27.9.2008
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
C 247/9
Reference for a preliminary ruling from the Cour de cassation (France) lodged on 17 July 2008 — Olympique Lyonnais v Olivier Bernard, Newcastle United FC
(Case C-325/08)
(2008/C 247/15)
Language of the case: French
Referring court
Cour de cassation
Parties to the main proceedings
Applicant: Olympique Lyonnais
Defendants: Olivier Bernard, Newcastle United FC
Questions referred
1.
Does the principle of the freedom of movement for workers laid down in [Article 39 EC] preclude a provision of national law pursuant to which an espoir player who at the end of his training period signs a professional player's contract with a club of another Member State of the European Union may be ordered to pay damages?
2.
If so, does the need to encourage the recruitment and training of young professional players constitute a legitimate objective or an overriding reason in the general interest capable of justifying such a restriction?
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