Lazio Women to pay compensation in pregnancy dispute case

The dispute began at the end of the 2023-24 season, in which Gothberg made 29 appearances and helped the club secure promotion to the Italian top division.

She claimed the club had entered negotiations over a new contract and although it was not formally signed, Whatsapp messages showed key terms had been agreed.

Before formalising the contract, Gothbert learned she was pregnant and informed the club – though she was not legally obliged to do this.

Lazio did not fulfil the agreement in principle and later claimed Gothberg no longer wished to continue playing at the club as the relationship broke down.

According to Fifa law, clubs must prove pregnancy is not the reason for contract termination, while pregnancy information is deemed confidential medical data.

“This case shows that Fifa’s Maternity Regulations are not just words on paper and that they provide real protections for players,” said Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud, legal director for global players’ union FifPro.

“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.”

Gothberg received support and representation from FifPro and Swedish players’ union Spelarforeningen throughout the case.

In 2023, former Iceland captain Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir won a claim against Lyon for failing to pay her full salary during pregnancy.

A Fifa tribunal ordered French side Lyon to pay unpaid salaries of more than 82,000 euros (£72,000). Fifpro called it a “landmark” case at the time.

Lyon were warned by Fifa that if they did not pay within 45 days of the decision then they would have been given a transfer ban.