FIFA to open global talks on updating transfer rules after landmark Diarra ruling

 After a landmark court decision for soccer transfer market, FIFA said Monday it will now invite “key stakeholders” worldwide for talks about updating rules put in question by former France international Lassana Diarra.

European Court of Justice ruled in Diarra case on Oct. 4 in Luxembourg that some parts of FIFA’s transfer regulations did not comply with its laws on competition and freedom of movement for labor.

While some analysts speculate that entire global transfer market, worth more than $10 billion each year, could be upended, FIFA believes its consultations can focus more narrowly on player-club disputes where contracts are allegedly broken without just cause.

FIFA talks should include global players’ union FIFPRO, plus representatives from clubs, leagues and national soccer federations.

"Toger with m, FIFA will determine what conclusions must be drawn from Diarra decision, and which changes are most appropriate and suitable to make to article 17 of (transfer regulations),” governing body's chief legal officer Emilio García said in a statement.

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

FIFA and n Court of Arbitration for Sport found Russian club terminated contract “with just cause” and ordered player to pay 10.5 million euros ($11.2 million). Diarra argued his search for a new club was affected by FIFA rules, making his next employer jointly responsible for paying compensation to Lokomotiv.

“ Diarra decision confirms sanctity of contracts. Nobody, neir a club nor a player, can simply walk away from a valid contract,” García said. “Consequently, if players wish to be released from a contract, re will be financial consequences.”

FIFA-led talks will open while Diarra case now goes back to a local court in Belgium, where a final ruling could take years rar than months.