Overview of FIFA Agent Regulations

Aug 17, 2024

Lecture Notes: FIFA Football Agent Regulations

Introduction

  • Date: The regulations were first implemented in October 2023.
  • Challenges: Faced challenges from various countries, leading to partial suspension on January 1st, 2024.

Key Experts

  1. Dr. Sahad Gil
    • Specializes in FIFA agent regulations and FIFA agent exam.
    • Academic Director for sports agent education at Luur University.
  2. Pierre Deer
    • Managing Partner at Kari, France.
    • Trusted agent representing top French talents.

Series Overview

  • This session is part of a thought leadership series on FIFA regulations, transfer trends, and market opportunities.
  • Next webinar: May 15th on how to pass the FIFA agent exam.

Current Status of FIFA Regulations

  • Global Partial Suspension: Ongoing due to legal challenges, particularly from Germany.
  • Regulatory Framework: Originally proposed in April 2018; became enforceable in October 2023.
  • Contentious Provisions: Service fee restrictions, dual and multiple representation restrictions.

Legal Challenges

  • Key legal victory in Germany led to an injunction and referral to European Court of Justice.
  • Suspension due to potential anti-competitive nature under EU law.
  • Various national legal challenges, including a significant case in the UK.

Impact of Suspension

  • Majority of FIFA agent regulations are currently suspended.
  • Active Provisions:
    • Licensing regime remains (agents need a FIFA license and to pass an exam).
    • Representation of minors is still regulated.

Future Outlook

  • Fragmented Regulatory Outlook: National systems will likely diverge from FIFA regulations.
  • Dual National Systems: Countries may create legislation leading to dual systems.
    • Example: French and Italian systems.

Discussion with Pierre Deer

  • France has a unique system requiring exams from both the government and the French Football Federation.
  • Main challenges with FIFA system:
    • Cap on commissions deemed unfair.
    • Dual representation restrictions differ from national laws.

Audience Q&A Highlights

  • Legal challenges indicate fragmented regulatory outcomes due to FIFA's status as a private entity.
  • Potential for ongoing legal appeals, particularly in Germany and EU courts.
  • National associations must comply with national court decisions, affecting FIFA regulation implementation.

Conclusion

  • The session highlighted current regulatory challenges and future outlooks for FIFA football agent regulations.
  • Upcoming webinars will continue to explore these topics and offer practical insights for agents.

Note: The session emphasized the importance of understanding both FIFA and national regulations for effective agency operations.