Case assessment
We review the facts, the applicable regulations and the relevant jurisprudence — and give a clear-eyed view of the prospects before any filing is made.
Representation in FIFA & CAS
Licensed lawyers at AMBY Legal represent athletes, clubs and agents in proceedings before FIFA's dispute resolution bodies and the Court of Arbitration for Sport — from the initial filing through to the final award.
Our clients
FIFA and CAS Representation
Sports disputes at the international level are not resolved in ordinary courts. They follow a separate procedural system — FIFA’s internal dispute resolution chambers, national federation bodies, and ultimately the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. Each of these forums has its own rules, deadlines and standards. A lawyer who knows civil litigation but has never filed a FIFA claim or a CAS appeal is not equipped to handle these cases. AMBY Legal works within this system regularly — we know the procedural requirements, the applicable regulations and what it takes to build a winning submission.
FIFA Dispute Resolution
FIFA operates several bodies that resolve disputes between players, clubs, agents and associations. The main forums are the following.
Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC): The DRC handles employment-related disputes between players and clubs of different nationalities — unpaid salaries, wrongful termination, breach of contract. It also deals with disputes between clubs over training compensation and solidarity contributions. The DRC is the primary forum for financial claims in football.
Players’ Status Committee (PSC): The PSC handles matters relating to the status of players — eligibility, international transfers, training compensation calculations and disputes that fall outside the DRC’s jurisdiction.
Football Tribunal: Since 2022, FIFA’s Football Tribunal has replaced the former DRC and PSC structure, consolidating disputes into a unified body with three chambers — the Dispute Resolution Chamber, the Players’ Status Chamber and the Agents Chamber. We are fully familiar with the updated structure and procedural rules.
FIFA Ethics Committee: Handles disciplinary matters involving breaches of the FIFA Code of Ethics — corruption, bribery, conflicts of interest and similar misconduct.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport
The Court of Arbitration for Sport — CAS — is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, and is the highest tribunal for sports disputes worldwide. It operates in two main modes.
Ordinary arbitration: For disputes submitted directly to CAS by agreement of the parties — typically commercial disputes, sponsorship disagreements or matters not covered by federation rules.
Appeals arbitration: For appeals against decisions of sports organisations — FIFA, national federations, the IOC, WADA and others. This is the most common route. The standard deadline is 21 days from notification of the challenged decision. Missing this deadline is almost always fatal to the appeal.
CAS Ad Hoc Division: Operates at major events — Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cups — with hearings resolved within 24 hours. We are available to respond at speed when required.
What We Do in FIFA and CAS Proceedings
Submissions
We draft the full written case — statement of claim, answer, reply — in accordance with the procedural requirements of the relevant forum.
Deadline management
FIFA and CAS deadlines are strict. We track every procedural step and ensure nothing is missed.
Evidence
We identify, gather and present the documentary and witness evidence needed to support the claim or defence.
Hearings
We represent clients at oral hearings before FIFA panels and CAS arbitrators — presenting arguments, examining witnesses and responding to the opposing case.
Enforcement
Once an award is obtained, we pursue enforcement — through FIFA's enforcement mechanism, national courts or international recognition procedures.
FIFA Enforcement Mechanism
A FIFA award that is not voluntarily complied with can be enforced through FIFA’s own mechanism. FIFA can impose sanctions — including transfer bans and point deductions — on clubs that fail to comply with DRC or Football Tribunal decisions. This makes FIFA awards significantly more enforceable than ordinary civil court judgments in many jurisdictions. We manage the enforcement process from the moment an award is issued until payment is received.
CAS Jurisprudence and Applicable Law
CAS applies the regulations of the relevant sports organisation as the primary source of law, supplemented by Swiss law in most cases. CAS has developed an extensive body of jurisprudence — thousands of published awards covering contract termination, doping, eligibility, transfer disputes and disciplinary matters. Knowing this case law is essential for building effective submissions. We research the relevant CAS awards for each case and build arguments that are grounded in the established jurisprudence.
Who We Represent
Players
Belarusian athletes competing abroad, foreign players with disputes connected to Belarusian clubs, and athletes of any nationality facing disciplinary proceedings or contract disputes.
Clubs
Belarusian clubs in disputes with foreign players or clubs, and foreign clubs pursuing claims connected to Belarus.
Agents
Football agents and intermediaries in disputes over commission, registration and regulatory compliance under FIFA's agent regulations.
Coaches and technical staff
Disputes over contract termination, unpaid remuneration and disciplinary sanctions.
National associations
Representation in proceedings brought by or against FIFA and other international federations.
Why Clients choose us
Procedural expertise
We know the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, the CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration and the procedural rules of the main sports tribunals — and we apply them every day.
Speed
CAS appeal deadlines are 21 days. FIFA claim deadlines are tight. We respond immediately and move fast.
Remote handling
We manage the full proceedings remotely — by power of attorney, electronic submissions and video hearings where permitted. Clients do not need to travel.
Bilingual
We work in Russian and English — the two languages most relevant for disputes involving Belarusian athletes and clubs.
Enforcement focus
Winning an award is only half the job. We stay engaged until the money is received or the sanction is enforced.
FAQ
What is the difference between FIFA and CAS proceedings?
FIFA proceedings are the first instance — disputes are filed with FIFA’s Football Tribunal and resolved by its panels. CAS is the appellate body — if a party is dissatisfied with a FIFA decision, it can appeal to CAS within 21 days. CAS can also hear disputes by direct agreement of the parties, without a prior FIFA decision.
How long does a FIFA DRC case take?
A standard FIFA Football Tribunal case typically takes between six months and one year from filing to decision, depending on the complexity and the cooperation of the parties. Urgent cases can be expedited. We manage the timeline throughout and keep clients informed at every stage.
Can a non-football athlete use CAS?
Yes. CAS hears disputes from all sports — athletics, swimming, cycling, tennis, ice hockey, combat sports and others. Any athlete whose federation recognises CAS jurisdiction can use it. The procedural rules vary slightly depending on the sport and the federation involved.
What happens if a club ignores a FIFA award?
FIFA can impose sanctions on non-compliant clubs — including transfer bans, which prevent the club from registering new players. This is a powerful enforcement tool. We initiate enforcement proceedings as soon as a deadline for voluntary compliance is missed.
Can a player terminate a contract for just cause if the club stops paying?
Yes. Under FIFA Regulations, a player may terminate a contract with just cause if the club is in persistent breach — typically defined as two or more unpaid monthly salaries. Termination with just cause entitles the player to compensation. The calculation of compensation follows established CAS jurisprudence. Termination without just cause, on the other hand, exposes the terminating party to significant liability.
What documents are needed to file a FIFA claim?
The employment contract or transfer agreement giving rise to the dispute; evidence of the breach — payment records, correspondence, bank statements; a calculation of the amount claimed; and a power of attorney authorising us to act. We guide clients through the document requirements for each specific case.