FIFA Updates Player Transfer Rules After Landmark Diarra Case
FIFA announced on Monday that it had implemented an “interim regulatory framework” regarding player transfers, following a ruling earlier this year by the European Court of Justice in a case involving Lassana Diarra.
The decision comes just over a week before the January transfer window opens and follows “close consultation with key stakeholders,” the global football governing body said in a statement.
The changes pertain to Article 17 of FIFA’s regulations governing the status and transfer of players.
“The framework… addresses the rules about compensation for breach of contract, joint and several liability, inducement for breach of contract, International Transfer Certificates, and proceedings before the Football Tribunal,” FIFA stated.
The aim is to ensure “clarity and stability ahead of upcoming registration periods while maintaining globally uniform rules,” it added.
In October, the ECJ ruled that certain FIFA transfer rules were incompatible with the European Union’s laws on freedom of movement.
The ruling sided with Diarra, a former France midfielder.
The case dates back 10 years to August 2014, when Lokomotiv Moscow terminated Diarra’s contract, accusing him of contractual breaches. The Russian club also demanded €20 million (£17.2m) in compensation from Diarra, now aged 39.
Diarra, who played for clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid, refused the demand and instead sought compensation from Lokomotiv.
FIFA ultimately ordered Diarra to pay €10 million to Lokomotiv, a ruling upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Diarra was also handed a backdated 15-month suspension.
Under FIFA’s rules, any club signing Diarra risked being held liable for the fine. However, the ECJ deemed these regulations “contrary to EU law,” stating they restricted free movement and competition between clubs.
FIFA confirmed that the interim regulations would take immediate effect but would not impact ongoing discussions over potential long-term reforms to the player registration and transfer system.
AFP
