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FIFA to open global talks on football transfer system after European court ruling

FIFA announced on Monday that it will begin “a global dialogue” to adapt the football transfer system, following a significant ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in a case involving former France international Lassana Diarra.

The case has sparked calls for reforms to the regulations surrounding player transfers, particularly those governed by FIFA’s Article 17, which deals with contract breaches and compensation. FIFA’s chief legal and compliance officer, Emilio Garcia Silvero, stated that the organization will consult with key stakeholders to determine the necessary adjustments.

“FIFA will now initiate a global dialogue with key stakeholders. Together with them, FIFA will determine what conclusions must be drawn from the Diarra decision, and which changes are most appropriate and suitable,” Garcia Silvero said. Topics for discussion include compensation for contract breaches, sanctions, and the process for issuing International Transfer Certificates.

The case stems from Lokomotiv Moscow’s decision to terminate Diarra’s contract in 2014, seeking €20 million in compensation. FIFA initially fined Diarra €10 million, but the CJEU ruled that some FIFA transfer rules violated European Union laws on freedom of movement.

The global players’ union, FIFPro, has urged for collective bargaining between players and clubs, with their lawyer, Pieter Paepe, stating that FIFA should not regulate employment relationships unilaterally.

(Source: AFP)

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