Former player Lassana Diarra restarts legal action against FIFA and Belgian FA

 

Former France international Lassana Diarra has relaunched legal proceedings against FIFA and the Belgian Football Association, seeking €65 million in damages. His decision comes after the European Union’s top court ruled in October that certain FIFA transfer regulations violated EU law. Diarra, who played for clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid, was fined €10 million by FIFA in 2014 after terminating his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow just one year into a four-year deal. He argues that the punishment was unjust and has spent over a decade pursuing legal redress.

Diarra initially brought his case before a Belgian court, claiming the sanction destroyed his career opportunities. He paused the process earlier this year in hopes of reaching an amicable settlement with FIFA and the Belgian FA, but no agreement was made. In a press release backed by players’ unions FIFPRO, FIFPRO Europe and France’s UNFP, Diarra said he has been “forced to fight this legal battle since August 2014” and is determined to continue. He emphasized that the case is not just about himself but also about setting a precedent for other footballers who lack the financial or psychological resources to take on global football authorities in court.

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The case has wider implications beyond Diarra’s personal battle. Following the ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), FIFA was forced to amend its transfer regulations, introducing an interim framework on how compensation is calculated and where the burden of proof lies in cases of contract breaches. The judgment has opened the door for other players’ unions and groups to challenge long-standing FIFA rules, which they argue restrict freedom of movement and reduce income opportunities for players across Europe.

A Dutch players’ association has already announced plans to launch a Europe-wide class action lawsuit against FIFA and other football associations, claiming damages for lost income caused by restrictive transfer rules. This suggests that Diarra’s case could set a landmark precedent with potentially significant financial consequences for world football’s governing bodies.

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For Diarra, the legal struggle has lasted more than eleven years, making it one of the longest personal battles against FIFA in recent history. While he continues to seek financial compensation, he has also framed the lawsuit as a symbolic fight for fairness and justice in professional football. His determination, combined with growing support from unions, signals a wider movement to reform the sport’s transfer system.