EU Court Allows Challenges to FIFA Decisions Across Member States

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that FIFA's decisions, including those made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) based in Switzerland, can be challenged in national courts across the 27 EU member states. This landmark ruling requires EU tribunals to conduct in-depth judicial reviews to ensure CAS awards comply with fundamental EU laws, such as freedom to conduct business and other public policies. The decision challenges the long-standing system that had bound athletes, officials, and clubs to accept CAS rulings without recourse outside Switzerland, effectively increasing legal oversight of FIFA and similar sports bodies. The case originated from a dispute involving Belgian club RFC Seraing and Maltese investment fund Doyen Sports, who opposed FIFA's ban on third-party ownership of players' registration and transfer rights. While the ECJ did not directly rule on the legality of third-party ownership, the ruling opens the door for broader scrutiny of sports arbitration decisions under EU law, potentially reshaping global football governance. The ruling has been hailed as a victory for the rule of law within the EU, although FIFA and CAS have yet to comment.