FIFA to open ‘global dialogue’ over transfer rules after Lassana Diarra ruling

Oct 14, 2024 1 min read
FIFA will open up a global dialogue on its transfer rules in the wake of a decision in the case of Lassana Diarra, pictured
FIFA will open up a global dialogue on its transfer rules in the wake of a decision in the case of Lassana Diarra, pictured (Rebecca Naden/PA)

FIFA will open a “global dialogue” on one part of football’s transfer rules in the wake of the Lassana Diarra ruling.

The European Court of Justice ruled earlier this month that some of the transfer rules imposed by football’s global governing body were contrary to EU law because they restricted freedom of movement and were anti-competitive.

The decision was reached after a transfer dispute was brought before it involving former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth midfielder Diarra.

World players’ union FIFPRO said the ruling would “change the landscape” of the transfer system, with some analysts believing it will give players greater freedom to break contract and move to a new club.

FIFA said on Monday it is now planning to open up a debate on the whole of Article 17 of its Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) which focus on the breaking of a contract without just cause.

FIFA’s chief legal and compliance officer Emilio Garcia Silvero said: “FIFA looks forward to developing its regulatory framework further, obviously taking into account views and input from all relevant and affected parties.

“FIFA sees the Diarra decision as an opportunity to keep modernising its regulatory framework, which has been one of the declared objectives of the FIFA president since 2016.”

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