Dani Alves Ordered to Compensate Pumas Following CAS Decision

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has sided with Pumas UNAM in their contractual dispute with Dani Alves, requiring him to pay $5 million in damages, according to Doble Amarilla. The Mexican club terminated his contract in 2023 after Alves faced serious legal issues in Spain, which kept him from playing.

Alves joined Pumas in July 2022, played 13 matches, and made five assists before his legal situation impacted his time with the team. In January 2023, he faced accusations in Barcelona and spent several months in pre-trial detention. Although he was acquitted in March this year, his departure from Pumas was already finalized.

After being acquitted, Alves tried to countersue Pumas for defamation, but the case was already with FIFA and CAS. The tribunal not only supported the club’s decision to terminate his contract for valid reasons but also raised the compensation initially set by FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber.

Pumas confirmed the ruling in a statement: “CAS ruled in favor of the Club, reversing the decision from May 15, 2024, and ordering Mr. Alves to pay an increased amount in compensation for damages.”

For Alves, what appeared to be an opportunity for legal redress has turned into another challenge as he nears the end of his professional career.