SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

EU: Fifa's transfer rules violate the law

FIFA's rules on player transfers constitute a breach of EU law. This is stated by the EU Court of Justice in a ruling that is expected to shake up the football transfer market.

» Updated: 04 October 2024, 16:41

» Published: 04 October 2024

EU: Fifa's transfer rules violate the law
Photo: Michel Euler/AP/TT

The court had been tasked with investigating the matter after former French national team midfielder Lassana Diarra challenged the International Football Federation (Fifa) and its regulations.

The background goes back ten years when Russian Lokomotiv Moscow broke with Diarra, claiming he had committed a breach of contract. Lokomotiv also demanded over 200 million kronor from the player, while Diarra instead wanted compensation from the club.

In the end, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) ruled in favor of the club, and Diarra was forced to pay damages of over 100 million kronor.

Diarra has claimed that Fifa's rules put obstacles in the way of his attempts to find a new club, as anyone who wanted to recruit him risked having to compensate Lokomotiv. Among other things, a transfer to Belgian Charleroi came to nothing.

And he now seems to be getting justice from the EU court, which finds that the transfer rules go against both the free movement of labor and competition law.

"The rules in question are such that they prevent the free movement of professional football players who want to develop by starting to work for a new club," the court says in a statement, according to AP.

Lassana Diarra has sued both Fifa and the Belgian Football Federation for lost income of nearly 70 million kronor, which he missed out on when the Charleroi transfer did not materialize.

The case is ongoing in Belgium, pending the EU court's ruling.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Quick Hero - Arsenal to Quarterfinal
1 MIN READ

Quick Hero - Arsenal to Quarterfinal

Confirmed: Frida Karlsson Competes in the Swedish Premiere
1 MIN READ

Confirmed: Frida Karlsson Competes in the Swedish Premiere

Hammarby's anger after the celebration: "Disgusting"
2 MIN READ

Hammarby's anger after the celebration: "Disgusting"

Frustrated Frölunda fell: "Worst we've done this year"
2 MIN READ

Frustrated Frölunda fell: "Worst we've done this year"

Confirmed: Guardiola Extends with Manchester City
1 MIN READ

Confirmed: Guardiola Extends with Manchester City

Sweden in European Championship final after thriller: "Proud and happy"
1 MIN READ

Sweden in European Championship final after thriller: "Proud and happy"

Blytung comeback for Åberg: "A bit rusty"
2 MIN READ

Blytung comeback for Åberg: "A bit rusty"

Hammarby set a new attendance record: "Love every single one"
3 MIN READ

Hammarby set a new attendance record: "Love every single one"

Referee suspended after Isak-miss
1 MIN READ

Referee suspended after Isak-miss

Super strikers in qualifying – Värnamo equalized late
2 MIN READ

Super strikers in qualifying – Värnamo equalized late

Sjöström's Criticism: "Would Have Been a Worthy Winner"
2 MIN READ

Sjöström's Criticism: "Would Have Been a Worthy Winner"

Tough for Team Edin - misses European Championship semifinal
1 MIN READ

Tough for Team Edin - misses European Championship semifinal

Roberts: Nothing is broken in any case
2 MIN READ

Roberts: Nothing is broken in any case

Rookies get a chance in the World Cup premiere
2 MIN READ

Rookies get a chance in the World Cup premiere

MFF confirms: Dahlin has a cruciate ligament injury
1 MIN READ

MFF confirms: Dahlin has a cruciate ligament injury

Operated on after horror injury – testicle burst
1 MIN READ

Operated on after horror injury – testicle burst

Guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the distance premiere
2 MIN READ

Guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the distance premiere

Haak's Joy: Gets to Defend the Title - in Sweden
1 MIN READ

Haak's Joy: Gets to Defend the Title - in Sweden

Poromaa misses the Swedish premiere
1 MIN READ

Poromaa misses the Swedish premiere

Kosovo appeals the decision affecting Sweden
1 MIN READ

Kosovo appeals the decision affecting Sweden