O´Leary wins compensation claim

He asked football’s world governing body to help him claim compensation for the remaining two years of his contract, and although Al Ahli argued that the former Republic of Ireland international had abandoned his job FIFA have ordered them to pay up.

“It has taken a long time to deal with this matter but I am pleased that all issues have now been finalised,” O’Leary said after hearing FIFA’s ruling.

“I would also like to thank Richard Bevan and the League Managers
Association (LMA) as well as my outstanding legal team for their support
and hard work in bringing my case to this very satisfactory conclusion.

“I hope my case provides reassurance to all managers and coaches
working all over the world that there is a formal system in place that
provides employment protection.”

LMA chief executive Bevan also spoke of his delight that the interests of a manager had been looked after by FIFA, and hoped it would start to make clubs think before dismissing managers so soon into their time in charge.

“The added significance and wider impact of this process is the proof
that FIFA has mechanisms in place which regulate worldwide employment
issues,” he said.

“It is extremely encouraging to know that the world governing body
can provide a means of redress for managers and coaches at all levels
seeking to establish their employment rights, wherever in the world they
happen to work.”