FIFA has announced that David O'Leary has been successful in his US $5.2 million claim against Al Ahli FC before the Players' Status Committee following his dismissal by the Dubai-based club.
The former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland captain, and ex-Manager of Leeds United and Aston Villa was dismissed one year into a three year fixed term. Having dismissed O'Leary the club claimed that he had abandoned his job and that FIFA lacked jurisdiction to hear the claim.
FIFA rejected both lines of defence and awarded O'Leary, who was represented by Paul Gilroy KC, record compensation.