Everton and Liverpool set for imminent FIFA rule decision that could change transfers forever

Transfer news as current FIFA rules surrounding player moves are under the microscope thanks to Lassana Diarra’s decade-long battle with the governing body

The football transfer market could be on the verge of its most significant overhaul in over 30 years, according to Advocate General Maciej Szpunar of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). He hinted at potential new rules earlier this year with a key hearing set to come to an end soon.

The verdict of former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra’s decade-long case against FIFA, the governing body of world football, is expected later this week. On Friday, October 4, the laws surrounding player transfers may well be deemed unsuitable.

Szpunar discussed possible breaches of European Union regulations by FIFA’s current rules, describing the existing system as ‘draconian. ‘ But why? And what could be the potential outcomes?

It all started with Diarra, who moved from Le Havre in France to Chelsea in 2005, then to Arsenal two years later, Portsmouth after just six months, and astonishingly was signed by Real Madrid just a year later. However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse after leaving Madrid in September 2012, reports football.london.

He joined the wealthy Russian team Anzhi Makhachkala, but soon found himself moving to Lokomotiv Moscow after one season. Despite a promising start, he lost his place in the team, and this is where the issues currently being debated in court come into play.

After quickly becoming an outlying figure at Lokomotiv Moscow, the club attempted to slash Lassana Diarra’s wages, a move he rejected. With three years left on his contract, Lokomotiv ended their agreement, citing missed training sessions as the relationship soured.

The club sued for breach of contract and following a FIFA dispute resolution panel’s ruling, Diarra faced a ban. He fought back, taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with Lokomotiv demanding over £15 million in compensation — the sum they paid for his transfer.