FIFA announced on June 8, 2026, that it had reached a settlement with former France midfielder Lassana Diarra, ending all legal proceedings between the two parties in a player transfer rights case [1, 2].
The dispute arose after Diarra left Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014, one year into a four-year contract. FIFA had imposed a 10 million euro fine on Diarra for breaching the contract [1, 2].
Diarra sought 65 million euros ($75 million) in damages from FIFA and the Belgian Football Association, following a ruling by the European Union's top court (CJEU) that found some FIFA rules violated EU laws [1, 2]. The EU court’s decision had prompted FIFA to amend its transfer regulations. The new interim framework introduced updated rules on how to calculate compensation and assign the burden of proof in cases of contract breaches [1, 2].
FIFA said the settlement ended all legal proceedings “with no admission of liability nor payment by way of compensation.” It added, “FIFA will not be providing any further comment at this time,” confirming the deal’s confidential nature [1].
The so-called "Diarra ruling" has influenced about 20 European national player unions to support a Europe-wide class action lawsuit against FIFA, challenging transfer and contract rules across the sport [1, 2].
Diarra’s legal representatives did not respond to requests for comment following the announcement [1, 2].