Interim Amendments to the RSTP Following the Diarra Judgment

In response to the Diarra Judgment delivered by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on 4 October 2024 in case C-650/22, involving football player Lassana Diarra, FIFA enacted an interim regulatory framework. This provisional set of amendments revises critical areas of the RSTP and Procedural Rules Governing the Football Tribunal. Among the notable updates are the introduction of a formal definition of "just cause", a reformed approach to calculating compensation for breaches of contract, and a streamlined process for International Transfer Certificates (ITCs). These measures aim to provide immediate regulatory clarity while ongoing stakeholder consultations shape the future of FIFA’s global football regulations.

Key Amendments to the RSTP

Definition of “Just Cause” (Art. 14.1 RSTP)

The interim framework formally defines "just cause", an essential concept for contract termination. Under the new definition, a contract may be terminated without consequences if a party can no longer reasonably and in good faith continue the contractual relationship. This amendment codifies established jurisprudence of the Football Tribunal, offering stakeholders greater predictability and legal certainty.

The definition underscores a fact-specific approach: the Football Tribunal will analyze each case’s unique circumstances to determine...

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