THE SETTLEMENT OF FOOTBALL DISPUTES IN SWITZERLAND

 

In Switzerland, football disputes may be settled by both national and international sports bodies.

The Swiss Football Association (SFV) has its own internal dispute resolution bodies, and they handle disputes within the Swiss football system that are not in the competence of the Swiss Football League; for example, disciplinary matters, amateur players registrations, as well as all matters relating to the Women’s Super League and the Swiss national teams.

The Swiss Football League (SFL) has its own internal dispute resolution bodies, and they handle disputes in relation to the two highest leagues in Switzerland, especially, disciplinary and licencing, as well as registration of professional players matters.

Against decisions made by the Swiss national football associations and the Swiss Football League an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is possible.

The decisions (awards) of CAS may be appealed to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, but only on the five grounds set out in Article 190(2) of the Swiss Federal Statute on Private International Law of 18 December 1987.

These grounds include lack of jurisdiction and violation of Swiss public policy.

Concerning non international pure employment law issues in football in Switzerland, the domestic employment courts are competent based on Swiss employment law and based on the standard employment agreement in place. These decisions can be appealed to the appeal court and to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.

In employment law matters with an international dimension, the parties can choose to go the domestic employment court or to the FIFA Football Tribunal.

We act in all kinds of football disputes in Switzerland and, in fact, our Founder and Managing Partner, Dr Lucien Valloni, has successfully represented a number of clients in such proceedings.

For further information, email him at valloni@valloni.ch.