The new regulations introduce basic service standards for football agents and their clients, including a mandatory licensing system, the prohibition of multiple representation to avoid conflicts of interest, and the introduction of a cap on agent fees, all with the objective of reinforcing contractual stability, protecting the integrity of the transfer system and achieving greater financial transparency.
Major points:
- Return to a system of licensing after agents have passed a FIFA-organized exam. Any agent who was previously licensed will be exempted from taking the exam (but will have to apply for a license).
- Once licensed, agents will be able to operate worldwide.
- The obligation of continuous professional training will be implemented for agents.
- Annual license fee to be paid to FIFA.
- Written representation agreement with mandatory mentions (2 years maximum).
- Prohibition of multiple representations (only exception: representation of both the player/coach and the recruiting club).
- Special provisions for the representation of minor players.
- Payment of the agent’s commission directly by the client.
- Specific commission payment methods (after the close of the transfer market, by quarterly installments, in proportion to the sums collected by its client, viaFIFA Clearing House, etc.).
- Capping of commissions (3% – 5% – 10%).
- Obligations to disclose information and documents.
- Publication by FIFA of data relating to the activity of agents.
- Resolution of disputes with an international dimension: jurisdiction of the FIFA Football Tribunal’s Agents Chamber.
- Current Representation Agreements will remain valid (but cannot be extended) until they expire (with a deadline).
- Recognition of national licensing systems.
- Questions about the “transposition” of the provisions of the Regulation into national law.
