Lazio to pay compensation in pregnancy dispute case

The Italian club Lazio Women have been instructed to compensate former midfielder Maja Gothberg after it was determined that her contract situation was handled unlawfully due to her pregnancy. The ruling was delivered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which sided with the Swedish footballer in what has been widely described by the global players’ union FifPro as a landmark case for maternity rights in football.

In addition to financial compensation, Gothberg will also receive damages for emotional distress, commonly referred to as “moral damages.” The case has drawn significant attention not only because of the outcome but also due to the serious breach of privacy involved. Lazio Women were found to have shared details about Gothberg’s pregnancy with several teammates without her consent, which further strengthened her claim.

Speaking after the ruling, Gothberg emphasized that her fight was about more than just her football career. She explained that it was about fairness, dignity, and respect during a crucial period of her life. She also highlighted that the decision sends a strong message to the football world—that pregnancy should never be treated as an obstacle or a justification for denying professional opportunities.

The case reached CAS after initially being dismissed by FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC). Gothberg’s persistence, along with support from FifPro and Sweden’s players’ union Spelarforeningen, ensured that the matter was pursued further, ultimately leading to this groundbreaking decision.

The dispute dates back to the conclusion of the 2023–24 season. During that campaign, Gothberg made 29 appearances and played a key role in helping Lazio Women secure promotion to Italy’s top division. Following the successful season, discussions began regarding a contract extension. Although no formal agreement was signed, evidence presented in the form of WhatsApp messages suggested that both parties had agreed on essential terms.

However, before the deal could be officially finalized, Gothberg discovered she was pregnant. She chose to inform the club, even though she was not legally required to disclose such information at that stage. Following this revelation, the situation took a negative turn. Lazio Women did not proceed with formalizing the agreement and later claimed that Gothberg no longer wished to continue with the club, suggesting a breakdown in the relationship.

Under FIFA regulations, clubs are obligated to prove that pregnancy is not a factor in contract termination or employment decisions. Furthermore, pregnancy-related information is classified as confidential medical data, which must not be disclosed without consent. The club’s failure to uphold these standards played a crucial role in the final verdict.

Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud, legal director at FifPro, described the ruling as highly significant. She noted that it reinforces the idea that FIFA’s maternity regulations are not merely symbolic but provide real and enforceable protections for players. She further explained that clubs cannot simply abandon employment agreements—even informal ones—upon learning that a player is pregnant.

This case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader shift in how maternity rights are being addressed in women’s football. In recent years, governing bodies have introduced stronger protections to ensure that players and coaches are supported during pregnancy and motherhood.

In 2024, FIFA expanded its maternity regulations to include improved safeguards for both players and coaches. One of the key changes was the introduction of a minimum of 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave for coaches, aligning them with players who already had similar protections. During this period, individuals are entitled to receive 100% of their salary and associated benefits. After the 14-week period, payments may shift to statutory levels, although clubs have the option to continue full pay for a longer duration.

The regulations also address non-biological motherhood, including adoption. Players and coaches who adopt children are entitled to a period of leave, with the duration depending on the age of the child. Additionally, family leave provisions are available for partners who are not the biological mother, reflecting a more inclusive approach to parenting.

Another important aspect of these rules is the flexibility they provide to clubs. Teams are permitted to sign replacement players outside the standard transfer window if a squad member is unavailable due to maternity, adoption, or family leave. This ensures that clubs can maintain competitive balance while respecting players’ rights.

Health considerations have also been incorporated into the updated framework. Female players are allowed to request time off from training or matches for menstrual health reasons without facing financial penalties. This marks a significant step forward in acknowledging and accommodating the specific needs of women athletes.

Guidance has also been introduced to help clubs support players returning from childbirth. These recommendations cover various areas, including fitness, nutrition, mental well-being, and childcare arrangements. The goal is to create an environment that enables athletes to transition smoothly back into professional sport after becoming mothers.

The importance of such measures has been highlighted by previous cases. In 2023, Icelandic international Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir successfully filed a claim against French club Lyon for failing to pay her full salary during pregnancy. FIFA ruled in her favor, ordering the club to pay more than €82,000 in unpaid wages. The case was widely regarded as a turning point and set a precedent for enforcing maternity rights in football.

The Lazio Women case builds upon this momentum, further strengthening the legal framework and sending a clear message to clubs worldwide. It underscores the principle that players should not have to choose between their careers and starting a family.

Beyond the legal implications, the ruling represents a cultural shift within the sport. It challenges outdated attitudes and promotes a more inclusive and supportive environment for female athletes. By holding clubs accountable, it ensures that professional football continues to evolve in a way that respects the rights and dignity of all players.

Ultimately, Gothberg’s case serves as a powerful example of resilience and determination. Her willingness to challenge the system has not only secured justice for herself but also contributed to meaningful change for future generations of footballers. As the sport continues to grow, such decisions will play a crucial role in shaping a fairer and more equitable landscape.

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