FIFA Lurks Under the Bridge

Two weeks ago, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee punished two French clubs — Angers and Paris FC — for their roles in a so-called “bridge transfer.” This is a multi-step transaction where clubs arrange for the same player to be transferred twice, over a short time, so they can avoid some rule or regulation. While clubs have been doing this for years, FIFA did not ban the practice until 2020. The ruling against Angers and Paris marked the first time FIFA enforced the ban.

At least in the short term, the new rule may close some routes that used to help clubs and players finalize transfers. In turn, this may force both to adjust — especially in the United States.

FIFA v. Paris and Angers

Facts

The case examined two transfers of then-22-year-old French winger Kevin Bemanga. The first occurred on July 3, 2020, when Bemanga left Deportivo Xerez, in Spain’s fourth tier, on a free transfer to Ligue 2’s Paris FC. Upon arrival, he signed his first professional contract with the club. Five weeks later, without playing for Paris, Bemanga moved again — this time, on a free transfer to Angers. The Ligue 1 club then completed a new contract with him.

FIFA viewed this awkward two-step exchange as a bridge transfer, with Angers always meant to be the final stop.