Lassana Diarra has turned up the heat. After his landmark victory at the European Court of Justice in October 2024, the former France international is now suing FIFA for a staggering €65 million.
The ECJ had ruled that certain transfer rules violated EU law, restricting player mobility and distorting competition. Diarra was initially awarded €10.5m in compensation, but after FIFA refused to pay a cent – or negotiate – the ex-Real Madrid midfielder multiplied his claim by six.
Supported by FIFPro, FIFPro Europe and the UNFP, Diarra is taking the case back to Belgian courts, with a verdict expected within 12 to 15 months. If he wins, FIFA and the Belgian FA will have to foot the bill, potentially shaking the very foundations of the transfer system.
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At 40, Diarra insists he’s fighting not just for himself but for all players without the means to challenge FIFA’s might. If the court rules in his favour, it could spark a revolution in global football governance.
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