Global Speakers Federation’s Post

A landmark ruling for Leicester City FC underscores the critical importance of clear, precise language in membership-based contracts. Learn how this decision could impact regulatory enforcement and contractual obligations beyond sports in Narman Aria's latest blog, available to read here: https://ow.ly/B62N50Utca7

This should be a fascinating discussion on #Diarra #sportslaw

EU Court Rules FIFA Transfer Regulations Violate EU Law: The Lassana Diarra Case In a landmark ruling on October 4, 2024, the EU’s highest court declared FIFA’s transfer rules incompatible with EU law. Originating from a case involving former French international Lassana Diarra, the decision could significantly reshape player mobility and the transfer market across Europe. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) found that FIFA’s regulations hinder the free movement of players and restrict competition. Specifically, FIFA’s rules mandate that players terminating contracts “without just cause” pay compensation to their former clubs, with new clubs sharing this liability. Additionally, new clubs may face transfer bans, and national associations must withhold International Transfer Certificates if disputes are unresolved. The court concluded that these rules impose “considerable legal, financial, and sporting risks” on players and clubs, restricting cross-border competition and player movement. The case dates back to 2014, when Diarra’s contract with Lokomotiv Moscow was terminated due to salary disputes. FIFA subsequently ordered Diarra to pay €10 million, limiting his ability to join other clubs. Diarra then challenged FIFA’s rules in court, leading to the CJEU’s ruling that these restrictions infringe on EU principles of free movement and fair competition. The implications of this ruling could be transformative. Players may soon have greater freedom to move between clubs without facing prohibitive penalties. FIFA could be required to revise its transfer system, eliminating clauses that restrict new clubs and requiring a complete rethinking of compensation structures. The ruling has drawn comparisons to the 1995 Bosman decision, which revolutionised player transfers by allowing free movement at the end of contracts. FIFPro, the players’ union, welcomed the ruling as a victory for players' rights, while FIFA has yet to respond but is expected to review its regulations. As a next step, FIFA and EU national football associations will need to overhaul their rules to comply with EU law. This transition period will likely bring challenges, including balancing competitive fairness, addressing smaller clubs' concerns over revenue loss, and ensuring a financially stable transfer system. The ruling has divided stakeholders: larger clubs see potential in relaxed player movement, smaller clubs fear loss of revenue, and players view it as an increase in their professional freedom. How FIFA and the football associations adapt in the coming months will shape the future of the transfer market in European football. https://lnkd.in/eAyVAk9p #FIFA #FootballRegulations #FootballLaw

Small vs. large association boards -- which is the best size for your association? See the link in the comments for our insights and expert advice! #association #boardofdirectors

In line with being the global voice for #SportsForAll, Ms. Game Mothibi urged participants to tap into all kinds of policymaking networks—formal and informal professional groups, local communities, private sectors, and government agencies—to include and prioritize #SportForAll in their agendas.  #TAFISACLC1 #TAFISA

https://lnkd.in/ek9b4hDh Very concerning to see that the UK new bill on football governance is extremely conservative, against progress and fair competition: are we moving towards a democrature (i.e. the appearance of democracy but an authoritarian regime in practice) in the UK?

CSHP board members are dedicated leaders advancing our profession and gracing our organization with their time and expertise. Check out the highlights to see the great work they have accomplished

If you haven't been able to attend the MPG Conference, here's a link to DG Cassim's opening remarks. Some key takeaways to note: - JIBAR cessation is still set for 2026, with the precise date to be announced in December 2025; - the expectation is that market participants prioritize an "active transition" and not take a "wait and see" approach. Transition is happening and all JIBAR users need to do the necessary to move away from this rate; - the JIBAR/ZARONIA adjustment spread methodology has not yet been settled for South Africa. While consideration has been given to ISDAs tested methodology, this might not be suitable for South Africa (particularly considering structural shifts in our market post the implementation of a new monetary policy in June 2022). With just over 2 years until JIBAR cessation, there is alot of information to digest and market participants should start getting their transition programmes in place. I'd suggest as a first step getting an accurate view of all the JIBAR exposure across your organization (across contracts, systems and business units) - this will help to determine the scale of impact which will in turn drive transition efforts.

Here is Saturday's front page of the Irish Independent