Lions to get $1M in Kaká settlement
Dispute centered on star’s move from São Paolo
Nearly four years after the retirement of legendary Brazilian soccer player Kaká, a judge issued a settlement in a case relating to the star’s move to Orlando City from São Paolo.
A superior court justice denied a final appeal from São Paolo, ordering the club to begin paying Orlando City.
The payment will amount to R$6 million, which is approximately $1.07 million USD. São Paolo already made an initial payment. The judge is currently determining whether the club will be required to issue the settlement in another upfront payment or disperse the process into six monthly payments.
The case derives from Kaká’s six-month loan from Orlando City to São Paolo in 2014 before the Lions made their Major League Soccer debut. The loan contract included a conditional clause for São Paolo to pay Orlando City an additional sum if the star effectively boosted box office sales.
Although São Paolo saw the stipulated increase in attendance, the club didn’t follow up on this conditional payment to Orlando City. The resulting suit — originally filed by Orlando City for approximately $4.35 million for São Paolo’s failure to meet several terms of the loan agreement — stretched out over six years.
Kaká scored 25 goals in his three season with the Lions before retirement, serving as the figurehead of the team as it made the jump from the USL to MLS.