Justice For Players Slams Fifpro for Dropping Legal Action Against Fifa
Fifpro, the global player union, has agreed to drop all legal actions against Fifa in exchange for a seat in future talks regarding football’s governance. This decision has drawn criticism from Justice For Players, a class action group seeking billions in compensation for illegal transfer rules, according to reports.
The agreement ends a legal battle Fifpro had pursued against Fifa over the addition of extra games to the global match calendar. In return for withdrawing the action, Fifa granted the union a role in future negotiations and announced new transfer rules to address the 2024 Diarra ruling.
Why is Justice For Players criticizing the deal?
Justice For Players says the agreement leaves thousands of footballers “in the cold.” The group is disappointed that Fifpro asked its members to drop legal actions to secure a seat at the table for future talks.
Koen Rutten, a lawyer for Justice For Players, told City AM that players who played from 2001 to the present have suffered damages. He stated that while Fifa earns billions because of the players, the organization has ignored attempts to reach a settlement for past wrongs.
What was the impact of the Diarra ruling?
The European Court of Justice issued a landmark ruling in 2024, known as the Diarra ruling, which declared Fifa’s transfer framework illegal. This ruling established that Fifa breached European antitrust provisions.
Justice For Players argues that this established wrongdoing requires compensation for those harmed. Rutten told City AM that if a settlement is reached, it must address what Fifa did wrong in the past.
What happens next for the class action lawsuit?
Justice For Players vows to continue its fight against Fifa. The group claims that national player unions have not yet withdrawn their support for the class action, which is backed by thousands of current and former players.
Future developments may include continued attempts to secure compensation for the 2001-present period. Rutten expressed confidence in the success of these efforts, stating the group will not give up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Fifpro agree to stop its legal action?
Fifpro agreed to drop its lawsuit regarding the global match calendar after Fifa gave the union a seat at the table for future talks.
How many players are affected by the illegal transfer rules?
Justice For Players estimates that 100,000 footballers were affected, losing approximately eight per cent of their earnings.
What is the status of the national player unions?
According to Justice For Players, national player unions have not yet withdrawn their support for the class action lawsuit.
Should player unions prioritize a voice in future rule-making over seeking financial compensation for past losses?