BAT 0009/08 (Smith v/ Lukoil Academic Sofia BC)

Follow-up: September 2010
Following FIBA’s intervention, the parties settled.

Summary of the case:
The American player Stevin Smith filed a claim against the Bulgarian club Lukoil Academik Sofia BC for compensation for breach of contract and agent fees.

The player requested full payment of his salaries, bonuses and amenities for the entire 2007/2008 season as well as late payment penalties and "tax effects", alleging that the club terminated the contract without just cause.

In its answer, the club denied the above claims submitting that the player breached his contractual duties by concealing his medical condition from the Club since the player allegedly suffered from serious health problems which prevented him from sports activities and performance of the contractual obligations.

Also, the club submitted that the player had not stated the correct name of the club in the request for arbitration. The claim was partially upheld.