The Lass Diarra “case” forces FIFA to negotiate new transfer rules

Aafter a historic court decision for the football transfer market, FIFA said on Monday he would now invite “key players” from around the world for discussions on updating the rules questioned by the former France international. Lassana Diarra.

The European Court of Justice ruled in the Diarra case on October 4 in Luxembourg that parts of FIFA's transfer rules did not comply with its laws on competition and free movement of workers.

While some analysts speculate that the entire global transfer market, worth more than $10 billion each year, could be upended, FIFA believes its consultations can be focused more narrowly. on Player Club disputes where contracts are terminated without valid reason.

Negotiations with FIFA expected to include global players' union FIFPROas well as representatives of clubs, leagues and national football federations.

“Together with them, FIFA will determine the conclusions to be drawn from the Diarra decisionand what changes are most appropriate and appropriate to make to Article 17 of the (Transfer Regulations),” the governing body’s legal director Emilio García said in a statement.

Diarra, formerly of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea player, signed a four-year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in 2013. The contract was terminated a year later after he became unhappy with alleged pay cuts.

FIFA and then the Court of Arbitration for Sport found that the Russian club had terminated the contract “for cause” and ordered the player to pay 10.5 million euros ($11.2 million). Diarra argued that his search for a new club was affected by FIFA rules, making his next employer jointly responsible for paying compensation to Lokomotiv.

“The Diarra decision confirms the sanctity of contracts. No one, neither a club nor a player, can simply renounce a valid contract,” García said. “Therefore, if a player wishes to be released from a contract, there will be financial consequences.”

FIFA-led talks to begin as Diarra case now referred to local court in Belgiumwhere a final decision could take years rather than months.