Fifa: Diarra Seeks £56m Compensation – Legal Action
Lassana Diarra Resumes Legal Battle with FIFA, Seeking $65 Million in Damages
By David Thompson, Pulitzer Prize-winning Chief Editor
Former France midfielder Lassana Diarra is reigniting his legal fight with FIFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), seeking a considerable £56 million (approximately $71 million USD) in compensation. This renewed action stems from a long-running dispute over FIFA’s transfer regulations, which a recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) found to be unlawful.The core of Diarra’s case centers around a 2014 contract termination with Lokomotiv Moscow. FIFA ordered Diarra to pay £8.4 million to the Russian club, a decision he contested, arguing that FIFA’s rules impede the free movement of professional footballers. Specifically, the CJEU ruled that FIFA’s refusal to grant Diarra an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) for a potential move to Belgian club Charleroi in 2015 was a violation of EU law.Diarra, who has played for Premier League clubs Chelsea, Arsenal, and Portsmouth, had hoped for an amicable resolution with FIFA and the RBFA. “I hoped Fifa and the RBFA would at least have the decency to approach me to propose an amicable settlement,” Diarra stated. However, with those efforts unsuccessful, he is now pursuing national proceedings in Belgium.
This case is being closely watched within the football world,with many believing it could have a significant impact on the transfer system,potentially rivaling the landmark Bosman Ruling of 1995. Diarra’s legal team is arguing for “full compensation for career damages caused by FIFA’s illegal transfer system.”
Diarra is receiving full support from FIFPro, FIFPro Europe, and the French player union UNFP. He emphasized that his fight extends beyond his personal situation. “I am doing this for myself, but also for all the lesser-known players who do not have the financial and psychological means to challenge FIFA,” he said.
the outcome of this case could force FIFA to overhaul its transfer regulations and could open the door for other players to seek compensation for damages incurred under the previous system. FIFA and the RBFA have been approached for comment.