Article 17 of the Fifa Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players

Abstract

Article 17 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players governs the consequences of a unilateral termination of a professional footballer's employment contract without just cause. The interpretation of this measure by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and the manner through which the FIFA Disciplinary Code enforces such awards, raises questions as to the compatibility of the regime with EU competition and free movement laws. To avoid rendering unenforceable awards in the territory of the EU, CAS panels should apply EU law more systematically and consistently.