Sporting CP Appeals to CAS Over Rafael Leao Fine Dispute

Sporting CP has taken its legal dispute with Lille and Rafael Leao to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Portuguese football club is appealing FIFA’s decision to award them €20.6 million, including interest, for the player’s unilateral termination and subsequent transfer to the French side. Sporting CP is arguing that they are entitled to the full release clause amount of €45 million, which was present in Leao’s contract when he left the club in 2018 following an incident with fans.

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Last year, Milan intervened in the situation by paying Lille €20 million to help resolve the disagreement. This allowed them to extend Leao’s contract until 2028 and remove any sell-on clause or additional payment claims if CAS ruled against Lille. However, Sporting CP is now appealing to CAS to seek the full amount they believe they deserve.

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The first hearing for the appeal is scheduled for March 26 in Lausanne, Switzerland. If CAS rules in favor of Sporting CP, it could potentially have significant financial implications for Lille and Leao, who joined Milan in 2019 for €50 million.

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Rafael Leao’s performance in Serie A this season has been impressive, with six goals and eight assists in 27 matches. His contract includes a release clause of €175 million, indicating Milan’s faith in his potential and value.