The Judicial Authority of Europe: FIFA perceives no significant repercussions
FIFA, the governing body of football worldwide, views the European Court of Justice's decision on transfer regulations as having minimal impact. In a statement, FIFA expressed satisfaction that the fundamental principles of the transfer system have been endorsed by the ruling. Only two articles of their regulations are under scrutiny. The decision will be reviewed further.
Previously, the ECJ in Luxembourg ruled against FIFA in the case of French player Lassana Diarra, stating that certain FIFA rules on international transfers of professional footballers infringe upon EU law. The issue at hand pertains to instances where a player's contract is terminated prematurely, leading to a fine for the player, and the subsequent liability of their new club under FIFA regulations.
Diarra, whose move from Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow to Belgian club Sporting Charleroi failed to materialize, filed a lawsuit against FIFA and the Belgian federation for damages totaling six million euros and loss of earnings. Diarra argued that FIFA's transfer rules violated EU regulations on free movement and competition. The Belgian court subsequently referred the case to the ECJ, which found FIFA's rules to be overly restrictive.
Diarra's legal team hailed the ruling as a significant victory that will impact all professional footballers, as stated in a press release. Moreover, Fifpro, the players' union, which supported Diarra, celebrated the ECJ's "groundbreaking ruling" on football labor market regulation, stating that it will reshape the professional football landscape.
The FIFA governing body, despite the European Court of Justice's decision having some impact on two specific transfer regulations, is generally satisfied with the ruling as it upholds the fundamental principles of the transfer system. Following the ECJ's ruling against FIFA in the Diarra case, The FIFA, along with Fifpro, will closely review the decision to understand its implications for future transfer regulations.
