An EU court ruling says FIFA's transfer rules are too restrictive. This ruling increases player power and threatens the viability of some soccer business models.

Some of FIFA's rules on player transfers go against European Union laws and free movement principles, the EU's top court said on Friday, in a ruling that could open the door for players to find a new club more easily after their contract is terminated.

The European Union's top court said Friday that some FIFA rules on player transfers are contrary to European Union legislation relating to competition and freedom of movement, in a ruling that will likely lead to a shakeup of the soccer market's regulations and change the sport's economy.