Italian executive wins back pay after being fired for playing football on sick leave
A 50-year-old manager in Italy was dismissed for playing football while on medical leave and later won compensation equal to 12 months’ salary.
The employee, Mario, held a senior role at a metalworking company and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While on sick leave, a company-hired detective caught him playing football, leading to his termination. Mario sued, arguing he had been advised not to isolate at home and that the firm was unaware of his full medical condition, which also included anxiety. The court awarded him twelve months of wages.
Why it matters
It underscores employee rights and employer duties when managing sick leave for disabled workers.
In this story
sick leavefootballdismissalcompensationmultiple sclerosisanxietyemployment lawItalymetalworking
