The International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), on 4th November, have rejected Leed’s appeal in relation to payment of the outstanding transfer fee for Jean-Kévin Augustin. As a result, Leeds United are required to pay RB Leipzig the transfer fee claimed.
CAS’ ruling is final in principle. Leeds United still have the opportunity to file a complaint with the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland, but the procedural hurdles to do this are very high and there are no expected argument with which to challenge CAS’ ruling.
The result of the proceedings was fully decided in Leipzig’s favour.
Read CAS’ official press release here.
Background:
Jean-Kévin Augustin joined RB Leipzig in the summer of 2017 and up until the summer of 2019 had played 67 competitive matches for the side (20 goals, eight assists). After that, the striker was loaned initially to AS Monaco (September 2019 till January 2020), before being loaned to Leeds United from January 2020. Leeds at this point played in the EFL Championship, the second division of English football.
Within the loan contract, there was a buy-clause that would be triggered in the event that Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2019/20 season was extended beyond the end of the loan contract of 30th June 2020. Due to this situation, Leeds United contested the contractual buy-clause of Jean-Kévin Augustin, because according to Leeds their promotion had not taken place within the time period stipulated in the contracted.
RB Leipzig then filed a lawsuit with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). FIFA adjudged on 1st June 2021 that Leeds United had to pay RB Leipzig the transfer fee found in the contract and stipulated by RBL.
Leeds appealed FIFA’s decision at CAS. On 15th March, the court proceedings at CAS began in Lausanne. FIFA’s verdict now comes into force following today’s decision at CAS.