Sell-On Clauses: CAS 2024/A/10629 & 10630 Deportivo Maldonado SAD v. Real Sociedad de Fútbol SAD

CAS 2024/A/10629 Deportivo Maldonado SAD v. Real Sociedad de Fútbol SAD & CAS 2024/A/10630 Real Sociedad de Fútbol SAD v. Deportivo Maldonado SAD

Date of the decision: 2025-11-26

Arbitrator(s): Oliver Jaberg Daniel Cravo Souza David Arias

If not explicitly stated, a loan transfer does not automatically trigger a sell-on clause, even if a permanent one follows it. If a party allegedly suffering contractual damages believes the loan transfer was a simulation, it needs to be proven to a Panel's comfortable satisfaction.

Facts and Procedure

Between 3 and 5 August 2016, Deportivo Maldonado SAD (Maldonado) and Real Sociedad de Fútbol SAD (Real Sociedad) concluded the Transfer Agreement for the permanent transfer of Willian José (Player) for EUR 6 million, with Maldonado retaining a 30% sell-on over any and all gross amounts payable in connection with any future definitive transfer, plus a contractual default-interest regime and a costs-bearing clause.

During August 2021, Real Betis Balompié SAD (Betis) expressed interest in signing the Player. Still, LaLiga’s salary-cap rules prevented an immediate, permanent transfer, prompting the clubs to explore a loan...

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