Milan secures win for ASD Fabrizio Miccoli before the FIGC Federal Court of Appeals

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised the sports association founded by former footballer Fabrizio Miccoli (“ASD Miccoli”), in relation to a dispute with another sports association, U.S. Triestina Calcio 1918 (“Triestina Calcio”), regarding the latter’s failure to pay a bonus to ASD Miccoli in compensation for the transfer of eight youth players, as stipulated in a collaboration agreement signed by both sport associations. 

Ruling in favour of ASD Miccoli, the Federal Court of Appeals of the Italian Football Federation (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio, or “FIGC”) overturned the decision of the court on the first instance of the matter and decided that the contractually agreed bonus had to be paid by Triestina Calcio to ASD Miccoli. The Court gave validity to the argument made by ASD Miccoli that such consideration was “autonomous and distinct” from the training bonus governed by art. 96 of the FIGC’s Internal Organisational Regulations (NOIF) and, consequently, was outside the scope of the relevant federal regulations and the competence of the FIGC Rewards Commission. The Court specifically stated that the lump-sum bonus, which was contractually agreed upon by the parties, was legitimate. This is significant because it shows judicial recognition that sports associations have the right to negotiate “similar types of bonus schemes” regardless of and independently from applicable federal regulations.

The Milan-based sports law team advising on this dispute included Senior Associate Boris Martella and Associate Federico Moriconi, in collaboration with Lucia Bianco, head of the boutique law firm Bianco Sports Law.

Our sports law practice is making strides in the Italian market, providing non-contentious and contentious advice to athletes, sports clubs, associations, and agents on a wide range of matters, including commercial and contract law, employment law, intellectual property and sponsorships.