FIFA adapts transfer rules after Diarra case

AFP | London

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FIFA announced Monday it had adopted an “interim regulatory framework” regarding player transfers after a ruling earlier this year by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in a case brought by Lassana Diarra.

The decision comes just over a week before the transfer market reopens in January and follows “close consultation with key stakeholders”, world football’s governing body said in statement.

The changes relate to article 17 of FIFA’s regulations governing the status and transfer of players.

“The framework... addresses the rules about compensation for breach of contract, joint and several liability, inducement for breach of contract, International Transfer Certificates and proceedings before the Football Tribunal,” FIFA said.

The objective is to provide “clarity and stability ahead of upcoming registration periods and upholding globally uniform rules”, it added.

The European Union’s top court, the ECJ, in October said that certain FIFA rules regarding transfers were contrary to the bloc’s laws on freedom of movement, as it found in favour of former France midfielder Diarra.

The Diarra case goes back 10 years.

In August 2014, Lokomotiv Moscow terminated Diarra’s contract citing contractual breaches by the player. The Russian club also sought 20 million euros ($22 mn) compensation from Diarra, now