EU Court Ruling Challenges FIFA's Transfer Rules

The EU's top court ruled that some FIFA transfer rules violate EU free movement laws, impacting player transfers. The verdict stems from a case involving ex-footballer Lassana Diarra, potentially requiring FIFA to revise its regulations. EU antitrust rules also apply, demanding proof to justify market restrictions.

The European Union's top court has issued a significant ruling, indicating that specific transfer rules set by soccer's governing body, FIFA, contravene EU laws on free movement. This development emerged during a case involving former French player Lassana Diarra.

This verdict could compel FIFA, headquartered in Switzerland, to overhaul its player transfer regulations. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), based in Luxembourg, stated that certain FIFA rules obstruct the free movement of professional footballers who wish to join new clubs.

The decision follows Diarra's challenge against FIFA's contractual rules which require compensation from players terminating contracts prematurely. The ruling suggests FIFA's limitations on competition must be justified as necessary to protect the market, a condition the court finds unlikely to be met.

(With inputs from agencies.)