Lazio must pay damages to Maia Göteborg, after the sports tribunal CAS ruled that the Italian club had harmed her due to her pregnancy. The ruling is considered the first successful case under the new rules on pregnancy protection. Swedish midfielder Gothberg helped Lazio women's promotion to Serie A in the 2023/24 season and has since negotiated a new contract. Although the agreement is yet to be signed, both sides have agreed on key terms, according to CAS. When Goethberg informed the club of her pregnancy, Lazio pulled out of negotiations. Göteborg initially lost his case to FIFA's Dispute Resolution Commission, but CAS later ruled in his favor. As a result, the case stands as an important legal precedent under the new FIFA rules to protect pregnancy in 2024. The tribunal ruled that clubs should not terminate employment due to pregnancy, even when a new contract has not yet been finalized or formally signed. In addition, CAS confirmed that Lazio had shared confidential medical information, as team-mates had informed about Gothberg's pregnancy without permission. The 28-year-old player has also received financial compensation for this. Lazio must pay him more than 69,000 euros in total: 64,000 euros for lost wages and 5,333 euros for the violation of his personal rights. "For me it wasn't just about football," Gaithberg said in response. It was about being right and respectful at an important moment.' The players' union FIFPRO said the ruling proves that FIFA's pregnancy rules do indeed protect players.
