FIFA is set to conduct a global consultation regarding potential revisions to its transfer system after a recent court ruling indicated that some of its regulations violate European Union laws.
Earlier this month, the European Court of Justice ruled in favor of former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra, who sought damages from FIFA.
The court found that FIFA’s rules, which hold clubs jointly liable to pay compensation to a player’s former club when signing a free agent whose contract was terminated without just cause, infringe on players’ freedom of movement.
Diarra argued that these rules hindered his ability to join a new club following the termination of his contract with Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014.
The court concluded that FIFA’s refusal to issue Diarra an international transfer certificate (ITC) for a proposed move to Belgian club Charleroi in 2015 obstructed the free movement of professional footballers seeking new opportunities.
In response, FIFA has announced its intention to initiate a “global dialogue” with football stakeholders as part of an effort to adapt its rules.
FIFA’s chief legal and compliance officer, Emilio Garcia Silvero, stated that the organization views the Diarra ruling as an opportunity to further modernize its regulatory framework, a goal that has been emphasized by FIFA’s president since 2016.
Following the ruling, a FIFA spokesperson expressed satisfaction that the legality of key principles within the transfer system has been reaffirmed.
