Transfer Regulations: FIFA Faces Class Action Following Diarra Ruling

FIFA is facing a major class action from the Dutch foundation Justice for Players over its Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP).

This legal action follows the October 2024 Diarra ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) that FIFA’s Regulations infringed competition law and the right to free movement of workers. In response, FIFA adopted an interim regulatory framework later that year addressing rules about compensation for breach of contract, joint and several liability, inducement for breach of contract, International Transfer Certificates, etc.

Justice for Players intends to represent all professional footballers who are playing or who have played in clubs in the European member states and the United Kingdom and who have been adversely affected by FIFA’s unlawful rules from 2002 to the present. Preliminary estimates suggest the affected group could number around 100,000 players.

The case is being brought in the Netherlands under the Dutch Act on the Settlement of Mass Damages in Collective Action (WAMCA), with the claim set to be filed at the District Court of Midden-Nederland.

FIFA has reportedly been given until the start of September to respond to approaching legal action.