Lassana Diarra's Legal Battle with FIFA: A Landmark Case for Soccer Players

Former French international soccer player Lassana Diarra is suing FIFA and the Belgian soccer federation for €65 million. The lawsuit follows a European court ruling that some FIFA transfer regulations don't comply with EU labor laws. Diarra hopes his action will benefit lesser-known players.

Former France international Lassana Diarra is pursuing a €65 million lawsuit against FIFA and the Belgian soccer federation. This follows a landmark court decision challenging FIFA's transfer rules' compliance with European Union labor and competition laws.

Diarra's legal fight, which has spanned a decade, stems from contract issues with his former club Lokomotiv Moscow. The European Court ruled that FIFA's transfer rules hinder player movement and competition, leading Diarra to miss the 2014-15 season.

The case has the backing of FIFPRO and seeks to reform the soccer world, aiming to protect the rights of both established and up-and-coming players from restrictive transfer rules.

(With inputs from agencies.)