A compensation claim that could be worth billions of euros and involve 100,000 footballers who have played professionally in the European Union over the last 23 years may alter the financial landscape of the sport.

The Dutch foundation Justice for Players (JFP) has launched a lawsuit against global governing body FIFA. Also named as co-defendants in the case are the German Football Association (DFB) and those of France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark.

"It will amount to billions," Dolf Segaar, a lawyer and board member for JFP, told DW.

"It's not only about money. It is about fair rules, which we believe are important as well. We intend to discuss the settlement for compensation, but we want as well for this to be a trigger to find new rules on behalf of clubs and players, so that there is a better functioning labor market in the football industry."

The lawsuit follows a landmark ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) last October in a case brought by former Real Madrid and France player Lassana Diarra. The midfielder had wanted to terminate his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014 but was unable to join a Belgian club after leaving Russia because Lokomotiv owned his registration and he did not have what was described as "just cause" for termination.

The ECJ ruled that the FIFA transfer laws which applied at the time "impede the free movement of professional footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work for a new club." The........

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