The rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union on 21 December 2023 introduced a new framework for football governing bodies in terms of competition law. Leading experts Robby Houben, Oliver Budzinski and Melchior Wathelet examine these rulings and their implications for FIFA’s transfer system, and also delve into the implications of the pending Diarra case. Anticipating the downfall of the current transfer system, the authors propose a new replacement system to ensure stability and fairness in football transfers. This timely piece addresses the urgent need for reform and guides stakeholders in adapting to imminent changes.