NEW DELHI: International football governing body FIFA has introduced an ‘Interim Regulatory Framework’ for player transfers.
The decision follows the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) decision earlier this year in a case involving former France midfielder Lassana Diarra.
The changes were made just over a week before the opening of the January transfer window and were made in consultation with key stakeholders.
This interim framework addresses several aspects of FIFA’s rules governing player status and transfers, including compensation for breach of contract, joint and several liability, inducement of breach of contract, international transfer certificates, and procedures before football tribunals. It is something.
The aim is to provide clarity and stability ahead of the upcoming registration period, while maintaining globally uniform rules.
An ECJ ruling in October found that certain FIFA rules on transfers violated the European Union’s freedom of movement law, siding with Diarra in a case dating back to 2014.
Diarra’s contract with Lokomotiv Moscow was terminated and the Russian club demanded 20 million euros in compensation from the player. Mr. Diarra refused and demanded compensation from Mr. Lokomotiv.
FIFA initially ordered Diarra to pay 10 million euros to his former club, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld this decision and Diarra was given a retroactive 15-month ban.
The ECJ ruled that FIFA regulations that could make clubs liable for fines if they sign Diarra violate EU law and prevent free movement and competition between clubs.
FIFA’s interim regulations apply immediately and do not affect ongoing discussions regarding potential long-term changes to the player registration and transfer system.
