Maja Göthberg wins landmark pregnancy discrimination case against Lazio
Swedish footballer Maja Göthberg has secured a landmark legal victory after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered Italian club Lazio to pay compensation for ending contract talks due to her pregnancy.
The 28-year-old former youth international will receive more than £60,000 in lost salary alongside damages for the infringement of her personality rights.
A mandatory five per cent interest charge, accrued over the past two years, has also been applied to the total payout.
Contract collapsed after pregnancy reveal
The global players’ union, Fifpro, published the historic verdict on Wednesday following a successful appeal to sport’s highest court.
The Swedish athlete had informed the Serie A side of her condition during negotiations for a new deal valued at a gross salary of £55,000.
According to the official ruling, the relationship broke down immediately after the disclosure.
The Rome-based outfit subsequently claimed that no formal agreement existed and that the player no longer wished to continue.
WhatsApp evidence proves decisive
The promotion-winning star initially lost her claim at a Fifa tribunal before escalating the dispute to Cas.
Crucial evidence in the successful appeal included WhatsApp messages exchanged during the aborted negotiations.
These digital exchanges clearly demonstrated that club officials were fully aware of the expectant mother’s situation.
Fifpro legal director Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud emphasised the wider importance of the decision.
“The significance of this ruling goes beyond Maja Göthberg and confirms clubs cannot simply walk away from an employment relationship, even if this is not fully formalized, once they learn a player is pregnant.”
Setting a new precedent
The union noted that the Cas ruling establishes an important precedent regarding the confidentiality of pregnancy-related medical information.
It clarifies that athletes remain protected when essential terms are agreed and both parties act as if a contract is in place.
The former Under-19 European Championship winner played a pivotal role in helping Lazio secure promotion to the Italian top tier during the 2023-24 campaign.
She is yet to represent the senior national side and is married to Finnish ice hockey player Miika Pitkanen.
