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Diarra has reportedly emerged victorious in a landmark battle against FIFA over a previous transfer debacle.
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra has reportedly emerged victorious in a landmark legal battle against FIFA.
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled in favor of Diarra, declaring FIFA’s regulations on player contracts unlawful.
This decision challenges FIFA’s longstanding rules that restricted players from signing with new clubs if they terminated their contracts prematurely.
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Pulse Sports earlier reported that the case, which started from a dispute in Belgium, arose after Diarra faced a 15-month suspension and a hefty fine of €10 million (£8 million) following his departure from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014.
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The Russian club accused Diarra of refusing to play after a disagreement over a proposed salary reduction, leading the club to terminate his contract.
The subsequent penalties imposed by FIFA under its Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) were contested by Diarra, who argued that they infringed on his rights as a player.
Lassana Diara’s win against FIFA: Implications on player transfers
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The CJEU's ruling highlights the potential violation of European Union (EU) laws regarding freedom of movement and competition.
The court stated as per Goal.com:
“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.”
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This judgment not only favours Diarra but seems to have opened the door for all professional players affected by these regulations to seek compensation for their losses, according to Diarra’s legal team.
FIFPRO, the global representative of professional footballers, expressed optimism regarding the ruling's impact on the sport.
They stated:
“This ruling will change the landscape of professional football,” signaling that FIFA may need to revisit and modernize its governance structures.
While immediate changes to FIFA’s policies may take time, the CJEU’s decision marks a significant step towards enhancing player rights and redefining transfer regulations in professional football.
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