In a damning verdict, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against Uganda Premier League giants Vipers SC, ordering them to compensate their former head coach, Roberto Luiz Bianchi Pelliser, with $84,000 for wrongful termination of his contract. Additionally, the club must reimburse the Brazilian tactician €1,250 for his return flight ticket, following a protracted legal battle that ultimately overturned FIFA’s earlier decision favoring Vipers.
Bianchi, who was appointed on January 3, 2023, was unceremoniously dismissed on March 8, just two months into his 18-month tenure. Despite receiving a two-month severance package of $12,000, the coach remained dissatisfied and sought further compensation for unjust dismissal. His initial plea to FIFA’s Football Tribunal was dismissed in May 2023, prompting him to escalate the case to CAS. Following a video hearing in July 2024, the tribunal found Vipers guilty of terminating his contract without just cause, effectively invalidating FIFA’s prior ruling.
The ruling serves as a major financial and reputational setback for Vipers SC, a club known for its ambitious football projects but often criticized for instability in managerial appointments. The hasty dismissal of Bianchi, coupled with the legal costs and damages incurred, highlights a pattern of administrative missteps that could deter top-tier coaches from taking up roles at the club in the future. While competitive success remains a priority, strategic leadership and contract compliance must be equally emphasized to sustain long-term growth.
To prevent such costly errors, Vipers’ management must adopt a more professional approach to contractual agreements, ensuring due diligence before appointing and dismissing technical staff. Clear performance metrics, structured evaluation periods, and legally sound exit clauses should be embedded in coaching contracts to avoid unnecessary legal battles. Without these measures, the club risks not only financial losses but also a tarnished reputation on the global football stage.
This ruling should serve as a wake-up call for Vipers SC, urging the club to rethink its operational framework. A football club of its stature must move beyond impulsive decisions and embrace stability in its technical bench. Only then can it cultivate a culture of excellence that attracts and retains top football talent—on and off the pitch.
