The fifth edition of the FIFA Football Law Annual Review (FLAR) concluded in Mexico City today. It had been opened by a video message from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who stressed the importance of the transfer reforms to meet the modern challenges facing football and the significance of events like the FLAR “in bringing the football world together and strengthening democratic principles and participation”. In his welcome speech, Mexican Football Association President Yon de Luisa underlined the need for “transparency and dialogue through similar events”, which are becoming an integral and indispensable part of the football industry.

FIFA’s Chief Legal & Compliance Officer Emilio García Silvero presented an overview of the legal work, achievements and challenges of 2022 and outlined the road ahead for intensifying efforts aimed at implementing the transfer reforms and ultimately realising FIFA’s vision for 2020-2023. Attended by over 300 participants from all over the world and with many more tuning in live, leading legal practitioners and academics took the opportunity of the annual meeting to discuss critical football legal issues. The attendees were able to interact with representatives of football stakeholders and hear first-hand from 15 speakers an analysis of recent developments in connection with FIFA’s transfer reforms (including the FIFA Clearing House, the new Football Agent Regulations and regulatory changes concerning the transfer of minors) along with the challenges and plans for 2023. They also participated in a discussion on major cases involving the Court of Arbitration for Sport and other judicial bodies as well as the legal issues currently facing football.

Since 2019, FIFA has been opening its doors to host the FLAR, which has become an important way of promoting a dialogue on the football regulatory framework, case law and the main decisions of its judicial bodies. “A fundamental objective of the work of FIFA’s Legal & Compliance Division is to facilitate an open dialogue in relation to our decision-making processes in order to hear from others and further improve the service we provide to our member associations and all other stakeholders,” said García Silvero.

For more information on the FIFA Football Law Annual Review 2023, click HERE. Re-live Day 1:

Re-live Day 2: