The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has directed Uganda Premier League leaders Vipers SC to pay former head coach Roberto Luiz Bianchi Pelliser a sum of $84,000 USD for breach of contract. Additionally, the club is required to reimburse the Brazilian tactician €1,250 for a flight ticket.
In a detailed 32-page ruling dated February 25, 2025, CAS found Vipers guilty of unlawfully terminating Bianchi’s contract. The coach, who signed a one-and-a-half-year deal on January 3, 2023, was dismissed just two months later on March 8, 2023.
Dispute over compensation
Bianchi, whose monthly salary was $6,000, received a two-month compensation package worth $12,000 from Vipers. However, the coach was dissatisfied with the grounds on which the club terminated his contract. Consequently on March 24, 2023, he filed a case with FIFA's Football Tribunal (Players' Status Chamber), demanding $9,000 for the residual value of his contract, €1,250 for his return flight to Spain and $18,000 for bad faith, moral damages, and the specificity of sports.
FIFA ruling and appeal to CAS
On May 23, 2023, FIFA ruled in favor of Vipers, dismissing Bianchi's claims. Unsatisfied with the decision, the coach through his legal team escalated the matter to CAS on June 23, 2023.
The hearing, conducted via video conference on July 8, 2024, saw Vipers represented by club President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, CEO Simon Peter Njuba and legal director Alex Luganda. After thorough deliberation, CAS overturned FIFA’s ruling finding Vipers guilty of terminating the coach’s contract without just cause.
Final verdict
CAS ordered Vipers to compensate Bianchi $84,000 and cover the €1,250 flight ticket. The decision serves as a significant precedent in contractual disputes within Ugandan football, highlighting the importance of upholding contractual obligations.
Vipers SC has yet to comment on whether they will comply with the ruling or seek further legal avenues.
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