EU Court Rules FIFA Transfer Laws Contradict Free Movement

The European Union's top court has ruled that FIFA's transfer regulations, which mandate compensation for players breaking contracts without just cause, conflict with the EU's laws on free movement. The ruling came in a case involving ex-French footballer Lassana Diarra.

The European Union's highest court has determined that FIFA's transfer regulations are incompatible with EU laws concerning free movement, according to a recent verdict. The ruling addresses a case tied to former French player Lassana Diarra.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), situated in Luxembourg, specified that the regulations hinder professional footballers' freedom to move and seek new opportunities within the EU.

Under FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, athletes who terminate agreements prematurely without justified reasons must provide compensation to their current club. The club the player moves to is also jointly responsible for this compensation.

(With inputs from agencies.)