Court awards benefit pay to hoarse goalkeeper

A former top division goalkeeper in Sweden who claims that he lost his voice by yelling at his team-mates is entitled to welfare benefits for a work-related injury, a court has decided.

A former top division goalkeeper in Sweden who claims that he lost his voice by yelling at his team-mates is entitled to welfare benefits for a work-related injury, a court has decided.

A county administrative court in southern Sweden said Andreas Bogsjo should receive compensation for income he forfeited when he lost his position as Elfsborg's No 1 goalkeeper in 2001.

Bogsjo alleged that the team dropped him after seven years between the sticks because his voice had become hoarse, which made it difficult for him to direct his team-mates.

"I couldn't compete on the same conditions," he said. "You couldn't hear me when I yelled. As a goalkeeper the voice is an unbelievably important instrument to be able to direct and communicate with the other players."

Elfsborg said Bogsjo's contract was not renewed because he was not good enough and that the decision was not based on his injury.

The 37-year-old goalkeeper said his hoarseness was a work-related injury and went to court when the regional welfare office reject his claim for benefits.

The county court ruled in his favour, but the welfare office appealed the decision.

Bogsjo will not receive any benefits until the appeals court rules in the case.