Diarra demands €6M from FIFA over failed transfer

Brussels - French international Lassana Diarra, ordered to pay a €10-million fine to former club Lokomotiv Moscow, has in turn demanded millions in compensation from FIFA and the Belgian football federation, Belgian media reported on Friday.

The 31-year-old appeared before a Belgian court along with his lawyers on Thursday and demanded €6 million be paid by FIFA and the Belgian federation over the Marseille midfielder's failed transfer to Charleroi in 2015.

While out of contract in early 2015, Diarra had signed a letter committing himself to finish the season with Belgian top-flight side Charleroi.

However, the deal hinged on the condition whereby the Belgian club would not face sanctions by signing Diarra, who was then in full dispute with Lokomotiv Moscow.

Diarra had abruptly left the Russian club in 2014 after signing a four-year contract in 2013, mainly because of a pay cut.

Lokomotiv brought the case to FIFA and the world body imposed a fine of €10 million which was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last May.

As a result Charleroi finally decided not to complete the Diarra signing.

The French player believes he was the wronged party and has decided to take legal action.

The verdict will be delivered in the coming months.