FIFPRO Europe: Reaction to class action announced by Dutch foundation Justice for Players

FIFPRO Europe has been informed by the Dutch foundation Justice for Players of the launch of a class action against FIFA to claim compensation for the damage caused to all players and former players by FIFA rules that were deemed illegal by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in its Diarra ruling.

For FIFPRO Europe the establishment of this foundation represents the anticipated practical response to the CJEU's Diarra judgment, effectively centralising advocacy for affected players' interests that have broad implications for the football industry.

Based on our founding principles and statutes, FIFPRO Europe recognises the fundamental right of players to pursue justice in what has constituted the most significant and long-lasting non-poaching agreement within the sports industry.

FIFPRO Europe, in coordination with FIFPRO, will now take the time to thoroughly assess the foundation's initiative.

As the collective voice of professional footballers in Europe, FIFPRO Europe will always support fair compensation for affected players whose rights were breached, while driving meaningful reform towards inclusive governance structures in international football. This approach aims to shield past, current and future generations of players from unilateral and arbitrary decision-making processes that undermine or harm fundamental workers’ rights and fair competition.

FIFPRO Europe remains committed to pursuing constructive dialogue and collaborative solutions with relevant football and public authorities to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the football sector across national and international levels.