The traditional routes followed by soccer players to become professional include:
- Finding and appointing an agent;
- Being recruited following a trial (try out) with a club;
- Being spotted by a scout; or
- Joining a club's academy and being offered a contract upon completion of the training period.
APPOINTING A SOCCER AGENT
In relation to appointing an agent, it is sensible for a player to find an agent to represent his or her interests to explore opportunities with clubs to develop the player's career. A player may also rely on a parent or family member to become their agent to find opportunities with soccer clubs, and negotiate deals on behalf of the player.
The good news is that there are currently no formal educational requirements for people who want to become an agent to represent players worldwide. However, FIFA has introduced requirements that must be satisfied if you want to represent players, clubs or coaches worldwide.*
In this post, we discuss the requirements to become a soccer agent, and shall briefly discuss the recently introduced licensing system governing agents.
DOES A SOCCER PLAYER NEED AN AGENT?
It is a player's decision where or not to use an agent. In fact, many players represent themselves. However, if they do decide to appoint an agent there are certain rules that govern the player - agent relationship. These rules shall apply even where the agent used is a parent or family member.
 |
Kevin Debruyne represented himself during his contract extension
|
WHAT RULES APPLY TO AGENTS?
Before to 2015, anyone who wanted to represent professional football or soccer players and or clubs worldwide had to sit and pass exams prepared by FIFA in order to get a licence to become an agent.
Following the introduction of changes to the rules, the responsibility for licensing and or registering football agents was transferred over to the FIFA Member National Football Associations around the world.
In 2022, FIFA introduced new regulations governing agents.
THE NEW SYSTEM GOVERNING AGENTS
Under FIFA's rules, a player can appoint an agent to represent him / her in relation to a transfer from one club to another or to find and negotiate a new employment contract with a club.
If a player does decide to use an agent, the agent must hold a FIFA licence.**
Under article 3(1) of FIFA's new regulations (FFAR 2022):
"....Member associations shall implement and enforce national football agent regulations by 30 September 2023."
The new regulations introduced by national football associations around the world must be consistent with FIFA's new regulations. This means that football associations shall new reintroduce a licensing system for agents representing players, coaches and clubs within their territory
HOW DOES A PERSON GET A LICENSE?
To become an agent, a person must:
a) submit a licence application via FIFA's online platform;
b) comply with the eligibility requirements;
c) pass an entrance exam conducted by FIFA; and
d) pay an annual fee to FIFA for the issuance of the licence.***
WHAT TOPICS DOES THE EXAM COVER?
In addition to the regulations introduced by national football association, the person providing services as an agent shall nevertheless be bound by FIFA’s statutes and regulations, and the statutes and regulations of associations and confederations.
Those wanting to become agents should therefore ensure that they learn about the relevant laws, rules and regulations that can apply to them when working as a football agent.
FIFA RULES, REGULATIONS AND LAWS
The rules and regulations introduced by FIFA include:
- FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (the latest edition)
- FIFA’s Football Agent Regulations (the latest edition)
- FIFA’s Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes
- FIFA’s Standing Orders of the Congress
- Specific Recommendations to Combat Match Manipulation: Guidelines for FIFA member associations
- FIFA Disciplinary Code (the latest edition)
- FIFA Code of Ethics (the latest edition)
- The applicable FIFA Circulars and Annexes relating to the above Regulations;
RULES SPECIFIC TO WHERE AN AGENT SHALL WORK
- National Football Association Rules and Regulations (in the country where the agent intends to operate); and
- League Rules and Regulations, such as those introduced by the English Premier League; amongst other areas.
In addition to the above FIFA regulations and those introduced by National Football Associations and Leagues, it shall also be helpful for a person who intends to represent a player to learn about important national laws in the country where the agent intends to provide services, particularly contract law, employment/labor laws, and the law of tort, amongst other areas.
This shall not only ensure that the agent provides the standard of service to be expected by a professional player and club, but also give the agent a degree of protection against professional liability issues.
We hope you enjoyed the post.
Grab a free copy of our Guide: 'The Role of a Soccer Agent''
If you any questions or comments, let us know in the section below:
Follow US:
Player Career Development (Group)
Player Career Development (Page)
Our Publications:
* FIFA Rules & Regulations apply in FIFA Member Countries. There are currently 211 FIFA Member Countries.
** See Regulation II.4(2) of the Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes (2022 ed)
*** See Article 4(1) of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (2023 ed)
Comments
Post a Comment