After a historic court ruling in the football transfer market, FIFA announced on Monday that it would now invite “key stakeholders” from around the world to discuss updating the rules questioned by the former international French Lassana Diarra.

The European Court of Justice ruled in the Diarra case on October 4 in Luxembourg that parts of FIFA’s transfer rules did not comply with its laws on competition and free movement of workers.

While some analysts speculate that the entire global transfer market, worth more than $10 billion each year, could be upended, FIFA believes its consultations can focus more narrowly on disputes between players and clubs in which contracts would be terminated without just cause.

Negotiations with FIFA are expected to include global players’ union FIFPRO, as well as representatives from clubs, leagues and national football federations.

“Together with them, FIFA will determine what conclusions should be drawn from the Diarra decision and what changes are most appropriate and appropriate to make to Article 17 of the (transfer regulations),” the governing body’s legal director said , Emilio García, in a press release. statement.

Diarra, a former Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea player, signed a four-year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in 2013. The deal was terminated a year later after he became unhappy with alleged salary cuts. salary.

FIFA and then the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the Russian club had terminated the contract “for valid reason” and ordered the player to pay 10.5 million euros ($11.2 million). Diarra argued that his search for a new club was affected by FIFA rules, making his next employer jointly responsible for paying compensation to Lokomotiv.

“The Diarra decision confirms the sanctity of contracts. No one, neither a club nor a player, can simply renounce a valid contract,” García said. “Therefore, if players wish to be released from a contract there will be financial consequences.”

The FIFA-led talks will open as Diarra’s case now heads to a local court in Belgium, where a final decision could take years rather than months.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Associated Press)