The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled in favour of former Lazio Women midfielder, Maja Gothberg, ordering the Italian club to pay compensation and “moral damages” after finding that it unlawfully ended her employment because of her pregnancy.
The ruling in the Lazio pregnancy case has been described by global players’ union FIFPro as a “groundbreaking” decision for maternity rights in women’s football.
CAS also found that Lazio disclosed information about Gothberg’s pregnancy to several teammates without her consent.
“This case was never only about football; it was about being treated fairly and with respect at an important moment in my life,” Gothberg said.
“The ruling sends a message that pregnancy should never be treated as a problem or a reason to deny a player labour opportunities.”
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The Lazio pregnancy case reached CAS after Gothberg’s claim was initially rejected by FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).
According to the ruling, the Swedish midfielder had informed the club of her pregnancy before a proposed contract agreement was finalised. FIFA regulations state that clubs must prove pregnancy was not a factor in ending an employment relationship, while pregnancy information is considered confidential medical data.
The significance of the Lazio pregnancy case extends beyond Gothberg’s situation, with FIFPro saying the decision reinforces the protections provided under FIFA’s maternity regulations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Lazio said it “acknowledged” the findings and described the circumstances as “exceptional” and of a “highly specific nature”.
The club added: “Lazio remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of its athletes and to promoting the principles of inclusion, respect, equality, and non-discrimination that are fundamental to the continued development of women’s football.
“The club will continue to review and strengthen its internal procedures to ensure full alignment with the evolving national and international regulatory framework governing professional sport and employment relations.”
