Legal Setback for Thessaloniki Club
Aris Thessaloniki have suffered a significant legal blow after FIFA ruled in favour of Croatian midfielder Domagoj Pavisic in a contract dispute, awarding him compensation exceeding 180,000 euros. The Super League side have responded by appealing the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The Origins of the Dispute
Pavisic signed a contract with Aris that was set to run until the summer of 2026. However, the Croatian was subsequently loaned out, with clubs such as FK Sarajevo covering part of his wage package during the temporary move. The dispute centres on a difference between the terms of his original Aris contract and the agreement he later signed with Gorica, which runs through 2027 despite the original Aris deal concluding within 2026.
Pavisic filed a claim with FIFA seeking compensation for this contractual discrepancy, and football world governing body has now ruled in his favour. The decision adds to what has been a challenging period for Aris, who are simultaneously dealing with squad restructuring and financial constraints.
Aris Fight Back
The club has firmly rejected the FIFA ruling, disputing the validity of the claimed debt. By taking the case to CAS, Aris are seeking to have the decision overturned at the highest level of international sports arbitration. The process could take several months, during which the financial liability remains unresolved.
This is not the first time Greek clubs have found themselves entangled in FIFA compensation cases involving loaned players. The Pavisic case highlights the complex contractual dynamics that arise when players are moved between clubs across different jurisdictions, particularly when wage contributions are split between multiple parties.
Pavisic, now 27, has continued his career in Croatia with Gorica, where he has been a regular presence in midfield. For Aris, the priority will be to minimise the financial impact while continuing to build a squad capable of competing at the top end of the Super League table.
