WRC Condemns Sham Redundancy Carried Out by Football Club in “Ruthless & Dishonest Manner”

David Henderson v The Bohemian Football Club CLG (ADJ-00056820) concerned an employee of the Respondent football club who claimed he was unfairly dismissed in a sham redundancy process, in the absence of any fair procedures. The Complainant submitted his complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977–2015.

Facts: The Complainant gave evidence to the WRC of his involvement in various aspects of football in Ireland and abroad as a player, scout and coach. His most recent period of employment with the Respondent commenced on 1st January 2023. He described carrying out various roles for the Respondent including head of recruitment, men’s first team goalkeeper coach, women’s first team coach, chief scout for the Academy and liaison with the Respondent’s partner club. According to the Complainant the League of Ireland season had ended in November 2024, and no issues had been raised with him. On 30th November 2024 during a phone call with the Respondent’s Director of Football he was informed his employment was being terminated.

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