Pregnant Footballer Wins Historic Case Against Lazio

In a significant legal victory for female athletes, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ordered Italian club Lazio Women to pay former player Maja Göthberg over 70,000 euros in compensation. The ruling addresses the club's termination of contract discussions upon learning of her pregnancy, which the CAS deemed a violation of her personal rights.

The verdict, published by the global players' union FIFPRO, includes salary compensation and interest, totaling more than 70,000 euros ($79,000). Göthberg, a former Swedish youth international, brought her appeal to the CAS after her initial claim was dismissed by FIFA.

FIFPRO's legal director, Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud, emphasized the ruling's broader implications, stating that it confirms clubs cannot simply disregard an employment relationship once they learn a player is pregnant, even if the relationship isn't fully formalized. Göthberg played for Lazio Women during the 2023-24 season, helping the club achieve promotion to the top division.

According to FIFPRO, the relationship between Göthberg and Lazio Women deteriorated immediately after she informed the club of her pregnancy during contract renewal talks for the upcoming season. Lazio Women had argued that no contract existed and that the player no longer wished to continue. Crucial evidence, including WhatsApp messages exchanged during negotiations, demonstrated that Lazio was aware of her pregnancy, countering the club's claims.