WHY FOOTBALL PLAYERS SHOULD WORK WITH FIFA-REGISTERED AGENTS: PROTECTING YOUR CAREER

In the high-stakes world of professional football, your agent plays a critical role in shaping your career. From applying important network, negotiating contracts to managing transfers, your agent is your representative and protector in dealings with clubs. However, not all agents are created equal, and one of the most crucial steps you must take as a player is ensuring that the agent you choose is FIFA-registered. In most countries, agents must also be registered with the national football association to handle domestic matters.

This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity for your career’s legal security and success. Working with an unregistered agent can lead to severe consequences, both for you and the agent.

WHY FIFA REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL

FIFA, the global governing body for football, has established strict regulations for agents, known as FIFA Football Agents Regulations (FFAR). These rules ensure that agents meet specific standards of professionalism and ethics, which protect players from misrepresentation, fraud, and other risks. Under the current FIFA framework, all agents representing players in international transfers must be registered with FIFA. This is non-negotiable. Whether you’re moving to a club abroad or negotiating an international transfer, your agent must have a valid FIFA license. If you work with an unregistered agent for international matters, you and the agent could face serious consequences, including penalties, fines, and potentially even suspension from playing.

NATIONAL FEDERATION REGISTRATION: THE DOMESTIC REQUIREMENT

Beyond FIFA registration, many countries also require agents to be registered with their national football federation for domestic activities, such as negotiating contracts or handling transfers within the same country. National registration ensures that agents are compliant with local rules and regulations specific to each football association. For example, countries like The Netherlands, England, Spain, and Italy mandate that agents register with their respective national federations in addition to their FIFA license. This means that if you’re a player in these countries and your agent is negotiating a domestic contract or transfer, they need to be both FIFA-registered and nationally registered. While FIFA licensing involves a more demanding process with challenging exams and strict regulations, national registration is often a way simpler, straightforward and administrative procedure.

EXCEPTIONS: BRAZIL AND GERMANY’S UNIQUE REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS

There are a few countries with unique exceptions to this dual registration rule, most notably Brazil and Germany. In these two countries, agents can operate under different national frameworks while still adhering to FIFA’s broader regulations.

• Brazil: In Brazil, the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol) governs agent registration. While agents must follow the CBF’s specific rules, they also need to comply with FIFA regulations for international transfers.
• Germany: Similarly, in Germany, the DFB (Deutscher Fußball-Bund) has its own licensing system for agents, but FIFA registration is still mandatory when handling international matters.
• Even in these countries, agents involved in international transfers must still be FIFA-registered, meaning there’s no escaping FIFA’s global oversight.

THE RISKS OF WORKING WITH UNREGISTERED AGENTS

FIFA takes compliance very seriously, and players are held responsible if they knowingly work with unregistered agents. The consequences for not following these regulations can be severe, including:

Fines or penalties for both the player and the agent. Potential suspension from playing, which can affect your career at a critical stage. Voided or problematic contracts, leading to legal disputes that can derail your progress. Unregistered agents may also lack the expertise needed to navigate complex contracts, leading to unfavorable terms or even fraudulent situations. They might miss important clauses, fail to protect your financial interests, or leave you vulnerable to unethical club practices.

WHY REGISTERED AGENTS ARE A PLAYERS’ BEST PROTECTION

Agents registered with FIFA, and where applicable, with national federations, have the knowledge and qualifications to:

Negotiate favorable contracts: A FIFA-registered agent understands the intricate details of football contracts and can secure the best terms for you, avoiding unfavorable clauses or hidden obligations.

Handle international transfers with ease: Only FIFA-registered agents are authorized to manage cross-border transfers, which often involve complex legal and logistical challenges. Their experience ensures your move happens smoothly and without legal risk.

Shield you from club exploitation: Clubs sometimes try to manipulate or pressure players into bad deals, especially in smaller markets. A registered agent knows the rules and can protect your interests, ensuring that you aren’t exploited.

Represent you in legal disputes: If you face a contractual issue or a dispute with a club, only a FIFA-registered agent can represent you before official bodies like FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC). Agents with expertise in football law can prepare you for trials and ensure that your rights are defended.

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PLAYERS: VERIFY YOUR AGENT’S CREDENTIALS

It’s important to understand that FIFA holds players accountable for their choice of agent. If you knowingly work with an unregistered agent, FIFA can impose sanctions on you as well, not just on the agent. Ignorance is not a defense—the responsibility is on you to ensure that your agent is properly licensed.

Before signing any representation agreements, always verify your agent’s credentials. You can easily check whether an agent is FIFA-registered through FIFA’s online database or by asking for proof of registration. If your agent is also handling domestic matters, make sure they are registered with the national federation as well or have at least proper alternatives in place, such a local partner collaboration. 

CONCLUSION: SAFEGUARD YOUR CAREER BY WORKING WITH THE RIGHT AGENT

In professional football, your career depends on smart decisions, and one of the most important is choosing a properly registered agent. FIFA registration is mandatory for international transfers, and in many countries, national federation registration is also required for domestic dealings.

Working with an unregistered agent can lead to serious legal and financial consequences, including fines, suspensions, and voided contracts. On the other hand, a FIFA-registered agent, and where applicable, a nationally registered agent, provides you with essential protection, expert negotiations, and legal support.

Remember, it’s not just about finding someone to negotiate a deal—it’s about ensuring your representative is qualified, compliant with regulations, and working in your best interest.

Always choose a FIFA-registered agent to protect your future in football.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Sven Jason Willemsen MSc MA
FIFA Registered Agent

Evytal Sports Management
Address: HQ Netherlands, Amsterdam/Harderwijk  
Email: hello@evytal.com
Website: www.evytal.com

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