Dutch captain Maret Grothues wins legal battle against Polish powerhouse Chemik Police – first ever CAS award on appeal in employment dispute between volleyball player and club
- Maret Grothues is the captain of the Dutch national volleyball team and multiple medal-holder in national and international competitions (three-time silver medalist at the 2009, 2015 and 2017 European championship, 2016 World Grand Prix bronze medalist, 2017 Turkish League and Cup winner, 2016 Polish League and Cup silver medalist, 2014 and 2015 French League winner, etc.). She also contended at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
- For the 2017-2018 season, Ms. Grothues had signed with Polish volleyball club Chemik Police. As the club did not comply with its financial obligations, Ms. Grothues had no other choice but to terminate the contract for just cause in December 2017.
- In order to recover the due amounts, Ms. Grothues started legal proceedings that took her from the CEV (first instance) to the FIVB Tribunal (first appeal) and finally to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (final appeal). It is the first time ever that CAS had to decide on an appeal against a decision of the FIVB Tribunal in an employment dispute between a volleyball player and club.
- In October 2020, the CAS decided that Ms. Grothues had rightfully terminated the contract, granting her a termination indemnity, interests and legal fees. The full award will be published on the website of the CAS.
- Grothues: “This decision confirms that I was right to stand for my rights. It is also a message to all players: don’t give up, with the right agent and legal team, you’ll be safe.”
