Lassana Diarra Resumes £56m Legal Fight Against FIFA, Belgian FA

Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra is resuming his legal battle against FIFA and the Belgian FA over a £56 million dispute since his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow was terminated in 2014. Diarra's attempt to join Belgian side Charleroi in 2015 was blocked by FIFA, which refused to issue an international transfer certificate (ITC).

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled in October 2024 that FIFA's rule impeded the free movement of professional footballers. Diarra, now 40, insists that FIFA must be held accountable for leaving his career in limbo.

FIFA had previously ordered Diarra to pay Lokomotiv Moscow £6 million for breaching his contract. Diarra, supported by Footballers union FifPro and other organizations, is challenging FIFA's transfer regulations, arguing that they have led to significant income loss for players.

FIFA has responded cautiously to the situation.