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Lassana Diarra settles 65 million euro transfer case with FIFA, Belgian FA

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Lassana Diarra has settled a 65 million euro legal dispute with FIFA and the Belgian football association.
  • The case stemmed from Diarra's 2014 departure from Lokomotiv Moscow and a subsequent dispute over contract termination.
  • The legal battle prompted FIFA to amend its transfer rules following a European court ruling.

Former France international Lassana Diarra has reached an agreement with FIFA and the Belgian football association, settling a protracted legal battle over 65 million euros ($76 million), according to a source close to the case.

Diarra, who previously played for clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, initiated legal proceedings that led FIFA to revise its player transfer rules. This followed a significant ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in October 2024. The CJEU found that FIFA's rules hindered player mobility by exposing players and clubs to substantial and unpredictable financial and sporting risks, thereby disrupting the transfer system.

Despite the landmark ruling, Diarra had struggled to reach a settlement until now. In October last year, the 35-time capped former French international announced his intention to pursue the case in Belgian courts to enforce the CJEU's decision. FIFA confirmed the settlement, stating that "following the comprehensive agreement they reached, Mr. Lassana Diarra and FIFA have settled all legal proceedings between them." However, FIFA emphasized that it "does not acknowledge any wrongdoing and has not made any compensation payments."

following the comprehensive agreement they reached, Mr. Lassana Diarra and FIFA have settled all legal proceedings between them.

— FIFAConfirming the settlement of legal proceedings with Lassana Diarra.

The dispute originated from Diarra's departure from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014. The club claimed Diarra owed them 20 million euros, later reduced to 10.5 million euros, for terminating his contract due to a significant salary reduction. This dispute ultimately led Belgian club Charleroi to withdraw from signing Diarra, fearing repercussions.

Following the "Diarra ruling" by the CJEU, FIFA adjusted its regulations. The Justice for Players Foundation also initiated a class-action lawsuit advocating for fairer transfers, with support from various national professional footballers' unions, including France's UNFP.

does not acknowledge any wrongdoing and has not made any compensation payments.

— FIFAClarifying FIFA's position regarding fault and compensation in the settlement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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