A recent ruling by the EU’s highest court has stated that the transfer regulations set by the governing body of world football (FIFA), conflict with European Union laws.
This ruling regarding a prominent case involving former France player Lassana Diarra was announced on Friday, referencing the EU’s principles of free movement.
According to the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU),
The rules in question are such as to impede the free movement of professional footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work for a new club.
FIFA’s regulations on player status and transfers (RSTP) assert that a player who ends a contract prematurely “without just cause” must compensate the club.
Furthermore, if the player joins a new team, that club will also share the responsibility for the compensation payment.
BACKSTORY
In 2013, Diarra signed a four-year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow, but the agreement was terminated a year later due to his dissatisfaction with alleged salary reductions.
Diarra contended that FIFA’s regulations hindered his ability to find a new club, as any potential team would be jointly liable for compensating Lokomotiv.
Meanwhile, Diarra’s case received backing from the global players’ union, FifPro, and passed through FIFA’s judicial processes.
