifty) EURO net;
c. a monthly amount of 300 (three hundred) EUR for accommodation, the other
maintenance expenses being exclusively the player’s responsibility, under the terms of Art.
V, I, letter c);
Unless specified differently, the match/performance bonus payments are paid at the
latest on the last day of the month during which the objectives were accomplished.
The objective-related bonuses shall be paid within 30 (thirty) days from the validation
thereof by the PFL/RFF.
The monthly remuneration and other amounts payable by the club to the player under
this contract shall be paid by bank transfer to the account indicated by the player (opened
with a bank in Romania). The Club shall specify, in respect to each payment, the contract
obligation to which it corresponds (e.g.: ‘Remuneration for June 2023’).
vi. The Club undertakes to calculate, withhold and pay to the relevant government
authorities the taxes and contributions payable in respect of the net income earned by
the player, at the minimum mandatory level stipulated by the applicable law.”
8.
Clauses 14 and 15 of the Second Contract stipulated as follows (quoted verbatim):
“14. Termination clause
pg. 11
REF. FPSD-18909
i. In case, during the performance of this sports-activity contract, the Player wishes to
unilaterally terminate this contract, prior to the for which the contract was concluded,
under art. 1538, the New Civil Code, the parties evaluate in advance damages due to the
club at the 3,000,000 EURO (three million). This amount is certain, fixed and due within
30 days from the date on which the Player notifies his intention for unilateral termination.
ii. When the value for the penal clause was assessed, upon entering into the contract,
the following were taken into account: the individual value of the Professional Player, the
increase of the team’s value, due to the contribution of the Professional Player, as well as
the increase of the player’s individual value by means of the national and international
competitions he took part in.
15. Termination of the contract
i. This contract is automatically terminated at the end of the period for which it is
concluded.
ii. This contract may be terminated before its date of expiry, by mutual agreement of the
parties.
iii. In case of occurrence of a force majeure, pursuant to Article 13 above, this contract
shall be terminated in accordance with the provisions of applicable law.
iv. The player or the club may unilaterally terminate the contract only subject to the
conditions and with the consequences stipulated by the Regulations on the Status and
Transfer of Players of FIFA/FRF (as applicable).
v. If the Player or Club unilaterally terminates the contract with just cause, the other
party shall be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the RSTP of FIFA/FRF in
force (as applicable). Similarly, if the Player or Club unilaterally terminates the contract
without just cause, the terminating party shall be sanctioned in accordance with the
provisions of the RSTP of FIFA/FRF in force (as applicable).
vi. The obligation to pay the federative right shall become due on the date on which the
professional football player terminates this contract or, as the case may be, on the date
on which the player tests positive for any forbidden and illegal substances.
vii. This contract may be only terminated by the Player in exchange for the full payment
of the termination clause of EUR 3,000,000 (three million) net within 30 (thirty) days from
such termination.”
9.
On 9 February 2024, the Player received RON 1,000 from the Club as salary payment.
pg. 12
REF. FPSD-18909
10. On 15 February 2024, the Player received two payments of RON 8,692 and RON 1,490 from
the Club as salary payment. According to the Club, the payment of RON 1,490
corresponded to rent.
11. On 15 March 2024, the Player received two payments of RON 34,806 and RON 1,490 from
the Club as salary payment. According to the Club, the payment of RON 1,490
corresponded to rent.
12. On 15 April 2024, the Player received two payments of RON 17,403 and RON 1,490 from
the Club as salary payment. According to the Club, the payment of RON 1,490
corresponded to rent.
13. On 22 May 2025, the Player received RON 1,490 from the Club as salary payment. According
to the Club, the payment of RON 1,490 corresponded to rent.
14. On 28 May 2024, the Player received RON 51,209 from the Club as salary payment.
15. On 22 July 2024, the Player received RON 34,836 from the Club as salary payment and RON
1,490 as rent.
16. On 14 August 2024, the Player received RON 34,836 from the Club as salary payment, RON
1,490 as rent and RON 1,493 as bonus.
17. On 20 September 2024, the Player received RON 44,790 from the Club as salary payment,
RON 1,490 as rent and two payments of RON 1,492 as bonus.
18. On 15 October 2024, the Player received RON 44,790 from the Club as salary payment and
RON 1,490 as rent.
19. On 15 November 2024, the Player received RON 22,395 from the Club as salary payment
and RON 1,490 as rent.
20. On 2 December 2024, the Player received three payments of RON 1,492 each from the Club
as salary payment. According to the Club, these payments corresponded to bonuses.
21. On 20 December 2024, the Player received two payments of RON 1,492 from the Club as
salary payment. According to the Club, these payments corresponded to bonuses.
22. On 23 December 2024, the Player received RON 22,395 from the Club as salary payment.
23. On 16 January 2025, the Player received two payments of RON 1,490 each from the Club as
rent.
24. On 17 January 2025, the Player received RON 44,790 from the Club as salary payment.
pg. 13
REF. FPSD-18909
25. On 25 February 2025, the Player received RON 1,490 from the Club as rent.
26. On 3 March 2025, the Player received RON 22,395 from the Club as salary payment.
27. During the period between 14 April 2024 and 2 March 2025, the Player played 90 minutes
in 11 matches as part of the Club’s starting eleven, of which the Club won four, drew five,
and lost two. Additionally, the Player was part of the starting eleven in three matches in
which he was substituted, where the Club lost two and drew one, and he played as a
substitute in two other matches, where the Club won one and drew the other.
28. On 20 March 2025, the Player put the Club in default, requesting payment of EUR 27,996.20
net until 7 April 2025. The Player stated that this amount corresponded to the outstanding
balance for November 2024, the full salaries for December 2024, January 2025, and
February 2025, as well as compensation for accommodation. Furthermore, the Player
indicated that, in case the Club failed to pay the requested amount within the set term, he
would be entitled to terminate the Second Contract.
29. On 8 April 2025, the Player terminated the Second Contract citing just cause in accordance
with art. 14bis of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter: the
Regulations). In this regard, the Player requested EUR 27,390.36 as outstanding salaries,
EUR 9,000 as the salary for March 2025, EUR 605.84 as accommodation for January and
February 2025, EUR 300 as accommodation for March 2025, EUR 750 as match bonuses,
and EUR 147,000 as compensation for breach of contract.
30. On 4 July 2025, the Player concluded a new contract with the Lithuanian club Kauno Zalgiris
(hereinafter: the New Contract), valid as from the date of signature until 30 November 2026,
with the possibility to extend it until 30 November 2027. From 4 July 2025 to 30 November
2026, the Player would be entitled to EUR 6,000 per month.
II. Proceedings before FIFA
31. On 11 April 2025, the Claimant filed the claim at hand before FIFA. A summary of the parties’
respective positions is detailed below.
a. Position of the Claimant
32. According to the Player, the parties concluded the First Contract, which was valid until 30
June 2024 but contained an extension option allowing the relationship to be extended until
31 December 2026. The Player stated that, however, on 12 March 2024 the parties
concluded the Second Contract, valid until 31 December 2026, under which he would be
entitled to EUR 9,000 net per month, several bonuses, and accommodation from 1 July
2024 to 30 June 2025, and that his salary would then be raised to EUR 10,000 net from 1
pg. 14
REF. FPSD-18909
July 2025 to 31 December 2026. Additionally, the Player remarked that the salary was to be
paid by the 15th day of the following month.
33. The Player argued that the Club failed to perform its obligations under both the First
Contract and the Second Contract (hereinafter jointly referred to as: the Contracts), as the
payments were erratic and untimely. In this regard, the Player contended that, after 15
March 2025, the Club owed him EUR 29,102 net in salaries, as he received EUR 79,253 out
of EUR 108,355. Furthermore, the Player alleged that the Club should have paid him EUR
3,900 as accommodation and only paid him EUR 2,384, and that it should have paid him
EUR 2,250 as bonuses and only paid him EUR 894.40. In order to make the calculations, the
Player used the average exchange rate from 25 January 2024 to 8 April 2025 from the
European Central Bank, which established that the average rate was 0.2.
34. In this context, the Player stated that he put the Club in default, to no avail. Therefore, he
mentioned that he terminated the Second Contract with just cause based on art. 14bis of
the Regulations and asserted that he is entitled to outstanding salaries and compensation.
35. The Claimant’s requests for relief were the following:
“VI. RELIEFS SOUGHT
In accordance to the circumstances and arguments presented in this Claim and pursuant
to the FIFA RSTP and the Procedural Rules, the Claimant hereby requests the DRC:
1. To award to the Claimant from the Respondent outstanding salaries in the amount of
EUR 29,102 (twenty-nine thousand one hundred and two euros) net;
2. To award to the Claimant from the Respondent outstanding accommodation
compensation in the amount of EUR 1,816 (one thousand eight hundred sixteen euros)
net;
3. To award to the Claimant from the Respondent match win bonuses in the amount of
EUR 1,355.60 (one thousand free hundred fifty-five euros, 60 cents) net;
4. To award to the Claimant from the Respondent compensation for the breach of the
Contract in the amount of EUR 216,000 (two hundred sixteen thousand euros) net;
5. To award to the Claimant from the Respondent additional compensation for the
breach of the Contract in the amount of 28,500 (twenty-eight thousand five hundred
euros) net;
6. To award to the Claimant from the Respondent interest at the rate of 5 (five) percent
per annum from the awarded amount as from the date of the Claim until the day of
effective payment;
pg. 15
REF. FPSD-18909
7. To impose sporting sanctions against the Respondent for breach of the Contract
during protected period.”
36. Notwithstanding the above, on 15 October 2025 the Player attached the New Contract and
amended his requests for relief as follows:
“16. Hence, the total amount of compensation (Mitigated and Additional) to be awarded
from the Club to the Player (excluding the requests for unpaid salaries, accommodation
compensation and match win bonuses) is EUR 143,244.19 (one thousand forty-three
thousand two hundred forty-four euros, 19 ct).
17. All other requests for relief raised, including requests for award of EUR 29,102 salary
(request 1 of the Claim), request for award of accommodation compensation in the
amount of EUR 1,816 (request 2 of the Claim), request for award of match win bonuses in
the amount of EUR 1,355.60 (request 3 of the Claim), request to award interest at the rate
of 5 (five) percent per annum from the awarded amount as from the date of the Claim
until the day of effective payment (request 6 of the Claim) and request to impose sanctions
(request of 7 of the Claim) in the Claim by the Player remain unchanged.”
b. Position of the Respondent
37. In its reply, the Club first remarked that at the time the Contracts were signed, the Club
was in the first league and, as a result, the Player’s remuneration was negotiated for the
first league. In addition, following the relegation at the end of the 2023–2024 season, the
Club set its objective to obtain promotion back to the first league and, therefore, the
management decided to incentivize the players with higher remuneration and bonuses.
However, the Club failed to reach the playoffs and achieve promotion, which led to a
difficult financial situation.
38. According to the Club, it negotiated with several players and reached mutual termination
agreements. In particular regarding the Player, the Club stated that it attempted many
times to reach an agreement for a salary decrease, but he refused to do so. The Club even
alleged that the Player agreed to the financial conditions offered by the Club to terminate
the employment and was about to sign an agreement when he suddenly put the Club in
default, refused to resume negotiations, and finally terminated the Second Contract. The
Club provided a report of the alleged negotiations.
39. In this context, the Club acknowledged that it owed the Player EUR 31,500 as outstanding
remuneration, of which EUR 4,500 corresponded to the balance for November 2024 and
EUR 27,000 to the full salaries for December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025.
However, the Club stated that the actual debt for rent was only EUR 300 for March 2025
and that it had no outstanding bonuses towards the Player.
pg. 16
REF. FPSD-18909
40. The Club further remarked that the Player calculated the exchange rate as per the
European Central Bank instead of the Romanian National Bank, which, according to the
Club, explains why the Player claimed to have received less money than he was entitled to.
The Club stated that on 15 March 2024 it paid EUR 7,002.23, on 20 September 2024 EUR
9,003.92, and on 15 October 2024 EUR 9,002.11.
41. Additionally, the Club asserted that unforeseeable events such as relegation to the second
league and failing to secure promotion back to the first league, as well as the resulting
financial difficulties, should be taken into account to dismiss the Player’s request for
compensation.
42. The Respondent’s requests for relief were the following:
“IV. Requests for relief
58. Having regard to the arguments presented above, more specifically
i. to the financial situation of the club after the relegation and failure to promote to the
first league;
ii. to the current extremely difficult situation of the dub;
iii. to the probability for the Club to enter bankruptcy in case you grant the Player the
reliefs sought;
iv. and, as a consequence, to the impossibility for the Player to recover or be paid the
outstanding amounts;
v. to the good faith of the Club and its willingness to resolve the matter amicably;
vi. to our offer to pay the Player the amounts for the season 2024-2025, until 30 June
2025,
58. and considering all the foregoing, we hereby kindly request that you:
I. Modify the relief of the Player with respect to the outstanding remuneration due to
him, as being EUR 31,500 (half of November 2024 - EUR 4,500, December 2024 - EUR
9,000, January 2025 - EUR 9,000, February 2025 - EUR 9,000) (see points 27-28 above);
II. Modify the relief of the Player with respect to the outstanding accommodation due to
him, as being EUR 300 (see points 29-32 above);
III. Dismiss the relief of the Player with respect to the match win bonuses (see points 3336 above);
pg. 17
REF. FPSD-18909
IV. Dismiss the relief of the Player for compensation for breach of contract (residual
value), for the period 01 July 2025-30 June 2026;
VIII. Dismiss the relief of the Player for additional compensation for breach of contract;
IX. Take into consideration the Mitigated Compensation in the matter at stake;
X. Dismiss the relief of the Player with respect to the imposition of sporting sanctions
against the Club.”
c. Claimant’s comments on the alleged payments
43. The Player was invited to provide additional comments on the Club’s alleged payments for
rent and bonuses. In this regard, the Player argued that the documents were not fully
translated by the Club and should be disregarded for not meeting the requirements of
form and content set out in the Procedural Rules Governing the Football Tribunal
(hereinafter: the Procedural Rules).
III. Considerations of the Dispute Resolution Chamber
a. Competence and applicable legal framework
44. First of all, the Dispute Resolution Chamber (hereinafter: the Chamber or DRC) analysed
whether it was competent to deal with the case at hand. In this respect, it took note that
the present matter was presented to FIFA on 11 April 2025 and submitted for decision on
22 January 2026. Taking into account the wording of arts. 31 and 34 of the January 2026
edition of the Procedural Rules, the aforementioned edition of the Procedural Rules is
applicable to the matter at hand.
45. Furthermore, the Chamber referred to art. 2 par. 1 of the Procedural Rules and observed
that in accordance with art. 23 par. 1 in combination with art. 22 par. 1 lit. b) of the
Regulations (July 2025 edition), the Dispute Resolution Chamber is competent to deal with
the matter at stake, which concerns an employment-related dispute with an international
dimension between a Lithuanian player and a Romanian club.
46. Subsequently, the Chamber analysed which regulations should be applicable as to the
substance of the matter. In this respect, it confirmed that, in accordance with art. 29 of the
Regulations, the July 2025 edition of the Regulations is applicable to the matter at hand as
to the substance.
b. Burden of proof
pg. 18
REF. FPSD-18909
47. The Chamber recalled the basic principle of burden of proof, as stipulated in art. 13
par. 5 of the Procedural Rules, according to which a party claiming a right on the basis of
an alleged fact shall carry the respective burden of proof. Likewise, the Chamber stressed
the wording of art. 13 par. 4 of the Procedural Rules, pursuant to which it may consider
evidence not filed by the parties, including without limitation the evidence generated by or
within the Transfer Matching System (TMS).
c. Merits of the dispute
48. Having established the competence and the applicable regulations, the Chamber entered
into the merits of the dispute. In this respect, the Chamber started by acknowledging all
the above-mentioned facts as well as the arguments and the documentation on file.
However, the Chamber emphasised that in the following considerations it will refer only to
the facts, arguments and documentary evidence, which it considered pertinent for
assessing the matter at hand.
i. Main legal discussion and considerations
49. The Chamber then moved to the substance of the matter, noting that it concerned a claim
brought by a player against a club for outstanding remuneration and compensation for
breach of contract.
50. The Chamber noted that, according to the Player, he terminated the Second Contract with
just cause based on art. 14bis of the Regulations and is therefore entitled to outstanding
salaries and compensation.
51. The Chamber also recalled that the Club did not dispute that it owes the Player several
salaries but disputed the debt for bonuses and accommodation. Moreover, the Club stated
that its financial difficulties must be taken into account to dismiss the Player’s claim for
compensation.
52. In this context, the Chamber acknowledged that its task was to determine whether the
Player had just cause to terminate the Second Contract and the ensuing consequences.
53. First, the Chamber recalled that art. 14bis par. 1 provides as follows:
“In the case of a club unlawfully failing to pay a player at least two monthly salaries on
their due dates, the player will be deemed to have a just cause to terminate his contract,
provided that he has put the debtor club in default in writing and has granted a deadline
of at least 15 days for the debtor club to fully comply with its financial obligation(s).
Alternative provisions in contracts existing at the time of this provision coming into force
may be considered.”
pg. 19
REF. FPSD-18909
54. In this context, the Chamber analysed whether the requirements of art. 14bis were met
and the Player had just cause to terminate the Second Contract.
55. The Chamber first observed that the parties concluded the First Contract, under which the
Club undertook to pay the Player EUR 7,000 net for the period 25 January 2024 to 30 June
2024, payable in RON, considering the official exchange rate of the Romanian National
Bank. The Chamber also noted that, based on the First Contract, the Player was entitled to
EUR 300 net as accommodation and several bonuses.
56. Then, the Chamber observed that the parties concluded the Second Contract, under which
the Player was still entitled to accommodation and bonuses, but his salary was increased
to EUR 9,000 net for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 and to EUR 10,000 net for the
period 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2026, also payable in RON, considering the official
exchange rate of the Romanian National Bank.
57. In this regard, the Chamber noted that the Player argued that the Club failed to pay him
EUR 29,102 net as salaries, EUR 1,516 net as accommodation, and EUR 1,355.60 net as
bonuses, i.e. a total debt of EUR 31,973.60. Meanwhile, the Club acknowledged a debt of
EUR 31,500 for salaries, EUR 300 as accommodation, and no debt for bonuses, i.e. a total
debt of EUR 31,800.
58. Based on the above, the Chamber considered that, essentially, the Club admitted owing
the Player an amount very close to what he claimed, although it used a different exchange
rate - arguing that the Player applied an inappropriate one - and allocated several
payments to accommodation and bonuses instead of to outstanding salaries, as the Player
did.
59. Regarding the exchange rate, the Chamber was of the opinion that, as the Club pointed
out, the salaries were to be paid in RON, considering the exchange rate of the Romanian
National Bank. While it is true that the Player provided an average exchange rate issued by
the European Central Bank, which was not the rate agreed upon by the parties, the
Chamber outlined that the Club failed to provide any evidence of the applicable exchange
rate of the Romanian National Bank to demonstrate inaccuracies in the three payments it
referred to. Additionally, the Chamber noted that the Contracts did not specify that
payments for bonuses or accommodation were to be made in RON, and only indicated that
the Player was entitled to EUR.
60. Based on this, and considering that the Player submitted evidence of the exchange rate he
relied on while the Club failed to do so, the Chamber decided to apply the exchange rate
provided by the Player - even if it was not the rate contractually agreed - as it was
impossible for the Chamber to know the agreed exchange rate. Moreover, the Chamber
deemed it appropriate to adopt an average exchange rate for the entire period of the
pg. 20
REF. FPSD-18909
employment relationship, for reasons of efficiency and simply to assess whether the
requirements under art. 14bis of the Regulations has indeed been met.
61. In this sense, the Chamber considered that the Club paid the Player RON 412,662 for the
entire relationship, which was equivalent to EUR 82,532.40 using the abovementioned
exchange rate.
62. Regarding the allocation of payments, the Chamber remarked that both parties provided
several bank statements to prove whether the payments corresponded to salary,
accommodation, or bonuses. While the Player submitted a fully translated document
clearly showing that the various payments made by the Club were salary, accommodation,
or bonuses, the Club submitted a partially translated document, indicating only the
relevant translated terms to demonstrate that the payments were either accommodation
or bonuses. In this sense, the Player argued that the Club’s evidence must be disregarded,
as art. 13 par. 3 of the Procedural Rules establishes that: “Any type of evidence may be
produced. A chamber has ultimate discretion as to the weight it gives to evidence. All the
evidence upon which a party intends to rely must be filed in the original language and, if
applicable, translated into English, Spanish or French”.
63. At this point, the Chamber was of the opinion that, although it was true that the evidence
was not fully translated and could therefore be disregarded, it would ultimately be moot
to determine whether the payments allocated by the Club to accommodation or bonuses
were truly made for those purposes or were instead salaries. This is because the Club
acknowledged owing the Player at least two monthly salaries, which in itself would give the
Player just cause to terminate the employment relationship, provided that the formal
requirement of art. 14bis of the Regulations are met. In any event, accepting the Club’s
allocation would imply that it owed the Player an even higher amount of salaries than what
the Player is claiming (i.e., 3.5 salaries instead of 3.23 salaries).
64. In this regard, the Chamber concluded that at the time the Player sent the notice of default,
the Club owed him at least two salaries, regardless of the allocation of the payments.
65. The Chamber then noted that on 20 March 2025, the Player put the Club in default and
requested payment of EUR 27,996.20 net by 7 April 2025. The Player mentioned that, inter
alia, this amount corresponded to the balance for November 2024 and the full salaries for
December 2024 and January and February 2025. While the Player calculated a lower
amount than what was actually owed for the salaries - considering that, according to his
own calculation in this claim, the owed salaries amount to EUR 29,102 net - the Player
nonetheless claimed to be owed more than two salaries and granted the Club 18 days to
comply with the payment. In addition, the Player explicitly mentioned that, in case the Club
failed to comply with the payment, he would have just cause to terminate the employment
relationship.
pg. 21
REF. FPSD-18909
66. The Chamber further highlighted that the Club failed to comply with the payment of any of
these salaries, which was something it acknowledged in its response to the claim. Although
the Club alleged that the parties were about to sign a mutual termination agreement and
that the Player refused to proceed, and further argued that the Club was going through
financial difficulties, the Chamber underscored that it failed to provide any evidence of
these claims - which, in any event, would not justify the non-payment of salaries.
67. In this regard, the Chamber noted that on 8 April 2025, after the expiration of the granted
deadline, the Player terminated the employment relationship.
68. Considering that it remained undisputed that (i) the Club failed to pay the Player more than
two salaries, (ii) the Player put the Club in default and granted it more than 15 days to
comply with the payment and (iii) the Club failed to remedy the default, the Chamber
concluded that the Player had just cause to terminate the Second Contract under art. 14bis
of the Regulations.
ii. Consequences
69. Having stated the above, the Chamber turned its attention to the question of the
consequences of such unjustified breach of contract committed by the Club.
70. Regarding outstanding remuneration, the Chamber recalled that it had already mentioned
that the Club paid the Player EUR 82,532.40 and, therefore, it needed to calculate the
outstanding remuneration. The Chamber recalled that the Player was entitled to a salary
of EUR 7,000 net for the period 25 January 2024 to 30 June 2024, meaning that he should
have been entitled to EUR 36,580 net (five salaries plus seven prorated days). However,
considering that the Player himself calculated that he was entitled to EUR 36,355 net, the
Chamber considered that he was entitled to that amount.
71. The Chamber also noted that the Player was entitled to a salary of EUR 9,000 net for the
period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. Although, at the time he terminated the Second
Contract, the salary for March 2025 was not yet due - as the Player acknowledged that
salaries were to be paid on the 15th day of the following month - considering that the Player
terminated the Second Contract on 8 April 2025 and had worked the entire month of
March, the Chamber determined that the Club should have paid the Player EUR 81,000 net
for the nine salaries from July 2024 until March 2025.
72. Moreover, the Chamber observed that the Player argued that the Club should have paid
EUR 4,200 net as accommodation until March 2025, while the Club only acknowledged that
it should have paid EUR 3,900 net. In this sense, the Chamber acknowledged that the Player
was entitled to 14 months and six days of accommodation and that the Club should have
paid him EUR 4,267.74. However, since the Player himself calculated that he was entitled
to EUR 4,200 net, the Chamber considered that he was entitled to that amount.
pg. 22
REF. FPSD-18909
73. Although the Second Contract did not specify that the accommodation allowance was to
be paid as a net amount, the Chamber stressed that (i) the First Contract did include such
a provision, and (ii) in this claim, both parties expressly or implicitly agree that the Player
was entitled to EUR 300 without any deductions, with the Club even attempting to
demonstrate that it paid the Player the net amount. Therefore, the Chamber considered
that the Club was obliged to pay this sum also on a net basis.
74. In addition, the Chamber recalled that the Player proved to be entitled to EUR 2,250 net as
bonuses, as the Club won four matches in which he was part of the starting eleven (EUR
2,000) and one match in which he entered as a substitute (EUR 250).
75. In this regard, the Chamber observed that, until the termination, the Player was entitled to
EUR 123,805 net and received EUR 82,532.40. Therefore, the Chamber decided to award
the Player EUR 41,272.60 net as outstanding remuneration.
76. Since the Player requested interest as from the date of the claim, the Chamber
underscored that it was not necessary to allocate any of the payments for that calculation
and decided to award 5% interest p.a. as from 11 April 2025 until the date of effective
payment.
77. Having stated the above, the Chamber turned to the calculation of the amount of
compensation payable by the Respondent in the case at stake. In doing so, the Chamber
firstly recapitulated that, in accordance with art. 17 par. 1 of the Regulations, the amount
of compensation shall be calculated, in particular and unless otherwise provided for in the
contract at the basis of the dispute, taking into account the damage suffered, according to
the “positive interest” principle, having regard for the individual facts and circumstances of
each case, and with due consideration for the law of the country concerned.
78. In application of the relevant provision, the Chamber held that it first of all had to clarify as
to whether the pertinent employment contract contained a provision by means of which
the parties had beforehand agreed upon an amount of compensation payable by the
contractual parties in the event of breach of contract. In this regard, the Chamber recalled
that clauses 14 and 15 of the Second Contract provided as follows:
“14. Termination clause
i. In case, during the performance of this sports-activity contract, the Player wishes to
unilaterally terminate this contract, prior to the for which the contract was concluded,
under art. 1538, the New Civil Code, the parties evaluate in advance damages due to the
club at the 3,000,000 EURO (three million). This amount is certain, fixed and due within
30 days from the date on which the Player notifies his intention for unilateral termination.
ii. When the value for the penal clause was assessed, upon entering into the contract,
the following were taken into account: the individual value of the Professional Player, the
pg. 23
REF. FPSD-18909
increase of the team’s value, due to the contribution of the Professional Player, as well as
the increase of the player’s individual value by means of the national and international
competitions he took part in.
15. Termination of the contract
i. This contract is automatically terminated at the end of the period for which it is
concluded.
ii. This contract may be terminated before its date of expiry, by mutual agreement of the
parties.
iii. In case of occurrence of a force majeure, pursuant to Article 13 above, this contract
shall be terminated in accordance with the provisions of applicable law.
iv. The player or the club may unilaterally terminate the contract only subject to the
conditions and with the consequences stipulated by the Regulations on the Status and
Transfer of Players of FIFA/FRF (as applicable).
v. If the Player or Club unilaterally terminates the contract with just cause, the other
party shall be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the RSTP of FIFA/FRF in
force (as applicable). Similarly, if the Player or Club unilaterally terminates the contract
without just cause, the terminating party shall be sanctioned in accordance with the
provisions of the RSTP of FIFA/FRF in force (as applicable).
vi. The obligation to pay the federative right shall become due on the date on which the
professional football player terminates this contract or, as the case may be, on the date
on which the player tests positive for any forbidden and illegal substances.
vii. This contract may be only terminated by the Player in exchange for the full payment
of the termination clause of EUR 3,000,000 (three million) net within 30 (thirty) days from
such termination.”
79. While the clause provided different solutions for several scenarios, the Chamber was of the
opinion that clauses 15.iv and 15.v applied to this case and, therefore, compensation
should be calculated based on the other parameters set out in art. 17 of the Regulations,
as decided by the parties.
80. As a consequence, the Chamber recalled that, as a general rule, the compensation to be
paid to a player by a club shall be equal to the residual value of the contract that was
prematurely terminated, unless this player signed a new contract following the termination
of his previous contract (cf., art. 17 par. 1 lit. i) of the Regulations).
pg. 24
REF. FPSD-18909
81. Bearing in mind the foregoing as well as the claim of the Player, the Chamber proceeded
with the calculation of the monies payable to the Player under the terms of the Contract
from the date of its unilateral termination until its end date.
82. The Chamber noted that the Player terminated the Second Contract on 8 April 2025 and
that it would have been valid until 31 December 2026 had he not terminated it. Considering
that the salary for March 2025 had already been included in the outstanding remuneration,
the Chamber observed that the Player would have been entitled to EUR 27,000 net from
April 2025 to June 2025 (EUR 9,000 times 3) and to EUR 180,000 net from July 2025 to
December 2026 (EUR 10,000 times 18). Hence, the residual value amounted to EUR 207,000
net.
83. In continuation, the Chamber verified as to whether the Player had signed an employment
contract with another club during the relevant period of time, by means of which he would
have been enabled to reduce his loss of income. According to the constant practice of the
DRC as well as art. 17 par. 1 lit. ii) of the Regulations, such remuneration under a new
employment contract shall be taken into account in the calculation of the amount of
compensation for breach of contract in connection with the general obligation to mitigate
his damages.
84. Indeed, the Player signed the New Contract, valid from 4 July 2025 to 30 November 2026,
under which he would be entitled to EUR 6,000 per month. Although the New Contract
included an extension option, the Chamber stressed that it could not establish whether the
option was exercised - and the Player argued that it was not. Hence, the Chamber
considered that the Player mitigated his damages in the amount of EUR 101,419.35, that is
EUR 6,000 times 16 plus the prorated salary for July 2025, which was equivalent to EUR
5,419.35.
85. Subsequently, the Chamber referred to art. 17 par. 1 lit. ii) of the Regulations, according to
which a player is entitled to an amount corresponding to three monthly salaries as
additional compensation should the termination of the employment contract at stake be
due to overdue payables. In the case at hand, the Chamber confirmed that the contract
termination took place due to said reason i.e., overdue payables by the Respondent and
therefore decided that the Claimant shall receive additional compensation.
86. In this respect, the DRC decided to award the amount of additional compensation of EUR
27,000 net, i.e., three times the monthly remuneration of the Player at the time of the
termination.
87. Consequently, on account of all the above-mentioned considerations and the specificities
of the case at hand, the Chamber decided that the Club must pay the amount of EUR
132,580.65 net to the Player (i.e., EUR 207,000 net minus EUR 101,419.35 plus EUR 27,000
net), which was to be considered a reasonable and justified amount of compensation for
breach of contract in the present matter.
pg. 25
REF. FPSD-18909
88. Lastly, taking into consideration the Player’s request as well as the constant practice of the
Football Tribunal in this regard, the Chamber decided to award the Player interest on said
compensation at the rate of 5% p.a. as of the date of the claim, i.e., 11 April 2025, until the
date of effective payment.
89. For the sake of completeness, the Chamber insisted that the Club did not demonstrate any
financial difficulties and, in any event, such difficulties cannot constitute valid grounds to
dismiss the compensation request.
iii. Compliance with monetary decisions
90. Finally, taking into account the applicable Regulations, the Chamber referred to art. 24 par.
1 and 2 of the Regulations, which stipulate that, with its decision, the pertinent FIFA
deciding body shall also rule on the consequences deriving from the failure of the
concerned party to pay the relevant amounts of outstanding remuneration and/or
compensation in due time.
91. In this regard, the DRC highlighted that, against clubs, the consequence of the failure to
pay the relevant amounts in due time shall consist of a ban from registering any new
players, either nationally or internationally, up until the due amounts are paid. The overall
maximum duration of the registration ban shall be of up to three entire and consecutive
registration periods.
92. Therefore, bearing in mind the above, the DRC decided that the Respondent must pay the
full amount due (including all applicable interest) to the Claimant within 45 days of
notification of the decision, failing which, at the request of the Claimant, a ban from
registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the maximum duration
of three entire and consecutive registration periods shall become immediately effective on
the Respondent in accordance with art. 24 par. 2, 4, and 7 of the Regulations.
93. The Respondent shall make full payment (including all applicable interest) to the bank
account provided by the Claimant in the Bank Account Registration Form, which is attached
to the present decision.
94. The DRC recalled that the above-mentioned ban will be lifted immediately and prior to its
complete serving upon payment of the due amounts, in accordance with art. 24 par. 8 of
the Regulations.
d. Costs
95. The Chamber referred to art. 25 par. 1 of the Procedural Rules, according to which
“Procedures are free of charge where at least one of the parties is a player, coach, football agent,
pg. 26
REF. FPSD-18909
or match agent”. Accordingly, the Chamber decided that no procedural costs were to be
imposed on the parties.
96. Likewise, and for the sake of completeness, the Chamber recalled the contents of art. 25
par. 8 of the Procedural Rules and decided that no procedural compensation shall be
awarded in these proceedings.
97. Lastly, the DRC concluded its deliberations by rejecting any other requests for relief made
by any of the parties.
pg. 27
REF. FPSD-18909
IV. Decision of the Dispute Resolution Chamber
1.
The claim of the Claimant, Rokas Lekiatas, is partially accepted.
2.
The Respondent, FCU 1948 Craiova, must pay to the Claimant the following amounts:
- EUR 41,272.60 net as outstanding remuneration plus 5% interest p.a. as from 11 April
2025 until the date of effective payment;
- EUR 132,580.65 net as compensation for breach of contract plus 5% interest p.a. as
from 11 April 2025 until the date of effective payment.
3.
Any further claims of the Claimant are rejected.
4.
Full payment (including all applicable interest) shall be made to the bank account indicated
in the enclosed Bank Account Registration Form.
5.
Pursuant to art. 24 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, if full payment
(including all applicable interest) is not made within 45 days of notification of this decision,
the following consequences shall apply:
1. The Respondent shall be banned from registering any new players, either nationally or
internationally, up until the due amount is paid. The maximum duration of the ban shall
be of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods.
2. The present matter shall be submitted, upon request, to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee
in the event that full payment (including all applicable interest) is still not made by the
end of the three entire and consecutive registration periods.
6.
The consequences shall only be enforced at the request of the Claimant in accordance
with art. 24 par. 7 and 8 and art. 25 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
7.
This decision is rendered without costs.
For the Football Tribunal:
Emilio García Silvero
Chief Legal & Compliance Officer
pg. 28
REF. FPSD-18909
NOTE RELATED TO THE APPEAL PROCEDURE:
According to art. 50 par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes, this decision may be appealed against before
the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the notification of this
decision.
NOTE RELATED TO THE PUBLICATION:
FIFA may publish this decision. For reasons of confidentiality, FIFA may decide, at the request
of a party within five days of the notification of the motivated decision, to publish an
anonymised or a redacted version (cf., art. 17 of the Procedural Rules Governing the Football
Tribunal).
CONTACT INFORMATION
Fédération Internationale de Football Association – Legal & Compliance Division
396 Alhambra Circle, 6th floor, Coral Gables, Miami, Florida, USA 33134
legal.fifa.com | [email protected] | T: +41 (0)43 222 7777
pg. 29