A global class-action lawsuit filed today in the Netherlands is challenging FIFA’s long-standing transfer rules—marking what could be the biggest legal battle in football since the Bosman ruling.
The case, led by a newly formed non-profit called Justice for Players, seeks up to €1.5 billion in compensation on behalf of more than 100,000 current and former professional players worldwide.
The suit argues that FIFA’s transfer regulations—especially restrictions on player movement and excessive fees—have violated EU competition law for decades.
At the centre of the case is a December 2024 ruling by the European Court of Justice, which found parts of FIFA’s transfer regulations did not comply with EU laws on competition and freedom of movement for labor.
Today’s filing builds directly on that precedent, arguing that clubs and intermediaries have long profited at the expense of players’ freedom of contract and fair market access.
While the case is being filed in the EU, its ripple effects could be global.
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What does it mean for British players?
Many British players who were active before Brexit—or under similar FIFA rules—may be eligible to join the suit or pursue parallel action.
For the Premier League the stakes are high. A successful challenge could force changes to transfer fees, contract lengths, and club power structures—potentially benefiting players but shaking up business models.
Just as Bosman reshaped the modern game, Justice for Players could define the next era. The legal clock is now ticking.