Diarra case: FIFA to "open a global dialogue with key stakeholders" on article 17 of the RSTP

"FIFA will open a global dialogue on the transfer system, involving key stakeholders, to adapt article 17 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP)," announced the international federation on 14/10/2024.

"This announcement follows on from the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the Diarra case and is in line with FIFA's strategic objective to further improve the transfer system, on which significant progress has been made since 2016," added the body.

According to the ruling handed down on 04/10/2024 by the CJEU on a reference for a preliminary ruling from the Mons Court of Appeal (BEL) in proceedings between former French international Lassana Diarra and FIFA, certain rules contained in the RSTP, in particular those concerning breach and "termination of contract without just cause" under Article 17, impede the free movement of players, restrict competition between clubs and are therefore contrary to EU law.

"In the coming days, FIFA will formally invite stakeholders to comment on and propose ideas in relation to article 17 of the RSTP with…