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Lassana Diarra €65 million claim against FIFA and the Belgian FA has returned to court after a CJEU ruling against FIFA’s transfer rules.
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The case began when he left Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014.
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The former Chelsea star is still disputing the fines and suspension imposed by FIFA.
Former Chelsea star Lassana Diarra €65 million claim returns to Belgian courts as the former France midfielder restarts legal action, his lawyer said on Monday.
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The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled last October that parts of FIFA’s transfer rules conflict with EU law.
Diarra says FIFA’s rules cost him money and disrupted his career.
His lawyer, Martin Hissel, confirming the claim seeks compensation for damage caused by FIFA rules, and added that At the request of the Belgian courts, the CJEU settled the essential legal points.
Meanwhile, Hissel expects judges to rule within 12–15 months.
The dispute began in August 2014, when Lokomotiv Moscow terminated Diarra’s contract and sought €20 million.
FIFA then ordered Diarra to pay €10 million and imposed a backdated 15-month suspension – sanctions the Court of Arbitration for Sport later upheld.
Because of those liabilities, Belgian club Charleroi reportedly refused to sign Diarra.
That decision, Diarra says, shows how FIFA’s rules once deterred clubs from registering players.
After the CJEU ruling, FIFA issued an “interim regulatory framework” for transfers in December.
Diarra says he waited for an amicable settlement after messages from FIFA and FIFPRO Europe but got no offer.
“Their silence reflects a persistent culture of contempt for the rule of law and for players,” – he said.
“I therefore have no choice but to return to the courts.”
This case could reshape transfer practice across Europe and force national courts to protect players’ rights more firmly.
Stakeholders from clubs to agents will watch the Belgian proceedings closely.
Diarra, capped 34 times by France, played for Chelsea, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Real Madrid and finished his career at Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
