Final decision in favour of Egyptian coach adds to club’s financial strain
Olympique Club de Safi have been ordered to settle outstanding payments to former head coach Tarek Mostafa after losing a prolonged legal battle at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The ruling brings an end to a dispute that has lasted more than three years, concluding a case that moved through multiple legal stages before reaching its final verdict.
Case escalated from FIFA to CAS
The matter was initially filed with FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, where Mostafa sought to recover unpaid financial entitlements from his time at the Moroccan club. After progressing through the governing body’s processes, the case was eventually referred to CAS for final adjudication.
CAS has now upheld the coach’s claim, confirming his right to receive all outstanding dues owed under the terms of his contract with Olympique Safi.
Club liable for dues, bonuses and legal costs
According to the final ruling, Olympique Safi must pay not only the outstanding salary owed to Mostafa but also any bonuses stipulated in his contract. In addition, the club has been ordered to cover the costs associated with the arbitration process.
The decision represents a comprehensive legal victory for the Egyptian coach, who has pursued the case for several years in an effort to secure what he argues are his contractual rights.
Financial implications for the club
The outcome is expected to place additional financial strain on Olympique Safi, a club already navigating administrative and economic challenges. The obligation to settle both the outstanding payments and arbitration expenses could have wider implications for its operational stability.
While the exact financial figures have not been disclosed, the inclusion of contractual bonuses and legal costs suggests that the total amount payable may be significant.
Long-running dispute reaches conclusion
The length of the case highlights the complexity of contractual disputes within professional football, particularly when they escalate beyond national associations to international arbitration bodies.
For Mostafa, the ruling marks the end of a prolonged legal effort to enforce his contractual rights. For Olympique Safi, it closes a chapter that has lingered over the club for years but opens new questions about how it will manage the financial consequences.
Legal clarity but financial pressure
The CAS decision provides finality to a long-standing dispute, reinforcing the role of international arbitration in resolving contractual disagreements in football. However, for Olympique Safi, the ruling introduces fresh challenges at a time when financial management remains a critical concern.
How the club responds to the financial demands of the verdict may prove decisive in shaping its short-term stability and long-term outlook.
