Head of Sports Law and former professional football player, David Winnie, has been successful in his claim before FIFA’s Football Tribunal in Switzerland on behalf of Dutch football coach, Martin Koopman against his former employer, the Football Association of Maldives.
This success follows on from the David’s recent triumph acting for another coach, René Hiddink. This case (Rene Hiddink) was important in its restatement and application of FIFA’s Covid-19 policy and the interaction of that policy with ‘force majeure’ provisions in football contracts – a clause commonly found in employment agreements which entitles a party to be excused from their obligations if an event occurs which is beyond reasonable control.
Further background on Martin Koopman’s case will be provided shortly as David awaits the full written decision from FIFA’s Football Tribunal.
We would like to thank Ashley Cukier of Littleton Chambers for his assistance and expertise throughout this matter.