Triumphant Proclamation against FIFA: "The System has Expired"
The upcoming shift in football's transfer market is undeniable, as per the European Court of Justice's indictment against FIFA. The scope of this transformation is yet to be determined. The legal team representing the impacted footballer expresses vast implications - triumphantly announcing a significant victory.
Law firm "Dupont - Hissel," representing ex-French footballer Lassana Diarra, views the European Court of Justice's verdict against FIFA's transfer regulations as a significant triumph with far-reaching consequences. "The system ceases to exist when its fundamental components are eliminated," stated the firm. The ECJ has unequivocally and sternly reproached the regulations that serve as the foundation of the transfer system established and administered by FIFA.
The court handed down its decision on Friday, concluding that certain FIFA regulations on the international transfer of professional football players contravene Union law. This infringes upon the freedom of movement for workers and competition laws.
Particularly, the matter revolves around instances where a player prematurely breaks his employment contract without valid reason, which was pointed out by Diarra's former club, Lokomotive Moscow. As per FIFA rules, a penalty fee is then imposed, for which both the player and the club seeking to sign the professional become liable. In 2014, Diarra was ordered to pay 10.5 million euros despite a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), thereby hindering his anticipated transfer to a Belgian club.
Diarra's legal team believes that the ruling paves the way for extensive reforms, such as collective bargaining agreements for professional footballers, and potential claims for damages against FIFA. "The wrongdoings of FIFA have been substantiated, and the principle that all players have suffered damage has also been substantiated. The only unknown now is the amount of damages," the team asserted.
FIFA, however, expressed confidence in the ruling confirming the legitimacy of the primary principles of the transfer system once again. Only two sections of two FIFA regulations are under scrutiny. The ruling will now be examined.
The ruling by the European Court of Justice has sparked numerous 'transfers and rumours' in the football realm, as clubs and players may now renegotiate contracts without fearing excessive penalties. The victory for Lassana Diarra and his legal team could reshape the transfer market dynamics significantly.
