In today's post, we thought it would be ideal to take this opportunity to take a brief look at the new regulations introduced by FIFA to regulate agents worldwide - in FIFA Member Association Countries.
THE OLD SYSTEM GOVERNING AGENTS
From 2015 to 2023, agents were licensed or registered by the National Football Association in the country where the agent intended to provide services as an agent.
From 30 September, 2023 onward this system shall no longer apply to those who wish to represent players / clubs.
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.
However, if a player does decide to use an agent, the agent must hold a FIFA licence. Don't get confused, FIFA have been going back and front on this licensing matter. But as it is today, you must be a licensed agent before you can legally represent a player.
To get a licence, a person must apply to FIFA to sit a one hour examination
WHAT TOPICS DOES THE EXAM COVER?
Any person providing services as an agent is bound by FIFA’s statutes and regulations, and the statutes and regulations of associations and confederations.
A summary of 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;
An agent shall also be bound by:
- National Football Association Rules and Regulations (in the country where the agent intends to operate).
Anyone considering becoming an agent can contact their local national football association to ask what requirements they must satisfy. Here in Nigeria, for instance, you will need to go to Nigeria Football Federation office in Abuja to purchase the form and formally apply for the examination.
The examination is conducted twice a year in April and September, unless otherwise rescheduled.
Two things you can do to cover the curriculum are:
1. To register for online classes that will last for about 8 weeks (2 months). The classes gives you the opportunity to interact with the lecturers and ask questions or learn through questions from your colleagues. The lecturer may be prompted to expound some first hand expert knowledge. Then, he automatically becomes your mentor and you, as alumni of the institution, may decide to build a network connection with fellow students as well as lecturers. This is the beginning of success in the career.
The fee for the 8 weeks online classes is about US $1,200 (about NGN1.2 million or so). Click here for further details.
2. Secondly, you may decide to do self study. Purchase the books and study by yourself. For NGN120,000 only you can purchase 3 ebooks or physical handouts from NFF.
But call us on WhatsApp +2348098772556, then we discuss on the possibility of getting the same materials and more for an affordable price.
PS: We have an ebook providing a general look at the new rules. The book includes:
- The new requirements that must be satisfied;
- The new new procedure to apply for a licence;
- How to find new players to sign; and
- A simple contract template (BONUS).
