What you should know
This system does not grant footballers the same freedoms as other industry workers
The reasoning for denying these rights is allowed only by acknowledging a universal list of factors, including young player development, competitive balance, bespoke contractual agreements and preserving shared interests between club and player.
FIFPRO continues to develop and challenge the legitimacy of the modern-day transfer system
Reform is needed to address significant restrictions of players’ freedom of movement; the current arrangement has many limitations that fall short of a fair and just industry.
Governing bodies, such as FIFA and individual FAs, must work together to tackle these issues
In the meantime FIFPRO will continue to work towards developing a complete reform, providing practical solutions to individual cases in the shorter term.

More players in the USA can become a free agent
Professional football players now have much more control over which club in America’s Major League Soccer (MLS) they want to join.

How Jean-Marc Bosman changed football's transfer system
Belgian professional footballer Jean-Marc Bosman wanted to sign a contract with a French club. However his Belgian club blocked his desired move, even though his contract with the club had expired. He began a legal battle which resulted in all professional footballers becoming free agents at the end of their contracts.

How Olivier Bernard changed French transfer regulations
Young French player Olivier Bernard refused to sign a new contract with his club. Therefore French football regulations did not allow him to continue his career in France. He was also ordered to pay a heavy fine. Bernard refused, went to court and changed French transfer regulations.
