Labour Disputes
Texto da decisão
REF. FPSD-19684
Decision of the
Dispute Resolution Chamber
passed on 22 January 2026
regarding an employment-related dispute concerning the player
Fabrice Kah Nkwoh
COMPOSITION:
Frans DE WEGER (The Netherlands), Chairperson
Calum BEATTIE (Scotland), Member
Johan VAN GAALEN (South Africa), Member
CLAIMANT:
Fabrice Kah Nkwoh, Cameroon
Represented by 14 Sports Law
RESPONDENT:
Panserraikos 1946 FC, Greece
pg. 2
REF. FPSD-19684
I. Facts of the case
1.
The parties to this dispute are the following:
•
the Cameroonian player Fabrice Kah Nkwoh (hereinafter: the Claimant or the Player);
and
•
the Greek club Panserraikos 1946 FC (hereinafter: the Respondent or the Club),
affiliated with the Hellenic Football Federation (hereinafter: the HFF).
2.
On 20 June 2024, the Player concluded with the football agent Michalis Iona (hereinafter:
the Agent) an agreement (hereinafter: the Agreement), valid as from its date of signature
until 1 September 2024.
3.
The Agreement read as follows, quoted verbatim:
“[…] By the present document, FABRICE KAH NKWOH […]
Give the exclusive authorization to Mister MICHALIS IONA […] to negotiate the contract of
professional soccer player FABRICE KAH NKWOH, with the countries 1) Cyprus 2) Greece, for a
possible employee. […]
No agreement or contract can be finalised without the signature or written consent of the
intermediary MICHALIS IONA.
If the player agrees and signs with any of the above mentioned countries without the official
consent of MICHALIS IONA, an immediate payment of 10% must be paid to MICHALIS IONA s, by
the player, in accordance with his gross salary amount agreed for every year of a contract that
is agreed between the player and the club.
The player agrees to pay the first salary of his contract to the agent Michalis Iona after he pass
the medical exams, and after he sign the official contracts with the club. […]”
4.
On 21 June 2024, the Player and the Club concluded a document titled “Pre Contract
Agreement” (hereinafter: the Pre-Contract).
5.
The Pre-Contract read as follows, quoted verbatim:
“[…] In Serres today, 21/06/2024, the following parties:
a) PAE PANSERRAIKOS 1946, based in Serres and at the sports facilities of the Municipal Stadium
of Serres and legally represented herein by the President and CEO Mr. Anastasios Kazias and
pg. 3
REF. FPSD-19684
b) The footballer, Fabrice Kah, Nationality Camerron, date of birth 09/03/1996.
They agreed and mutually accepted the following:
1. The [Player] will sign a professional footballer's contract with PAE PANSERRAIKOS 1946, for a
period of two years, from 01/07/2024 to 30/06/2026.
2. During the 2024-2025 football season, the [Player] will receive a total of 60.000€ net, which
will be divided into salaries and installments in the contract to be drawn up.
3. In case that the team takes place 1st-6th in Super League 2024-25 table, and the [Player]
participates on 60% of official matches, he will receive 5.000€ net, as a bonus.
4. In case, that the [Player] will scores 5 goals or assists in 2024-2025 official matches, he will
receive 3.000€ net, as a bonus.
5. In case that the team participates, in Greek's Cup 2024-2025 semifinals and the [Player]
participates on 60% of official matches until then, he will receive 5.000€ net, as a bonus.
6. In case that the club being relegated to Super League2 after the end of the 2024-2025 football
season, both sides agree to terminate, this contract without any financial demands beyond those
already agreed upon.
7. During the 2025-2026 football season, the [Player] will receive a total of 70.000€ net, which
will be divided into salaries and installments in the contract to be drawn up.
8. In case that the team takes place 1st-6th, in Super League 2025-26 table, and the [Player]
participates on 60% of official matches, he will receive 5.000€ net, as a bonus.
9. In case that the [Player] will scores 5 goals or assists in 2025-2026 official matches, he will
receive 3.000€ net, as a bonus.
10. In case that the team participates in Greek's Cup 2025-2026 semifinals and the [Player]
Participates on 60% of official matches until then, he will receive 5.000€ net, as a bonus.
11. Club will provide to [Player] 3.500€ per season for house use, during this contract.
12. Club will provide to [Player] city car for personal use, during this contract.
13. Club will provide to [Player] 1(one) return air ticket per season(totally two), during this
contract.
14. Any tax burden arising solely from this contract shall be paid by PAE Panserraikos 1946.
pg. 4
REF. FPSD-19684
It is expressly agreed that this is valid and binding on the contracting parties in any case. Any
modification hereof shall be valid only if in writing and signed by the parties. […]”
6.
On 22 June 2024, the Club publicly announced on its official Instagram page that it had
reached an agreement with the Player for a two-year contract.
7.
On 9 July 2024, the Club sent the following correspondence to the Greek Consulate in
Cameroon, quoted verbatim:
“Good evening,
On behalf of Panserraikos FC, which is member of the Hellenic Football Federation and the
SuperLeague Association, we would like you to inform us about the procedure that must be
followed for the issuance of Visa of Mr. Fabrice Kah Nkowh of Cameroon nationality with
passport AA549964 valid up to 02/08/2028, in order for him to travel to Greece and the
representative of the football player Mr. Fabrice Kah, Mr. Michal is lonas, we inform you that
there is a deadline until Friday 16/08/2024 to confirm to us, with proof, the issuance of a VISA
and his trip to Greece.
Mr Fabrice Kah Nkowh is a professional football player, who has signed a preliminary agreement
with Panserraikos FC and must travel as soon as possible to Greece in order to undergo the
necessary medical exams and sign a professional player's employment contract.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
We thank you in advance
On behalf of Panserraikos FC
ADALIS KONSTANTINOS […]”
8.
On 15 July 2024, a flight ticket was purchased for the Player to travel from Cameroon to
Greece on 19 July 2024 and from Greece to Cameroon on 16 October 2024.
9.
On 9 August 2024, the Club sent the following correspondence to the Player, quoted
verbatim:
“[…] After the signing of the preliminary agreement and while we had assured us that you
normally have a visa, since they were competing in Cyprus and in particular in the Club AE
LIMASSOL, you informed us that your visa has expired, so you have to return to your home
country in Cameroon to get a new visa, please assure that it is 5-7 days.
During all this time, our team in communication with your agent took all the actions you
requested for your convenience in terms of the Visa issuance process, although it was your
responsibility to take all the necessary actions to be present for the club’s obligations.
pg. 5
REF. FPSD-19684
[…]
And quite suddenly today after 50 days and while you had assured us that until 05-07-2024 you
would be present at the team’s training sessions, we were informed that your visa application
was rejected.
In view of the fact that on 17-08-2024 the official start of the Super League 1 championship takes
place in Greece and you have not participated in the team’s preparation and training sessions,
through your sole fault […]”
[…] we inform you that after the lapse of three (3) days that we will denounce to the competent
bodies the preliminary agreement signed between us, with exclusive your fault and we will
demand your exemplary punishment. […]”
10. On 13 August 2024, the Club sent the following correspondence to the Agent, quoted
verbatim:
“Good evening,
Following communication between the Legal Representative of Panserraikos FC and the
representative of the football player Mr. Fabrice Kah, Mr. Michalis Ionas, we inform you that
there is a deadline until Friday 16/08/2024 to confirm to us, with proof, the issuance of a VISA
and his trip to Greece.
Otherwise, we will either proceed to a mutual consent solution of the preliminary cooperation
agreement, or we will proceed to its termination. We ask you to act accordingly. […]”
11. On 14 August 2024, the Agent answered the correspondence from the Club as follows,
quoted verbatim:
“After communication with the Greek Consulate in Nigeria (Abuja), the Visa issuance procedure
and specifically the National Visa can be issued within 72 hours after the football player presents
himself there and proves that.
1) He has an employment contract and accommodation from the team
2) He will travel there at his own expense as he has done so far
3) From the preliminary agreement, the football player will not claim the month
of July because he was not there, not through his own responsibility, however.
4) He will need to book a ticket to Greece.
The fact that tomorrow is a holiday means we must act immediately so as not to lose other days
because the [Player] is currently looking for a ticket to travel to Nigeria. Therefore, the subject of
the contract must be immediately sent to us for signature and then sent to the consulate. By
email but also so that the [Player] has it in hand. […]”
pg. 6
REF. FPSD-19684
12. On 20 August 2024, the Club sent the following correspondence to the Player, quoted
verbatim:
“[…] 1. As we mention in our letter, you should have appeared at the teams’ training sessions
and competitive events according to the preliminary agreement signed in 01.07.2024.
2. As we mention in the letter conceal from us the fact that your residence permit in Cyprus has
expired and you were illegally residing in Cyprus.
3. You chose to go to your home country in order, as you and your representative pointed out
to us, to obtain the necessary visa for your stay in Greece. Despite the fact that we from Greece
made every possible effort through the Ministry of Foreign affairs, to our embassy, unfortunately
as your representative informed us in writing but also verbally to our lawyer Vasilis Gagatsis, the
answer was negative.
4. There under your sole responsibility and not without your own responsibility, as your
representative claims in the information sent us, you did not even appear in the team’s
preparation nor in the city of Serres, […]
FOR ALL THE ABOVE REASONS
WE CANCEL the pre-agreement that we signed for our collaboration from 21/06/2024 UNDER
YOUR SOLE LIABILITY, after sixty day and more you haven’t appeared that is, from 01.07.2024,
the first day of the start of our cooperation, until today while the Greek championship has
already began [sic]. […]”
13. On 28 August 2024, the Player and the Club allegedly concluded an employment contract
(hereinafter: the Contract), valid as from its date of signature until 30 June 2026.
14. In accordance with the Contract, the Club undertook to pay the Player a monthly salary of
EUR 926, a Christmas bonus of EUR 926, an Easter bonus of EUR 463, as well as holiday
benefits of EUR 463.
15. In addition, the Club undertook under the Contract to pay the Player the following
instalments:
• EUR 10,000 net on 30 November 2024;
• EUR 10,000 net on 30 March 2025;
• EUR 10,904 net on 30 June 2025;
• EUR 15,000 net on 30 November 2025;
• EUR 15,000 net on 30 March 2026; and
• EUR 19,388 net on 30 June 2026.
16. On the same day, i.e., 28 August 2024, the Player and the Club concluded an annex to the
Contract (hereinafter: the Annex).
pg. 7
REF. FPSD-19684
17. The Annex read as follows, quoted verbatim:
“[…] 1. In case that the team takes place 1st – 6th in Super League 2024-25 table, and the [Player]
participates on 60% of official matches, he will receive 5.000€ net, as a bonus.
2. In case that the [Player] will scores 5 goals or assists in 2024-2025 official matches, he will
receive 3.000€ net, as a bonus.
3. In case that the team participates in Greek's Cup 2024-2025 semifinals and the [Player]
participates on 60% of official matches until then, he will receive 5.000€ net, as a bonus.
4. In case that the club being relegated to Super League 2 after the end of the 2024-2025 football
season, both sides agree to terminate this contract without any financial demands beyond those
already agreed upon.
5. In case that the team takes place 1st-5th in Super League 2025-26 table, and the [Player]
participates on 60% of official matches, he will receive 5.000€ net as a bonus.
6. In case that the [Player] will scores 5 goals or assists in 2025-2026 official matches, he will
receive 3.000€ net, as a bonus.
7. In case that the team participates in Greek's Cup 2025-2026 semifinals and the [Player]
participates on 60% of official matches until then, he will receive 5.000€ net, as a bonus.
8. Club will provide to [Player] 3.500€ per season for house use, during this contract.
9. Club will provide to [Player] city car for personal use, during this contract.
10. Club will provide to [Player] 1 (one) return air ticket per season(totally two), during this
contract.
11. Any tax burden arising solely from this contract shall be paid by [the Club].
12. The employment 28/08/2024 contract and the private agreement, ‘Annex of the 28/08/2024
employment contract’ between [the Club] and [the Player] is valid only in case that the [Player],
receive official VISA with the right to come to Greece, come to Serres until 06/09/2025 and pass
successfully the medical tests. […]”
18. On 29 August 2024, the Club sent the following correspondence to the consular office of
Greece in Nigeria, quoted verbatim:
“[…] On behalf of Panserraikos FC, member of the Hellenic Football Federation and of
Association of Superleague, would like you to inform us for the documents required in order to
pg. 8
REF. FPSD-19684
be issued a visa for the professional player Mr. FABRICE KAH NKOWH (attached hereto the
passport) with the view to come as soon as possible in Greece and join our team. […]”
19. On the same day, i.e., 29 August 2024, the consular office of Greece in Nigeria answered
the Club’s correspondence as follows, quoted verbatim:
“[…] You have to send us by courier a. original certificate of the H.F.F. that the registration was
approved, b. ratified from the H.F.F the copy of the player's employment contract signed by him
and the president of the club, as well as a letter of the club, by means of which the club will apply
for visa signed by the president.
When we receive the above and checked, then the player will be invited to submit other
documents for legal assessment from the associate Law firm. When this assessment is positive,
then we will proceed to the examination of the application for visa, according to applicable
provisions. […]”
20. On the same day, i.e., 29 August 2024, the Club sent the following correspondence to the
consular office of Greece in Nigeria, quoted verbatim:
“We would like to inform you that the documents:
A. Original certificate from HFF
B. Ratified copy of the player's employment contract
Cannot be submitted, if the player will no come to Greece to sign and the signature on the
contracts that will be submitted to the Federation must be original and electronical.
We can send you, as we did before with the Embassy in Egypt:
1) A signed copy of the contract with the certified signature of the president of the club
2) A letter originally signed by the president of the club, with the certification of his signature.”
21. On 16 September 2024, the Player sent the following correspondence to the Club, quoted
verbatim:
“[…] Subject: Notice and request
Respected Sirs,
We are addressing you as a legal representative of player Fabrice Kah Nkowh regarding the
current situation of the player in your Club.
Since the conclusion of the Employment contract dated 28th August 2024, your club has failed
to the fulfill its main obligation regarding regulation of player immigration status in Greece
which greatly affects status of the Player and prevents him to enter the country. We therefore
invite you to immediately arrange the necessary visa requirements for the player and confirm
pg. 9
REF. FPSD-19684
in writing within the next 3 (three) days that the documentation allowing the player to legally
reside and work in your country have been arranged.
Furthermore, the player does not appear to be registered for the season according to the
information we have. We request the club to complete the registration process of the player as
soon as possible, so that he can fulfill his mission for which he came to your club, which is to
help achieve sporting goals. Therefore, please confirm to us in writing with the supporting
documentation within the next 3 (three) days that your club requested the player’s ITC and taken
necessary steps for registration, so he knows he will be registered.
To conclude, please note that your club is currently in breach of its essential obligations. We
refer you to articles 14 of the FIFA RSTP and should you fail to remedy entirely these breaches,
the player will have no other choice but to unilaterally terminate the employment contract and
to seek redress before the FIFA Football Tribunal for breach of contract by the club.
We believe that you are aware of the consequences and grant you the above-mentioned term to
fulfil your obligations.
Please be advised that we remain at your disposal for any questions or explanations. […]”
22. On 19 September 2024, the Club answered the correspondence from the Player as follows,
quoted verbatim:
“Subject: «Respond to from 16 September notice and request about Fabrice Kah Nkowh»
Dear Sirs,
We received your letter of September 16, 2024 and we are really surprised.
We understand that you are obviously not sufficiently informed by your customer FABRICE KAH
NKOWH, and this because, as it appears from your letter, your client hid from you the reality,
which is as follows:
-Your client, in football season 2023-2024, competed in the club of Aris Limassol of Cyprus
Football Federation. We agreed on his transfer to our club PANSERRAIKOS FC 1946, and as both
he and his representative Mr. Michalis Iona told us, we would have to sign a Pre Contract
Agreement, without having informed us from the first moment and as it should have, that his
residence permit in Cyprus has expired.
We signed a Pre Contract Agreement on 21.06.2024, which states in detail that the start of our
cooperation will begin on 01.07.2024 and we sent it to your client.
Although it does not arises by any regulation that our club is obliged to take any additional
action, beyond what was agreed (tickets, etc.), so that the [Player] finds a way to come to our
pg. 10
REF. FPSD-19684
country to pass the necessary medical tests and sign the original contracts, WE made contacts
with the Greek Embassy of Cyprus and even with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece to find
any possible solution and get a VISA, however as they informed us the [Player] was in the country
illegally and should return to his homeland, otherwise will be deported.
The [Player] made the decision to return to Cameroon and in constant communication with his
representative, WE continued to take the steps to obtain a VISA.
On July 09, 2024, we sent an invitation to the Embassy in Douala and Yaounde, Cameroon, as
well as the Pre Contract Agreement, Insurance Certification for the football player, air ticket
reservation, however the football player's application was rejected under the responsibility of
the Embassy which for its own reasons did not accept the documents and he was not given
permission to travel to Greece.
On August 9, 2024, we send a letter to the [Player], that he has already violated the terms of the
Pre Contract agreement and that he should appear in the next few days, otherwise, we would
proceed with the termination of the Pre Contract Agreement
On August 14, 2024, the representative of the [Player]. Mr. Ion as, in an email he sent us, assured
us that the football player's VISA can be issued in 72 hours, since the football player can appear
at the Embassy in Nigeria and prove that he has a cooperation contract with our club.
On August 28, 2024 and after many please from his representative and while the championship
in Greece had already started and the [Player] had not appeared, as he had an obligation from
01.07.2024, we sent a signed contract, with the note that in order for the contract to be valid,
should receive a VISA and be in Greece until 06.09.2024. Despite the fact that the [Player] had
not undergone the necessary medical tests, under his sole responsibility, and despite the
objections of our legal department, we nevertheless sent the signed contract.
Unfortunately, even then it was not possible to obtain a visa to travel to Greece. We inform you
that the Embassy in Nigeria demands original certification from Hellenic Football Federation
from which the transfer is valid.
In order to receive this specific certification, the following documents must be submitted to the
Hellenic Football Federation, SIGNED ORIGINALS and not electronically:
a) Proof of the [Player]'s entry into Greece
b) Photocopy of the [Player]'s passport, certified by a Greek public authority
c) [Player]'s health card, signed and stamped by a cardiologist, proving that he has undergone
the necessary medical tests.
d) Responsible Statement of Personal Data, certified by a Greek public authority
e) Transfer request signed by the [Player]
f) Original signed professional football player contract
pg. 11
REF. FPSD-19684
As it is easy to understand, all this obviously cannot be legally deposited if the [Player]does not
come to Greece.
We are very surprised to find in your letter that you are trying to shift the responsibility for not
obtaining a VISA from the football player to our team, while the sole responsibility lies with your
client. Our team, going beyond the rules, signed a contract and sent it to the [Player], without
him undergoing the necessary medical tests.
You ask us to provide you with the actions we took to obtain the International Transfer
Certificate. We should let you know that without all the above, with the Hellenic Football
Federation, we cannot obtain the International Transfer Certificate. Also NEVER did the [Player]
send us a signed contract back.
On the contrary and as is seems we went through all the stages in order for him to join our club.
We send the pre-contract agreement, we proceeded with the football player's insurances, we
issued airplane tickets for his arrival in Greece, we signed a contract, without undergoing
medical tests and after all this, we demanded responsibilities from our club?
If your client or his representatives, who fraudulently concealed from us while they knew it, that
his residence permit in Cyprus had expired and he was residing there illegally, fails to issue the
visa, which is a necessary condition for your client to travel to Greece, it is the SOLE
RESPONSIBILITY of the football player […]”
23. On 9 January 2025, the Player signed an employment contract with the club from Cyprus
AOAN AYIAS NAPAS, valid as from its date of signature until 31 May 2025. Accordingly, the
Player was entitled to a monthly salary of EUR 673 (EUR 600 net) from 9 January 2025 to 30
April 2025.
24. The Player informed the FIFA general secretariat that he has remained unemployed since
the expiration of his contract with AOAN AYIAS NAPAS, i.e., at the end of the 2024/2025
season on 20 June 2025 based on the information on the Transfer Matching System
(hereinafter: the TMS).
II. Proceedings before FIFA
25. On 23 June 2025, the Claimant filed the claim at hand before FIFA. A summary of the parties’
respective positions is detailed below.
a. Claim of the Claimant
26. In his claim, the Claimant argued that the Respondent breached the Contract through its
abusive conduct, namely by ceasing all communications as of 6 September 2024. In
particular, the Claimant stated that the Respondent failed to complete the procedure for
pg. 12
REF. FPSD-19684
the issuance of his visa and did not provide him with sufficient guidance in this regard,
which placed him in a difficult financial situation as he was unable to enter Greece to
perform the Contract.
27. In addition, the Player argued that clause 12 of the Annex is contrary to art. 18 par. 4 of the
Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter: the Regulations) and must
therefore be considered null and void.
28. The Claimant’s requests for relief were the following, quoted verbatim:
“(i) Determinate the present claim as admissible;
(ii) Determinate that the Respondent terminated unilaterally the Employment Contract without
just cause, under FIFA Regulations;
(iii) Order the Respondent, PAE Panserraikos 1946 FC, to proceed with the payment of the
compensation to the Claimant which amount to EUR 24.076 (twenty four thousand seventy six
euros) gross corresponding to the basic monthly salary of the Player as per Clause 4.1 of the
Employment Contract, plus EUR 80.292 (eighty thousand two hundred ninety two euros) net
corresponding to the additional remuneration of the Player as per Clause 4.4 of the Employment
Contract, plus EUR 7.000 (seven thousand euros) net corresponding to the house allowance as
per Clause 8 of the Employment Contract’s Annex.
(iv) Determine that the aforementioned compensation shall not be reduced in the light of the
employment agreement signed on 9 January 2025 between the Claimant and Athletikos Omilos
Ayia Napa, due to the egregious circumstances of the dispute at hand, in accordance with Art.
17 RSTP;
(v) In case the Claimant finds a new employment during the course of the FIFA proceedings, order
the Respondent, PAE Panserraikos 1946 FC, to proceed with the payment of the Mitigated and
Additional Compensation, in accordance with Art.17 RSTP. As to the calculation of the Additional
Compensation, DRC shall take into consideration that the pro rata monthly salary of the
Claimant totalled in the amount of EUR 1.094,36 (one thousand ninety four euros and thirty six
cents) gross plus EUR 3.967,81 (three thousand nine hundred sixty seven euros and eighty one
cents) net.
(vi) Order the Respondent, PAE Panserraikos 1946 FC, to proceed with the reimbursement of the
flight tickets from Cyprus to Cameroon in the amount of CHF 1.067,57 (one thousand sixty-seven
Swiss francs and fifty seven cents);
(vii) Determinate that an interest rate of 5% per annum shall apply over the overdue payables,
in accordance with the supra submission IV.D;
pg. 13
REF. FPSD-19684
(viii) Order the Respondent, PAE Panserraikos 1946 FC, to bear any and all legal costs as to the
present dispute.”
b. Reply of the Respondent
29. In its reply, the Respondent argued that no employment contract was ever concluded with
the Claimant, as only the Pre-Contract was concluded on 21 June 2024 and terminated with
just cause through its correspondence dated 20 August 2024. In this respect, the
Respondent added that the Claimant never sent back a signed copy of the Contract, which
would have established the acceptance of the employment relationship.
30. In addition, the Club referred to the wording of clause 12 of the Annex and argued that the
Player failed to cooperate in good faith for the obtention of his visa to travel to Greece and
rather stayed illegally in Cyprus. In fact, the Club stated that the Player failed to provide the
necessary documents requested through its correspondence dated 19 September 2024 so
that it could subsequently take care of his residence and work permit in Greece.
31. Further, the Respondent stated that it repeatedly contacted the Greek embassy in Cyprus,
the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the competent authorities in Cameroon and
Nigeria to find a solution with the Claimant’s visa, so that he could arrive in Greece before
1 July 2024 to sign the Contract. The Respondent also added that it provided the Claimant
with flight tickets to travel to Greece in July 2024.
32. In view of the above considerations, the Club stated that the present matter constitutes a
de facto termination by mutual agreement of the employment relationship with the Player.
Accordingly, the Club’s requests for relief were the following, quoted verbatim:
“i. to rule that the Respondent did not breach any employment contract and any other
agreement concluded with the Claimant.
ii. To rule that no compensation and no amount is payable by the Respondent to the Claimant.
iii. To reject any other claim and assertion of the Claimant;
iv. to rule that the Claimant shall bear any and all costs of the proceedings.”
c. Replica of the Claimant
33. In his replica, the Claimant reiterated his initial position and requests for relief, noting that
clause 12 of the Annex is invalid and that the Respondent failed to secure the most basic
prerequisite for the execution of the Contract, namely his lawful entry in Greece. In
addition, the Claimant argued that the Respondent's conduct in its various correspondence
pg. 14
REF. FPSD-19684
and its contradictory position in its reply to his claim clearly proved the conclusion of the
Contract.
34. With respect to the flight tickets to travel to Greece in July 2024, the Player argued that they
were meaningless as his visa approval was still pending.
d. Duplica of the Respondent
35. In its duplica, the Respondent reiterated its initial position, noting that the Claimant failed
to submit any evidence demonstrating that a signed copy of the Contract was ever sent,
and that his intention to enter into an employment relationship could therefore not be
established.
36. In addition, the Respondent reiterated that it provided the Claimant with flight tickets to
travel to Greece, and that it cannot be held responsible for the Claimant’s prior breach of
immigration law which prevented him for obtaining at least a tourist visa to enter the
country and complete his registration formalities within the HFF.
37. Lastly, the Respondent stated that the Claimant’s conduct leaves no room for
interpretation other than that the Claimant’s intention was to accept that no employment
contract had been concluded, or that the parties mutually terminated their employment
relationship.
III. Considerations of the Dispute Resolution Chamber
a. Competence and applicable legal framework
38. First of all, the Dispute Resolution Chamber (hereinafter: the Chamber or the 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 23 June 2025 and submitted for decision on
22 January 2026. Taking into account the wording of arts. 32 and 35 of the January 2026
edition of the Procedural Rules Governing the Football Tribunal (hereinafter: the Procedural
Rules), the aforementioned edition of the Procedural Rules is applicable to the matter at
hand.
39. 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 Cameroonian player and a Greek club.
40. 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
pg. 15
REF. FPSD-19684
Regulations, the July 2025 edition of the Regulations is applicable to the matter at hand as
to the substance.
b. Burden of proof
41. 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 TMS.
c. Merits of the dispute
42. 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
43. The Chamber then moved to the substance of the matter and took note of the fact that the
Claimant and the Respondent strongly dispute the existence of a contractual relationship.
44. On one hand, the Chamber recalled the position of the Claimant, according to which the
Respondent breached the Contract by failing to complete the procedure for the issuance
of his visa and did not provide him with sufficient guidance in this regard, which placed him
in a difficult financial situation as he was unable to enter Greece to perform the Contract.
45. On the other hand, the Chamber acknowledged that, according to the Respondent, no
employment contract was ever concluded with the Claimant, as he never sent back a signed
copy, which would have established the acceptance of the employment relationship.
46. In this context, the Chamber acknowledged that its first task was to determine whether the
Claimant and the Respondent concluded a valid and binding employment contract.
47. Within this framework, the Chamber recalled that, according to art. 13 par. 5 of the
Procedural Rules, a party claiming a right based on an alleged fact shall carry the respective
burden of proof. On this note, the Chamber considered that it was up to the Player to prove
(i) that the employment relationship on which he claims compensation for the breach of
pg. 16
REF. FPSD-19684
the Contract from the Club did in fact exist; and (ii) that the Contract was terminated by the
Club without just cause.
48. As a preliminary consideration, the Chamber pointed out that it remained undisputed
between the Player and the Club that they concluded the Pre-Contract on 21 June 2024. In
fact, it appeared to the Chamber that the Pre-Contract already constituted a valid and
binding employment agreement between the Player and the Club.
49. In this respect, the Chamber recalled its well-established jurisprudence which dictates that,
in order for an employment contract to be considered as valid and binding, apart from the
consent of both the employer and the employee (usually manifested by the signature to
the relevant agreement), it should contain the essentialia negotii of an employment
contract, such as the name of the parties to the contract and their role, the duration of the
employment relationship and the remuneration payable by the employer to the employee.
In that sense, the actual signature of the contract is not the sole (or even a necessary)
element to determine whether the parties did in fact agree on its terms.
50. In the present matter, the Chamber observed that (i) the Pre-Contract contained the
essentialia negotii; (ii) the Pre-Contract was terminated by the Club on 20 August 2024; and
that (iii) the Player and the Club allegedly concluded the Contract on 28 August 2024, which
is strongly disputed by the Club.
51. In accordance with its jurisprudence and the essentialia negotii of an employment contract,
the Chamber determined that all criteria were established in the Contract, except for the
signature of the Club. In fact, the Chamber considered that the Contract indeed included
all the relevant information at the basis of an employment relationship between
contractual parties. Specifically, the Chamber underlined that the Contract provided for the
duration of the employment relationship, the remuneration payable to the Player and it
clearly stipulated that the Player is employed as a footballer with the Club. In the Chamber’s
view, this interpretation is further supported by a constructive reading of the Pre-Contract,
the Contract and the Annex.
52. With the above in mind and considering the factual framework involving the
correspondence on file between the Club and the Player, the Chamber was comfortably
satisfied that the latter did provide sufficient evidence to establish the conclusion of the
Contract.
53. Although the Player did not provide any evidence regarding how he received the Contract
from the Respondent, the Chamber deemed important to highlight the following facts:
•
It remained undisputed by the Club that it concluded on 21 June 2024 the PreContract with the Player, which stipulated the following (quoted verbatim):
“[…] In Serres today, 21/06/2024, the following parties:
pg. 17
REF. FPSD-19684
a) PAE PANSERRAIKOS 1946, based in Serres and at the sports facilities of the Municipal
Stadium of Serres and legally represented herein by the President and CEO Mr.
Anastasios Kazias and
b) The footballer, Fabrice Kah, Nationality Camerron, date of birth 09/03/1996.
They agreed and mutually accepted the following:
1. The [Player] will sign a professional footballer's contract with PAE PANSERRAIKOS 1946,
for a period of two years, from 01/07/2024 to 30/06/2026. […]”
•
On 22 June 2024, the Club publicly announced on its official Instagram page that it
had reached an agreement with the Player for a two-year contract.
•
On 9 July 2024, the Club informed the Greek Consulate in Cameroon that the Player
signed the Pre-Contract and must travel as soon as possible to Greece in order to
undergo the necessary medical exams and sign a professional employment
contract. Accordingly, the Club requested confirmation from the Greek Consulate in
Cameroon of the issuance of the Player's visa and his travel to Greece.
•
On 15 July 2024, a flight ticket was purchased for the Player to travel from Cameroon
to Greece on 19 July 2024 and from Greece to Cameroon on 16 October 2024. In
this respect, the Chamber noted that there is no evidence on file regarding the
issuance of the Player’s visa prior to 15 July 2024, as requested by the Club to the
Greek Consulate in Cameroon. Moreover, the Chamber found that the fact that the
Player received a flight ticket from Greece to Cameroon on 16 October 2024 is
inconsistent with the Club's position that no employment relationship was ever
established with the Player.
•
On 13 August 2024, the Club requested the Agent to confirm within 3 days the
issuance of the Player's visa and his travel to Greece, failing which the Pre-Contract
would be terminated.
•
On 14 August 2024, the Agent informed the Club that to obtain a visa for Greece,
the Player needs confirmation from the Club of the existence of an employment
contract.
•
On 20 August 2024, the Club informed the Player of the cancellation of the PreContract, noting that he failed to attend training and matches despite its best efforts
to resolve his visa issues, which had been unsuccessful.
•
On 28 August 2024, the Player and the Club allegedly concluded the Contract, the
existence and validity of which is disputed by the Club.
pg. 18
REF. FPSD-19684
•
On the same day, i.e., 28 August 2024, the Player and the Club concluded the Annex,
the existence and validity of which is not disputed by the Club. In fact, the Chamber
recalled the position of the Club that, according to clause 12 of the Annex, the Player
had the obligation to obtain a visa to come to Greece for the Contract to be valid. In
this respect, the Chamber observed that the wording of said clause specifically
referred to the conclusion of the Contract on 28 August 2024. Put differently, the
Chamber considered that the signature of the Annex by the Player and the Club, as
well as the Club’s reliance on one of its clauses before FIFA, constitutes clear
evidence of mutual consent to the start of their employment relationship on 28
August 2024.
•
On 29 August 2024, the Club requested the consular office of Greece in Nigeria to
confirm the documents required for the issuance of a visa for the Player.
•
On the same day, i.e., 29 August 2024, the consular office of Greece in Nigeria
confirmed to the Club that the following documents are required for the issuance
of a visa for the Player:
-
An original certificate of the HFF that the registration of the Player was
approved;
-
A ratified copy by the HFF of the employment contract of the Player, duly
signed by him and the Club; and
-
A signed letter from the Club confirming that it will apply for the Player’s visa.
•
On the same day, i.e., 29 August 2024, the Club informed the consular office of
Greece in Nigeria that the original certificate of the HFF and the ratified copy by the
HFF of the Player’s employment contract could not be provided prior to his arrival
in Greece, but that it could provide a copy of the Player's employment contract
signed by its president. Although there is no evidence on file of a signed copy by the
Club of the Contract, the Chamber considered that this circumstantial evidence
strongly implies the conclusion of an employment relationship with the Player.
•
On 16 September 2024, the Player notified the Club that it failed to fulfil its
obligations under the Contract, in particular to provide him with a visa to enter
Greece and to complete his registration process. Accordingly, the Player invited the
Club to remedy the situation within 3 days, failing which the Contract would be
terminated unilaterally.
•
On 19 September 2024, the Club informed the Player that he must travel to Greece
in order to submit and sign in person the following original documents, which are
required by the consular office of Greece in Nigeria to issue his Greek visa:
pg. 19
REF. FPSD-19684
“[…] a) Proof of the [Player]'s entry into Greece
b) Photocopy of the [Player]'s passport, certified by a Greek public authority
c) Footballer's health card, signed and stamped by a cardiologist, proving that he has
undergone the necessary medical tests.
d) Responsible Statement of Personal Data, certified by a Greek public authority
e) Transfer request signed by the [Player]
f) Original signed professional football player contract […]”
54. In view of the foregoing facts, the Chamber was sufficiently convinced that the Contract
was in fact valid and binding between the Player and the Club and shall be considered as
the contractual basis of the present dispute along with the Annex. In this regard, the
Chamber noted not only that the Club had repeatedly referred to an existing employment
contract and relationship with the Player, but also that it never challenged the existence of
the Player’s signed version of the Contract. In the Chamber’s view, this omission could not,
in any event, undermine the Club’s consent to the terms and conditions contained in this
agreement.
55. Having stated the above, the Chamber recalled the following wording of clause 12 of the
Annex:
“[…] 12. The employment 28/08/2024 contract and the private agreement, ‘Annex of the
28/08/2024 employment contract’ between Panserraikos F.C and Fabrice Kah Nkowh is valid
only in case that the footballer, receive official VISA with the right to come to Greece, come to
Serres until 06/09/2025 and pass successfully the medical tests. […]”
56. In this context, the Chamber emphasized that, according to art. 18 par. 4 of the Regulations,
the validity of a contract may not be made subject to a successful medical examination
and/or the grant of a work permit. In this regard, the Chamber underlined that the
provisions of art. 18 par. 4 of the Regulations are mandatory and cannot be contractually
amended or circumvented. In fact, the Chamber stressed that any contractual provision
contrary to art. 18 par. 4 of the Regulations shall be considered as invalid.
57. For the sake of completeness, the Chamber determined that, in line with the contents of
art. 18 par. 4 of the Regulations, as well as the jurisprudence of the Football Tribunal, the
validity of an employment contract cannot be made conditional upon the execution of
administrative formalities, such as, but not limited to, obtaining a valid work permit and,
although it is not explicitly mentioned, a visa. The Chamber held that these formalities must
be completed by a club before signing an employment contract with a player and are the
sole responsibility of the club in question, since a player has no influence over them, and it
is the club that has an interest in acquiring the player's rights and benefiting from his
services.
pg. 20
REF. FPSD-19684
58. Accordingly, the Chamber held that if a club does not comply with its duty according to art.
18 par. 4 of the Regulations, it should not be able to benefit from the situation to the
detriment of a player. In other words, the Chamber emphasised that if an employer (club)
does not take the necessary action to provide its employee (player) with a work permit or
visa, and if this prevents the employee from entering the country in which they are
employed and/or prevents them from starting work, this could be seen as an unjustified
breach of contract by the employer.
59. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chamber deemed important to recall that players are
required to exercise a reasonable degree of diligence, in order to assist clubs with all the
administrative steps in which they are required to participate. However, the Chamber
found, on the basis of art. 13 par. 5 of the Procedural Rules, that the Club failed to prove
that the Player was negligent and that it was not liable for not providing a visa to the Player.
In fact, the Chamber held that, to prove that the Player was not provided a visa due to his
own negligence, the Club should have provided evidence demonstrating that the Player
was aware of how the entire process worked, that he intentionally failed to complete or
prevented the completion of administrative steps for obtaining his visa, such as by violating
immigration law, which would have prevented him from entering Greece, according to the
Club.
60. Moreover, the Chamber referred to the Commentary on the Regulations (Edition 2023 – p.
235 et seq.), according to which if the parties sign a contract without having confirmed that
any work permit or visa will be granted, and if the competent authorities then refuse to
grant the necessary authorisation, said contract will be considered valid and binding, and
if it is terminated by the club because of the refusal of the state authorities, the termination
will be deemed to have been without just cause. In this respect, the Chamber stressed that
any provision to the contrary included in a contract (e.g., a clause making the issue of a
work permit or visa a condition precedent) will be deemed invalid, but that the contract as
a whole will remain valid.
61. Taking into account the foregoing considerations, coupled with the facts of the present
matter, the Chamber held that clause 12 of the Annex must be considered null and void.
In this respect, the Chamber emphasized that there is no evidence on file demonstrating
that the Club actually submitted an official visa application on behalf of the Player, nor any
proof that such an application was refused as alleged by the Club. In the Chamber’s view,
this lack of evidence indicates a failure from the Club to act diligently in fulfilling its essential
obligations to obtain the Player’s visa. Accordingly, the Chamber recalled the jurisprudence
of the Football Tribunal, according to which a club’s failure to obtain a work permit or a visa
for a player in a timely manner may be considered just cause for said player to terminate
the contract.
62. For the sake of completeness, the Chamber considered that the Club’s correspondence
dated 19 September 2024 by which it requested the Player’s physical presence in Greece
to submit and sign documents required by the consular office of Greece in Nigeria for visa
pg. 21
REF. FPSD-19684
issuance is not standard practice, imposed an undue burden on the Player and created an
impossible condition. In other words, given that the Player could not enter Greece without
a visa, the Chamber considered that the Club’s requirement was unreasonable and
impracticable.
63. In view of the fact that the Player provided assistance, as it can reasonably be expected
from a player, to facilitate the relevant administrative processes, the Chamber concluded
that the Club’s failure to allow the Player to provide remotely the necessary documents,
despite having control over the process, constituted an unjustified breach of their
employment relationship.
64. Lastly, the Chamber pointed out the absence of any notice of termination of the Contract
on file and concluded accordingly that the employment relationship between the Player
and the Club was de facto terminated without just cause by the Club on 19 September 2024,
i.e., the date of its latest correspondence sent to the Player. Put differently, according to
the Chamber, this correspondence demonstrated (i) the Club’s persistent non-compliance
with its duty based on art. 18 par. 4 of the Regulations, despite having being put in default
by the Player; and (ii) that the Club was no longer interested in the Player’s services, which,
in effect, amounts to a unilateral termination of the Contract without just cause by the Club.
ii. Consequences
65. Having stated the above, the Chamber turned its attention to the question of the
consequences of such unjustified breach of contract committed by the Respondent.
66. The Chamber observed that the Claimant’s outstanding remuneration at the time of
termination of the Contract, coupled with his specific requests for relief, is equivalent to
the pro-rata monthly salary for August 2024 and the monthly salary for September 2024.
67. As a consequence, and in accordance with the general legal principle of pacta sunt servanda,
the Chamber decided that the Respondent is liable to pay to the Claimant EUR 1,045.48 as
outstanding remuneration under clause 4.1 of the Contract.
•
Pro-rated monthly salary for August 2024: EUR 119.48
EUR 926 / 31 days x 4 working days
•
Monthly salary for September 2024: EUR 926
68. In addition, taking into consideration the Claimant’s request as well as the constant practice
of the Football Tribunal in this regard, the Chamber decided to award the Claimant interest
at the rate of 5% p.a. on his outstanding remuneration as follows:
•
Over the amount of EUR 119.48, as from 7 September 2024 until the date of effective
payment; and
pg. 22
REF. FPSD-19684
•
Over the amount of EUR 926, as from 19 September 2024 until the date of effective
payment.
69. 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.
70. 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
established that no such compensation clause was included in the employment contract at
the basis of the matter at stake.
71. As a consequence, the Chamber determined that the amount of compensation payable by
the Club to the Player had to be assessed in application of the other parameters set out in
art. 17, par. 1 of the Regulations. In this respect, 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).
72. Bearing in mind the foregoing as well as the claim of the Claimant, the Chamber proceeded
with the calculation of the monies payable to the Claimant under the terms of the Contract
from the date of its unilateral termination until its end date. Consequently, the Chamber
concluded that the amount of EUR 109,516 serves as the basis for the determination of the
amount of compensation for breach of contract, broken down as follows:
Under clause 4.1 of the Contract
• EUR 19,446 as the monthly salaries from October 2024 to June 2026;
• EUR 463 as the Christmas bonus for the 2024/2025 season;
• EUR 463 as the Easter bonus for the 2024/2025 season;
• EUR 463 as the holiday benefit for the 2024/2025 season;
• EUR 463 as the Christmas bonus for the 2025/2026 season;
• EUR 463 as the Easter bonus for the 2025/2026 season; and
• EUR 463 as the holiday benefit for the 2025/2026 season.
Under clause 4.4 of the Contract
• 1st instalment: EUR 10,000 net
• 2nd instalment: EUR 10,000 net
• 3rd instalment: EUR 10,904 net
pg. 23
REF. FPSD-19684
•
•
•
4th instalment: EUR 15,000 net
5th instalment: EUR 15,000 net
6th instalment: EUR 19,388 net
Under clause 8 of the Annex
• Housing allowance for the 2024/2025 season: EUR 3,500
• Housing allowance for the 2025/2026 season: EUR 3,500
73. In continuation, the Chamber verified as to whether the Claimant 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.
74. In this respect, the Chamber recalled that the Player concluded an employment contract
with the club from Cyprus AOAN AYIAS NAPAS, according to which he was entitled to a
monthly salary of EUR 673 (EUR 600 net) from 9 January 2025 to 30 April 2025. In addition,
the Chamber recalled that (i) the Player informed the FIFA general secretariat that he has
remained unemployed since the expiration of this contract, i.e., at the end of the 2024/2025
season; and that (ii) based on the information on the TMS, the relevant season in Cyprus
ended on 20 June 2025.
75. Considering the foregoing, the Chamber concluded that the Claimant mitigated his
damages in the total amount of EUR 3,639.98, as follows:
•
Pro-rated monthly salary for January 2025: EUR 499.32
EUR 673 / 31 x 23 working days
•
Monthly salaries from February 2025 to May 2025: EUR 2,692
EUR 673 x 4 months
•
Pro-rated monthly salary for June 2025: EUR 448.66
EUR 673 / 30 x 20 working days
76. The Chamber then determined that no additional compensation was applicable in the
present case as the termination was not related to overdue payables.
77. Consequently, on account of all the above-mentioned considerations and the specificities
of the case at hand, the Chamber decided that the Respondent must pay the amount of
EUR 105,876.02 to the Claimant (i.e., EUR 109,516 minus EUR 3,639.98), which was to be
considered a reasonable and justified amount of compensation for breach of contract in
the present matter.
pg. 24
REF. FPSD-19684
78. Taking into consideration the Claimant’s request as well as the constant practice of the
Football Tribunal in this regard, the Chamber decided to award the Claimant interest on
said compensation at the rate of 5% p.a. as from 19 September 2024 until the date of
effective payment.
79. Lastly, the Chamber rejected the Player’s request for reimbursement of his flight ticket
from Cyprus to Cameroon in accordance with art. 13 par. 1 of the Procedural Rules. In
particular, the Chamber pointed out that the evidence filed by the Player in support of his
request for reimbursement of his flight ticket was submitted in a language other than
English, Spanish or French; thus, was disregarded.
iii. Compliance with monetary decisions
80. 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.
81. 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.
82. 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.
83. 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.
84. 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
pg. 25
REF. FPSD-19684
85. 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,
or match agent”. Accordingly, the Chamber decided that no procedural costs were to be
imposed on the parties.
86. 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.
87. Lastly, the DRC concluded its deliberations by rejecting any other requests for relief made
by any of the parties.
pg. 26
REF. FPSD-19684
IV. Decision of the Dispute Resolution Chamber
1.
The claim of the Claimant, Fabrice Kah Nkwoh, is partially accepted.
2.
The Respondent, Panserraikos 1946 FC, must pay to the Claimant the following amounts:
- EUR 1,045.48 as outstanding remuneration plus 5% interest p.a. as follows:
- 5% interest p.a. over the amount of EUR 119.48 as from 7 September 2024 until the
date of effective payment; and
- 5% interest p.a. over the amount of EUR 926 as from 19 September 2024 until the date
of effective payment.
- EUR 105,876.02 as compensation for breach of contract plus 5% interest p.a. as from
19 September 2024 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. 27
REF. FPSD-19684
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. 28