CJEU: "The transfer system is an efficient and effective means of wealth distribution" (ECA)

"The transfer system as a whole, and transfer fees and solidarity mechanism more specifically, are an efficient and effective means of wealth distribution from bigger clubs to smaller ones, including a huge number of ECA's members, in addition to the strong system of competition revenue solidarity that is in place at European level," said the ECA on 04/10/2024.

The European Club Association reacted to the publication of the ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union in a case between former French international Lassana Diarra and FIFA. Requested by the Mons Court of Appeal (BEL) for a preliminary ruling, the CJEU ruled that certain rules contained in the International Federation's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players "hinder the free movement of players", restrict "competition between clubs" and are therefore "contrary to EU law" (see "further reading" section). This decision "will change the landscape of professional football," according to FIFPRO, and will have a major impact on the future of the "labour market in football," according to European Leagues. It…