Ex-France star Diarra seeks $76m damages from FIFA over transfer dispute

Former France international Lassana Diarra is demanding $76 million in damages from FIFA and the Belgian Football Association in a long-running legal battle over football’s transfer rules.

The 39-year-old’s case triggered a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in October 2024, which found that parts of FIFA’s transfer regulations breached EU law. Despite that verdict, Diarra insists no settlement has been reached.

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“Following a ruling by the CJEU, in the absence of an amicable solution, it is natural to return to the national courts so that they can implement the CJEU ruling,” Diarra’s lawyer, Martin Hissel, said, adding that Belgian courts are expected to rule within 12 to 15 months.

The dispute dates back to Diarra’s departure from Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014. After his contract was terminated for alleged breaches, the club sought €20m in compensation.

FIFA eventually ordered Diarra to pay €10m and imposed a 15-month suspension, upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Belgian club Charleroi subsequently withdrew from signing him, fearing liability under FIFA’s rules—a decision that became central to his legal fight.

The CJEU later ruled that FIFA’s transfer rules created “considerable legal, financial and sporting risks,” restricting the free movement of players and distorting the market.

FIFA responded by introducing an “interim regulatory framework” in December, but Diarra says no dialogue has been offered.

“I waited a few months before restarting national proceedings in Belgium, thinking that FIFA and the Belgian FA would at least have the decency to propose an amicable settlement,” Diarra said.

“This was not the case. It reflects a persistent culture of contempt for the rule of law and players, despite the very clear message sent by the CJEU.”