Supreme court decision saves Barcelona €14 million in compensation dispute with former player

According to a recent report from El Confidencial (h/t SPORT), the Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by Brazilian footballer Matheus Fernandes against FC Barcelona regarding his dismissal, which he had claimed was unfair. 

This decision follows a series of legal battles that initially resulted in the club being ordered to compensate Fernandes with over €7.7 million. 

However, in July 2023, the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) significantly reduced this amount to €731,000. Fernandes and his legal team sought to challenge this decision in the Supreme Court, but their appeal was finally rejected on 10 September.

Not a success at Barcelona

It must be noted that Fernandes joined Barcelona in January 2020 after the club invested more than €8.6 million in his transfer. However, his time at the club was short-lived. 

After a loan spell at Valladolid, where he saw limited playing time, he returned to Barcelona but found himself out of favour under then-manager Ronald Koeman. 

Matheus Fernandes has lost his appeal against Barcelona. (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

When Joan Laporta took over as club president in March 2021, it was made clear that Fernandes did not meet the club’s standards or fit into their future plans.

Having only played just 17 minutes in his final season, Fernandes was officially informed of his dismissal by the club on 29 June 2021. Barcelona cited his poor performance and lack of commitment as the reasons for this disciplinary action. 

Fernandes’ appeal

In response, Fernandes pursued legal action, seeking €14.8 million in compensation. Initially, a Barcelona court ruled in his favour, but the club appealed the decision. 

The TSJC reviewed the dismissal clause in his contract, which allowed for much lower compensation in the event of termination by the club. The court found that the clause was not unreasonable, limiting his compensation to two months’ salary, and reducing the amount to €731,000. 

Despite Fernandes’ efforts to challenge the validity of this clause, the Supreme Court upheld the TSJC’s ruling. 

This brings an end to a drawn-out legal dispute between the player and the club, with Barcelona facing a final payout significantly lower than what was initially demanded.