The European Union’s top court has ruled that FIFA’s player transfer rules violate EU laws, following a case involving former France player Lassana Diarra. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) stated that the rules impede the free movement of professional footballers seeking to work for new clubs. FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) require compensation to be paid to clubs if a player terminates a contract early without just cause. The ruling opens the door for affected players to seek compensation for losses incurred due to these rules. The court found that these rules restrict competition between clubs and hinder the free movement of players, going beyond what is necessary to maintain stability in professional football. This landmark case could have significant implications for the transfer system in football, potentially leading to reforms that loosen clubs’ control over players. The verdict is seen as a potential game-changer in the world of football transfers, reminiscent of the impact of the Bosman ruling in the past. More details on the implications of this ruling are expected to follow in the coming days, with experts anticipating a potential reshaping of the transfer system in the sport.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
