Sport Law – Bosman Ruling
The transfer market for unemployed players in all professional sports was radically altered by the Bosman ruling [Union Royale Belge Des Societes de Football Association ASBL v Bosman C415/93 (1996)], enabling out-of-contract players to transfer free of any claims by their previous employer.
None the less, players employed under existing fixed term contracts who wish to find a new employer or who are required to find a new employer need to be released from their existing contract.
Analyse the legal implications of this ruling for European sport, with reference to the most important developments post-Bosman and to relevant case law.