CAS exceeds FIFA's low compensation for Van Iperen

The ruling of the highest sports tribunal, the CAS, undermines the modest compensation that FIFA had previously awarded to the Dutch former defender Donny van Iperen, by now granting him a damages award of more than one million euros for the harm suffered.

Accident and long‑term consequences

Four years ago Van Iperen fell into a coma after a collision during a match in the Moldovan league, when he collided with the fists of his own goalkeeper while contesting a high ball. The former defender of Telstar and Go Ahead Eagles remained in a coma for weeks, after which he underwent years of rehabilitation and could no longer play football.

His employment contract with FC Zimbru included an accident and disability insurance, as well as a health insurance, but these policies were never taken out. As a result, Van Iperen remained fully incapacitated without the contractually promised protection.

FIFA's initial assessment

FIFA ruled that Van Iperen was entitled to compensation, but set the amount at only €28,000, far below the €2 million the Dutchman demanded. This low sum was considered insufficient by Van Iperen, prompting him to take the dispute to the CAS.

The CAS court then made a different assessment. Although it did not decide entirely in Van Iperen's favour, the arbitration panel recognised that he is entitled to a damages award of more than one million euros. FC Zimbru has not yet made the ruling public, but confirmed that Van Iperen has been partially upheld. The club expressed its concerns on Instagram about the financial consequences of the decision.

‘By the ruling, a payment obligation of more than one million euros has arisen. It concerns compensation for loss of income and earning capacity, medical costs and non‑pecuniary damage,’ said FC Zimbru. The club fears that the obligation threatens its survival, given the limited financial reality of Moldovan football.

The contrast between FIFA’s modest amount and the higher CAS judgment shows how legal action can protect smaller players, while at the same time putting small clubs into financial trouble.