ÖFK’s success in CAS

MAQS acted together with Cavaliero & Associates for the Swedish football club Östersunds FK Elitfotboll AB (“ÖFK”) before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”) in the dispute between ÖFK, the player Saman Ghoddos, SD Huesca, Amiens SC and FIFA.

A little more than a year ago, the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (“FIFA DRC”) rendered its decision ordering Saman Ghoddos to pay SD Huesca EUR 4 million in compensation for breach of contract. In addition, Saman Ghoddos was restricted from playing official matches and a transfer ban was imposed on ÖFK.

Both ÖFK and Saman Ghoddos appealed the FIFA DRC’s decision to the CAS, and two days ago, the CAS Panel issued its award. The CAS Panel confirmed the sporting sanctions imposed by the FIFA DRC, but most importantly, the CAS Panel set aside the order obligating Saman Ghoddos to pay compensation to SD Huesca. This means that the amount Saman Ghoodos had been ordered to pay, and for which ÖFK was jointly and severally liable, went from EUR 4 million to zero.

With MAQS’ participation in this matter, we further strengthen our position as a leading advisor within the area of sports law.

MAQS’ team was led by Marie-Anne Lindhardt and consisted of Daniel Wesslund and Björn Goldman. Cavaliero & Associates team was led by Marc Cavaliero and consisted of Carol Etter.