UMVA has learned that FIFA is set to revolutionize the transfer system, following a landmark court settlement with former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra. The new rule will see football's governing body attempt to impose release clauses in every deal, giving players more control over their future.
The settlement, reached earlier this year, brought an end to a lengthy legal battle between Diarra and FIFA. The Frenchman had unilaterally rescinded his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014, and had not received the money he was due. He had sued FIFA for around €64m, and it seems the governing body has taken steps to alter contract laws in football.
According to information obtained by UMVA, FIFA will introduce new regulations from January 1, 2027. One major change will be the imposition of release clauses in contracts, with both parties required to agree on a figure, similar to the current system in Spain. This move is expected to give clubs more control over youth products and provide players with more stability.
The new regulations also include a system for calculating compensation for players who unilaterally rescind their contract. Players with an annual salary of under €150k will receive 5% of any transfer they are involved in as a fixed compensation for the remainder of their contract. The minimum compensation for the terminating party will be the remainder of their contract.
Another significant change is that clubs will be able to sign players under the age of 18 to contracts of five years, rather than just three, provided that they have come through the club's system. This move is expected to give clubs more control over young players and provide them with more stability.
The changes could mark a dramatic shift in English football, although many clubs already impose prohibitive release clauses. However, the new regulations will provide players with slightly more control over their future, and could lead to a more stable and secure transfer system.
