VVCS Backs Class Action Lawsuit Against FIFA for Unfair Transfer Regulations

The Dutch professional footballers’ association, known as VVCS, has officially endorsed a class action lawsuit against FIFA, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), and several European football federations. The lawsuit claims that these organizations maintain an “unfair and restrictive” transfer system. Spearheaded by the Dutch-based foundation Justice for Players, this legal initiative aims to secure compensation for an estimated 100,000 professional footballers, both male and female, who have played in Europe since 2002.

This lawsuit is described as potentially reaching a “billion-euro” scale, arguing that FIFA’s current transfer rules infringe upon European Union law, particularly the principle of free movement of workers. This initiative follows a pivotal ruling by the European Court of Justice last October, which favored former France international Lassana Diarra and found that certain FIFA regulations unlawfully restricted players’ rights.

The VVCS’s stance mirrors that of France’s national players’ union, UNFP, which publicly expressed its support for the same campaign last October. In a statement, VVCS indicated that it felt compelled to take action due to the increasing number of players approaching the organization regarding transfer disputes, limited playing opportunities, and the threat of sanctions.

VVCS chairman Evgeniy Levchenko has voiced the growing frustrations among players trapped within the current system. He argued that many players are left powerless when clubs refuse to allow transfers, even when alternative offers from other teams exist. “The current transfer system was and remains unfair,” Levchenko stated. “For instance, there are footballers training for months without any chance of playing matches, or who abstain from moving to another club due to fears of FIFA penalties.”

Levchenko emphasized that the lawsuit aims not only for financial compensation but also for the restoration of players’ freedom of movement within the European labor market. “Thousands of footballers in Europe are directly disadvantaged by FIFA’s current transfer rules,” he added. “Supporting Justice for Players aligns with our commitment to creating a balanced system that complies with European law.”

According to VVCS, conditions have deteriorated in recent years, with players increasingly feeling pressured to remain at clubs despite mutual interest from other teams. Levchenko asserted, “We believe it is essential to join the Justice for Players campaign. This is for players who receive offers yet are unable to leave due to contractual obligations. A certain degree of freedom to break those contracts is necessary.”

The foundation of this lawsuit lies in last year’s landmark Diarra vs FIFA case, which has become a cornerstone of the ongoing legal movement. Former Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid midfielder Diarra faced a €10.5 million fine and was barred from joining a new club after terminating his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow due to a dispute. The European Court of Justice later ruled that FIFA’s transfer regulations unlawfully restricted Diarra’s right to free movement under EU law.

This ruling has opened the door for Justice for Players to seek broader compensation for athletes across Europe. Preliminary research commissioned by the organization indicates that professional footballers have, on average, earned about 8% less during their careers due to transfer restrictions, losses that could collectively amount to billions of euros.

Lucia Melcherts, chair of Justice for Players, stated that VVCS’s support highlights the unfairness of the current transfer system and the pressing need for reform. She commented, “Reforming these rules and ensuring fair compensation for players are crucial elements for a more transparent and improved future for professional footballers.”

Legal experts view this case as potentially the most significant challenge to FIFA’s authority since the 1995 Bosman ruling, which transformed football by allowing free transfers for out-of-contract players.

The ongoing legal challenge could profoundly affect FIFA’s transfer framework and the financial ecosystem of professional football. If successful, it may compel FIFA to revise its global transfer regulations to align more closely with European labor laws. Economists advising Justice for Players estimate that the cumulative compensation owed to players could reach several billion euros, given the number of individuals affected since 2002.

The class action led by VVCS and Justice for Players is expected to inspire similar lawsuits in other countries, as player unions across Europe—including those in France, Spain, and Belgium—evaluate their legal options. The plaintiffs contend that FIFA’s control mechanisms, particularly Article 17 of its transfer regulations, grant clubs disproportionate power and infringe on player autonomy.

Levchenko likened the current situation to the pre-Bosman era, expressing hope that this case could have a similarly groundbreaking effect. He remarked, “FIFA continues to obstruct significant changes. They have only slightly modified Article 17 of their regulations, which is merely a superficial update.”

While FIFA has not publicly commented on the case, a ruling in favor of the players would represent a dramatic shift in the governance of world football since the Bosman judgment, with potential ripple effects across all major leagues in Europe.