rules governing transfers deemed “contrary to EU law”

It is a decision which could have the effect of shock waves in the world of football.

This Friday, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that some of the International Football Federation’s rules relating to player transfers between clubs were contrary to EU law.

The Lassana Diarra affair, at the origin of the judgment

The high court handed down its judgment following the legal case between Lassana Diarra and FIFA for around ten years.

After signing a four-year contract with the Lokomotiv Moscow club, the French player terminated his contract due to a drastic reduction in his salary.

The Russian club then filed a request for compensation from FIFA for 20 million euros, which led Sporting de Charleroi to renounce the recruitment of Lassana Diara, these FIFA rules stipulating that any new team would be jointly responsible for paying Lokomotiv compensation.

Rules hindering the free movement of players

The Court of Justice considered that “These rules in question are likely to hinder the free movement of professional footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work in a new club.”

FIFPRO, the union representing footballers, welcomed the decision: “The ECJ has just handed down a major judgment on the regulation of the labor market in football (and more generally in sport), which will change the landscape of professional football.”