The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ordered Congolese giants AS Vita Club to pay former head coach Abdel Salam Ouaddou more than €612,000 after ruling that the club unlawfully terminated his contract.
The decision concludes a legal dispute that began after the Moroccan coach challenged his dismissal, arguing that the termination breached the terms of his employment agreement.
CAS rules in Ouaddou’s favour
According to the ruling, Ouaddou filed his appeal on November 18, 2024, seeking compensation after alleging that Vita Club had ended his contract without just cause.
Following its review, the Lausanne-based court declared the appeal admissible and found that the Congolese club had unilaterally terminated his contract on January 11, 2024, without legitimate reason.
CAS ruled that the dismissal constituted a breach of contract under the applicable football regulations.
Compensation breakdown
The court ordered AS Vita Club to pay Ouaddou a total of €612,227.30, comprising:
- €157,000 in outstanding salaries and contractual bonuses.
- €1,977.30 in travel expense reimbursement.
- €453,250 in compensation for the unjustified termination of his contract.
The ruling represents one of the largest compensation awards involving an African club in recent years.
