Some of FIFA's rules on player transfers go against European Union laws and free movement principles, the EU's top court said on Friday, in a ruling that could open the door for players to find a new club more easily after their contract is terminated.

The European Union's top court said Friday that some FIFA rules on player transfers are contrary to European Union legislation relating to competition and freedom of movement.

Football's governing body FIFA says that a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling confirms its transfer regulations in principle and suggested the ruling would have no major impact. The ECJ had ruled in a case involving by former France player Lassana Diarra that some FIFA transfer rules hindered the free movement of players and competition between clubs,