FIFPRO Challenges FIFA’s Temporary Transfer Rule Changes Following Diarra Ruling
In the world of soccer, where the stakes are as high as the passion for the game, the recent developments surrounding FIFA’s temporary changes to transfer rules have sparked a heated debate. The catalyst for this controversy is none other than the landmark Lassana Diarra judgement, which has sent ripples through the soccer community.
On a seemingly ordinary Monday, the world soccer players’ union, FIFPRO, found itself at odds with FIFA over these temporary changes. The disagreement stems from a case involving former France international Lassana Diarra, who took on FIFA’s rules due to a dispute with a club dating back to 2014. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in October that some of these rules were contrary to European Union law, citing restrictions on freedom of movement and anti-competitive practices.
In response to the ECJ’s ruling, FIFA initiated what it called a “global dialogue” and, on Monday, published interim amendments to the transfer rules. These changes are set to take effect just in time for the January transfer window. FIFA described these amendments as a “balanced compromise” in their official statement.
However, FIFPRO, the global players’ union, was quick to voice its opposition. The union accused FIFA of failing to reach a consensus and expressed its dissatisfaction with the temporary measures. In a statement, FIFPRO said, “Following Lassana Diarra’s successful challenge against the legality of Article 17 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, FIFPRO informed FIFA of the conditions under which it could negotiate the amendments to the regulations to reflect the ruling.”
The statement continued, “Until now, we have been unable to reach a consensus. We do not agree with the temporary measures announced by FIFA which have been introduced without a proper collective bargaining process. The measures do not provide legal certainty to professional footballers and do not reflect the judgement by the European Court of Justice.”
FIFA, on the other hand, maintained that there was “a clear understanding” between all parties that the interim measures would not impact ongoing discussions over long-term amendments to the rules. The organization introduced these interim changes to offer stability and certainty for the upcoming transfer window.
In a statement, FIFA expressed its commitment to continuing its collaboration with key stakeholders as part of the global dialogue initiated in October. The goal is to develop a regulatory framework that is “robust, transparent, non-discriminatory, objective, and proportionate,” and that will apply uniformly to professional football worldwide.
FIFA’s legal director, Emilio Garcia Silvero, took to social media to share his thoughts on the matter. He posted on X on Monday, stating that the next goal is to establish “a permanent framework that fully aligns with the ECJ’s views & has the support of all parties before July 2025.”
The roots of this controversy trace back to Diarra’s legal battle. He took his case to the ECJ after suing FIFA for damages in the Belgian courts. Diarra cited FIFA rules as the reason for the collapse of a move to Belgian club Charleroi following the termination of his contract with Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014.
- FIFPRO disagrees with FIFA’s temporary transfer rule changes.
- The changes follow the landmark Lassana Diarra judgement.
- The European Court of Justice ruled some FIFA rules as anti-competitive.
- FIFA aims to develop a permanent framework by July 2025.
As the soccer world watches closely, the outcome of this ongoing dialogue between FIFA and FIFPRO will undoubtedly shape the future of player transfers. The stakes are high, and the players, clubs, and fans are all eager to see how this saga unfolds.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
