La Liga
The case of Lassana Diarra, dating back to 2014, could have a significant impact on player transfer regulations in international football. According to a recent statement from the European Court of Justice (ECJ), this conflict raises doubts about the legality and application of various FIFA rules, especially the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). The trial, scheduled for October 4, promises to be crucial for the future of the transfer system in the transfer market.
It all started when the midfielder, who was then playing for Lokomotiv Moscow, found himself in the midst of a contractual dispute. Despite having one year left on his contract with the Russian club, Diarra expressed dissatisfaction over a salary reduction. Shortly after, he learned that his contract had been terminated without prior notice, leaving him out of action for the 2014/15 season.
The Lass Diarra case, in the hands of the EU
Lokomotiv Moscow, on the other hand, accused the player of breaching the contract and brought the case to the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber, demanding a compensation of 20 million euros. In an initial ruling, FIFA ordered Diarra to pay 10.5 million euros, but the player appealed, leading the case to the ECJ.
The crux of the case lies in Article 17 of FIFA's RSTP, which addresses the new club's joint liability when a player unilaterally terminates his contract without justification. According to this article, the player's new team may also be required to share the fine imposed by FIFA. This rule is designed to protect clubs from unjustified dismissals and prevent other teams from enticing players with the promise of breaking their current contracts.
Lass Diarra's case bears similarities to that of Christian Cueva and Santos of Brazil, which was adjudicated in 2023. On that occasion, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the Peruvian player, along with the Mexican club Pachuca, had to compensate Santos with 3.7 million euros for their unjustified departure in 2020.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El exjugador del Real Madrid que puede cambiar todo el sistema del fútbol
