Lazio Women have been ordered to pay compensation to Maja Göthberg after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled the club violated FIFA maternity regulations. The Swedish footballer’s contract was terminated after she informed the club she was pregnant.
Göthberg initially lost her case with FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, but successfully appealed to CAS in a landmark decision. This marks the first time CAS has formally recognised a breach of FIFA maternity regulations by a club. The 26-year-old arrived in Rome in 2023 and played a full season with Lazio Women, helping the team achieve promotion to the top national league.
Following the successful season, Göthberg reached an agreement in principle to renew her contract. However, before signing, she discovered she was pregnant and informed the club, although she was not legally obligated to do so. Lazio subsequently suspended contract negotiations and, according to the court, informed other players of Göthberg’s pregnancy – a detail the court considered a serious breach and crucial to its final judgement. CAS determined the termination of her employment was a direct consequence of her pregnancy, citing WhatsApp messages presented as evidence of the club’s intent.
“This was never just about football; it was about being treated fairly and with respect during an important time in my life,” Göthberg stated. “The ruling sends a clear message: pregnancy should never be considered a problem or a reason to deny a player work opportunities. I hope this case helps to create a safer environment for players who want to combine career and family.” Lazio Women have not yet released an official statement in response to the ruling.
The decision sets a significant precedent for the treatment of pregnant players in women’s football, reinforcing FIFA’s regulations designed to protect their employment rights. It underscores the importance of clubs upholding these regulations and ensuring a supportive environment for players planning families.
