Analysis of the CJEU Judgment on Lassana Diarra and FIFPRO v FIFA and URBSFA: A Case Study of Protection for Freedom of Movement of Professional Football Players in the EU
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Abstract
Despite establishing the maintenance of contractual stability and protecting the integrity of global football of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)’s international football governance, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has delivered judgments which have protected the freedom of movement of sports players in the European Union (EU) while transferring before their contract expires, and in particular professional football players, ever more extensive right to freedom of movement for workers within the EU. Recognition of the CJEU ruling is not only in line with the human rights goal, i.e., protecting freedom of movement in the EU, but it can also serve as a significant factor for the protection of rights that allows professional football players to freely travel within or between countries, and to choose where they work or associate for the purpose of joining football clubs. This paper focuses on a ruling that affirmed the FIFA's transfer rules violated the EU right of free movement of workers, by analysing the viewpoint of the CJEU Judgment in the Case C-650/22 Lassana Diarra case Lassana Diarra and FIFPRO v FIFA and URBSFA. It adds important insights into protection for freedom of movement of professional football players within the EU law literature, whilst also being of interest to those with a wider interest in the applicability of Article 45 and Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
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