KUITS WINS APPEAL AGAINST CITY’S ROYLE PAYOUT

Manchester law firm, Kuit Steinart Levy, has been instrumental in Manchester City’s successful appeal against ex-manager Joe Royle’s claim for compensation.

The litigation team at Kuits, led by Jeff Lewis, acted on behalf of Manchester City in asking the Court of Appeal to overturn last summer’s High Court decision awarding Royle compensation from the Club.

The money was awarded to Royle after he claimed that he was entitled to a Premiership level ‘golden handshake’ following his sacking in May 2001. The club however, argued that he was sacked only after City had been relegated, thus entitling him to a First Division payout of £150,000.

The Appeal Court agreed with the football club and overturned the original decision on 8th March, dismissing Royle’s claim and ordering him to pay more than £500,000 to City. Royle has also been ordered to pay City’s legal costs of the appeal.

Jeff Lewis from Kuits comments: “This is a landmark case for the football community; the case centred around a football manager’s entitlement to compensation. At the time of Mr Royle’s sacking Manchester City had played the 2000-01 Premiership season out and was no longer entitled to be part of that League. We therefore submitted that Mr Royle was not justified in claiming a Premiership level handout, and we’re delighted that the Court of Appeal judges agreed with us.”

Bryan Bodek, Manchester City Deputy Chairman said:

"We are very pleased with this positive outcome and our grateful for all the efforts from our legal team throughout this case. Mr Royle was properly compensated by the Club at the time of his dismissal following our relegation from the Premier League in 2001.

"We wish him well for the future."

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For further information please contact:
Sue Harris
P: 0161 838 7898
F: 0161 838 8105
sueharris@kuits.com