How to Pass the FIFA Agent Exam: Key Points to Note in The FIFA Football Agent Regulations

Passing the FIFA Football Agent Exam.Series 3: The World of Football Agents

Introduction

Page 375 marks the beginning of The FIFA Football Agent Regulations. The document comprehensively outlines the standards and requirements governing the conduct and operations of football agents within the global football industry. These regulations encompass the licensing process agents must undergo, emphasising adherence to a stringent code of conduct that refers to the best interests of players and clubs while maintaining transparency and integrity. Key aspects include the representation of players and clubs, financial transparency, education and training, sanctions for breaches, protection of minors, and involvement in transfer processes. 

In this blog we will delve into the FIFA Football Agent regulations. What is absolutely vital to remember for this is that due to the FIFA Circular that was published earlier in 2024, some regulations contained in the document have been suspended and will not be included in the exam. Please refer to our blog explaining the full details of which areas of the FFAR will be examined in this year’s FIFA Agent Exams, these are detailed in the FFAR Changes = Exam Changes section. 

The Contents

The contents page of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations outlines various sections covering the licensing, conduct, and obligations of football agents. It begins with definitions followed by General Rules, including the objectives and scope of the regulations. The process of becoming a football agent is detailed next, covering eligibility requirements, exams, and licence issuance. Acting as a football agent is then discussed, addressing representation, service fees, and compliance with licensing requirements. Rights and obligations of clients, disclosure and publication requirements, dispute resolution, and disciplinary matters are also covered. The document concludes with final provisions, including transitory measures, recognition of national licensing systems, the Football Agent Working Group, and enforcement procedures.

Top 5 Points to Note

Please note that the page numbers in brackets are relevant to the Study Materials PDF rather than the FFAR’s corresponding page. 

  1. Definitions (p380): The key definitions outlined in the FIFA Football Agent Regulations are integral for understanding the scope and application of the document. Noteworthy terms include „Agency,“ referring to entities facilitating football agents‘ business affairs, „Approach,“ defining various forms of contact with clients, and „Client,“ encompassing members of the football community engaging football agent services. The concept of a „Connected Football Agent“ is elaborated upon, a key term for agent relationships. Further definitions clarify roles such as „Engaging Entity“ and „Releasing Entity“ regarding clubs, member associations, or Single-Entity Leagues. The term „Football Agent“ refers to licensed individuals providing football-related services, while „Football Agent Services“ encompass negotiation and communication related to transactions. Other significant definitions include „Interest,“ „Remuneration,“ „Representation Agreement,“ and „Transaction,“ concerning financial and contractual aspects within the agent-client relationship. Additionally, terms such as „RSTP,“ „RWWI,“ and „Single-Entity League“ provide clarity regarding regulatory frameworks and organisational structures within football. 
  2. Representation of Minors (pp392-393): Article 13 of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations pertains to the representation of minors by football agents. It stipulates that approaches to minors or their legal guardians regarding football agent services can only occur within six months before the minor becomes eligible to sign their first professional contract, with prior written consent from the guardian required. Football agents seeking to represent minors must complete a designated continuing professional development course on minors and adhere to relevant national laws. Representation agreements with minors are enforceable only if they meet specific criteria outlined in the regulations, including compliance with age-appropriate legal procedures and the agent’s adherence to prescribed guidelines. Violations of these provisions may result in sanctions, including fines and suspension of the football agent licence for up to two years.
  3. Engagement of Football Agents (p401): Article 18 of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations outlines the engagement of football agents by clients, specifying their responsibilities and obligations. Clients are permitted to engage football agents for services, provided they do not undertake such activities themselves. They are required to pay agreed service fees promptly and ensure that the agent is licensed by FIFA before signing any representation agreements. Clients must cooperate with relevant football bodies and may request detailed payment schedules from agents. Clubs, specifically, must upload transaction information and any amendments or terminations of representation agreements to the FIFA Transfer Matching System within specified timelines. Additionally, clients are obligated to report any breaches of the regulations to FIFA, confederations, or member associations promptly.
  4. Competence and Enforcement (p408): Article 21 of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations outlines the competence and enforcement mechanisms for violations of the regulations. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee and, when necessary, the independent Ethics Committee, have the authority to impose sanctions on football agents or clients who breach these regulations, FIFA Statutes, or any other FIFA regulations. FIFA’s jurisdiction extends to conduct related to representation agreements with international dimensions or international transfers or transactions. Conversely, the relevant member association is responsible for enforcing sanctions related to breaches of their national football agent regulations, including conduct linked to representation agreements without international dimensions or national transfers or transactions.
  5. Recognition of national law licensing systems (p411): Article 24 of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations addresses the recognition of national law licensing systems for sports agents by FIFA. Such recognition is contingent upon the licensing system’s establishment of eligibility requirements and an examination process covering football regulations or other significant educational components. Applications for recognition must be submitted through the FIFA Platform by the relevant member association of the applicable country or territory. Individuals licensed under recognized national systems are exempt from FIFA’s examination requirement, provided they meet specific conditions, including proof of prior licensure and compliance with FIFA’s eligibility and ongoing licensing requirements. However, they must fulfil continuing professional development obligations outlined in FIFA’s annual circular for five years.

Practice Question

Answer at the bottom of the blog.

Which of the following clauses in a Representation Agreement is null and void when representing coaches? Select one:

  1. Automatic extension in the case of a new contract
  2. Requirement for the coach to pay the service fee in CHF 
  3. Statement that the Representation Agreement will be in a language other than an official FIFA language
  4. Statement that the coach is not represented by a lawyer

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the FIFA Football Agent Regulations is essential for aspiring agents aiming to pass the exam and operate successfully in the football industry. Understanding key definitions, such as those pertaining to agencies, approaches, and clients, is crucial for navigating the complexities of the industry. Specific regulations, such as those concerning the representation of minors and engagement protocols, highlight the responsibilities and obligations agents must uphold. Ultimately, agents must thoroughly comprehend these regulations to not only pass the exam but also to operate professionally and ethically within the football industry.

Don’t forget, as well as our free resources available below and new additions weekly until the exam, if you want to take your preparation one step further, our next 8-hour comprehensive online How to Pass the FIFA Agent Exam Course with Dr Erkut Sogut and top sports lawyer, Daniel Geey, is taking place on 20th April 2024 and is open for registration through the link! 

The Sports Agent Academy FREE Resources List

Practice Question Answer

The correct option is answer A. Please refer to page 390, article 12, paragraph 3. 

by Dr. Erkut Sogut & Jamie Khan

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