FIFPro to challenge transfer system

Published Dec. 17, 2013 1:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

The international footballers' union wants to overhaul the transfer system, which it says ''shackles'' players to clubs and benefits agents too much.

FIFPro says it will launch a legal challenge that could revolutionize the transfer market and make it much easier for players to force through moves to another team.

The current transfer system was agreed in 2001 following the Bosman ruling on limits on foreigners but FIFPro President Philippe Piat says it ''only benefits the richest 1 percent of clubs and player agents.''

The challenge is likely to be fiercely opposed by clubs, but FIFPro said it is ready to take the case to the European Commission, the European Court of Justice and human rights.