Navigating dispute resolution for technical directors in football

This article analyses a recent decision of the FIFA Player Status Committee which held that it is not competent to hear disputes involving technical directors of national teams.

Article Highlights

• Facts of the case
• Proceedings before FIFA PSC
  • Judan Ali’s claim
  • The position of the Football Association of Maldives
• Decision and considerations by the FIFA PSC
• Comment/Analysis
  • What forum can technical directors approach for relief?
  • FIFA Handbook on Technical Directors
  • Possible jurisdiction for the Court of Arbitration for Sport to be involved?
  • Rule K arbitration in the UK
• Conclusion

Introduction

The FIFA’s Players Status Chamber (“PSC”) in a recent decision, held that a ‘technical director’ at a national footballing association is not covered under the scope of a ‘coach’ as defined under the FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players^[1] (“RSTP”) which meant that the PSC decided that it does not have jurisdiction to hear a dispute between a ‘technical director’ and its employer.

This decision creates a divide in the roles of ‘technical director’ and a ‘coach’. However, the issue arises that if a ‘technical director’ is not a coach and the PSC does not have jurisdiction to try such disputes - where do technical directors have their disputes addressed?

A technical director is an important role in football and is a role which has overall responsibility for the footballing side of a club. In the modern game, this is used to secure continuity at a club as head coaches are regularly changed (based on performances)^[2].

This decision dealt with an employment-related dispute involving Mr. Judan Ali (“Mr. Ali”) who was employed as a technical director with the Football Association of Maldives (“FAM”).

This article examines the decision, its implications, and suggesting potential reforms for clarity and fairness in similar cases.

A copy of the decision is available here.