ROME — The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ordered Lazio Women to pay more than 70,000 euros in compensation, interest, and damages to former midfielder Maja Gothberg. The court ruled that Lazio Women unlawfully ended Gothberg's employment due to her pregnancy.

The compensation awarded includes salary and damages for infringement of Gothberg's personality rights. The court also ordered Lazio Women to pay 5% interest on the compensation for the past two years. The Court of Arbitration for Sport found that Lazio Women disclosed information about Gothberg's pregnancy to several teammates without her consent.

Gothberg is a Swedish midfielder who made 29 appearances for the club during the 2023-24 season, helping Lazio Women secure promotion to the Italian top division. Her case was initially rejected by FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber.

Gothberg claimed Lazio Women entered negotiations over a new contract at the end of the 2023-24 season. WhatsApp messages showed that key terms of the contract had been agreed upon, including a gross salary of 64,000 euros. Gothberg informed Lazio Women of her pregnancy during these contract negotiations.

Gothberg stated that the case was not solely about football. She said, "This case was never only about football, it was about being treated fairly and with respect at an important moment in my life." She added, "The ruling sends a message that pregnancy should never be treated as a problem or a reason to deny a player labour opportunities."

Lazio Women acknowledged the findings of the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The club described the circumstances of the case as exceptional and of a highly specific nature. Gothberg received support and representation from FifPro and the Swedish players' union Spelarforeningen during the case.

Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud, a legal director, commented on the broader implications of the ruling. She said, "This case shows that Fifa's Maternity Regulations are not just words on paper and that they provide real protections for players." Bruinewoud added, "The significance of this ruling goes beyond Maja Gothberg and confirms clubs cannot simply walk away from an employment relationship, even if this is not fully formalised, once they learn a player is pregnant." FIFA judges had previously determined that Gothberg had failed to establish the existence of an employment contract, but the CAS ruling stated that a player is protected when essential terms are agreed upon and both parties act as though a contract exists.