Why Working with FIFA-Registered Agents is Essential in Football Negotiations

The role of agents in football has undergone significant changes with the introduction of the new FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR), which are transforming how player representation works. In particular, the regulations now mandate that only FIFA-registered agents—formerly called intermediaries—can officially represent players in international transfers and negotiations. This shift means that brokers and unlicensed intermediaries no longer have the same leeway they once did, especially in international transactions.

As one seasoned football agent in Brazil recently emphasized, “I would like football athletes’ agents to always ask for the registration number of agents so that there is no longer a lack of information between the parties.” This highlights the growing need for transparency and collaboration among licensed agents to ensure smooth negotiations and protect players’ rights.

In this blog, we will delve into the key reasons why working with FIFA-registered agents is crucial, the impact of the FFAR, and how these regulations are designed to avoid the mistakes that have historically plagued football deals.

The FIFA Football Agent Regulations: A New Era of Accountability

The FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR), introduced in 2023, mark a pivotal change in the landscape of player representation. These regulations require all agents to pass a standardized licensing exam to become officially recognized as FIFA-registered agents. Once licensed, these agents gain access to the upcoming FIFA Agent Portal, expected to go live in 2025, where all agent activities, agreements, and collaborations must be registered and documented.

This means that agents can no longer work with informal or unregistered intermediaries. Previously, it was possible to involve brokers or intermediaries on an ad-hoc basis without much oversight. However, under the new regulations, any involvement of agents must be properly recorded, and their collaboration must be based on clear, formal agreements. For international transfers, in particular, only licensed FIFA-registered agents will be authorized to act on behalf of players, ensuring a higher level of professionalism and compliance with global standards.

Why Asking for the Agent’s License Number is Critical

One of the most important safeguards provided by the FFAR is the requirement that agents clearly identify themselves and demonstrate their qualifications through a FIFA registration number. Asking for this number is not merely a formality—it is a crucial step in ensuring that all parties involved are operating within the legal framework established by FIFA.

When dealing with player transfers, especially across borders, the complexity of contracts and negotiations means that trust and transparency are paramount. By ensuring that an agent is licensed under FIFA’s regulations, players and clubs can:

• Verify Credentials: A licensed FIFA agent has demonstrated their knowledge of both football law and the financial and regulatory frameworks that govern the sport. This reduces the likelihood of costly errors in contract negotiations.

• Avoid Legal and Financial Risks: Working with unregistered agents exposes players and clubs to significant risks. Incomplete or improperly handled contracts can lead to disputes, financial penalties, or even the collapse of a deal. By verifying the agent’s registration, all parties can be confident that their interests are being handled by a qualified professional.

• Ensure Compliance with FIFA Regulations: One of the major updates in the FFAR is the requirement to register all collaborations between agents in the FIFA Portal. This means that any partnership between agents in different countries must be transparent, with a clear and formal underlying agreement. Verifying an agent’s license ensures that any such collaboration will be properly documented and compliant with FIFA rules.

Challenges of Working with Unregistered Intermediaries

In the past, football negotiations often involved brokers or intermediaries who were not officially licensed but still played a significant role in deal-making. While this was common practice, it also led to frequent mistakes, delays, and misunderstandings. Many of these issues were the result of agents or brokers working without sufficient knowledge of FIFA’s regulations or employment laws, leaving players frustrated and deals unfulfilled.

With the new FFAR rules in place, such practices are no longer acceptable, especially for international transfers. In a few countries, domestic brokers and intermediaries are still allowed under local law, but even in these cases, international transfers require collaboration with a licensed FIFA agent. Gone are the days when an unlicensed intermediary could simply help sign a contract and step away from the process. FIFA now expects full transparency, where every step of the process is documented and accounted for.

The Role of the FIFA Agent Portal

A key component of the new system is the FIFA Agent Portal, which is expected to go live in 2025. This digital platform will serve as a centralized hub where all agent activities, contracts, and collaborations are registered. For any transfer or deal, agents will need to ensure that the details of their agreements are logged in this portal, allowing for oversight and ensuring compliance with the regulations.

For players and clubs, this portal represents a significant improvement in how agent relationships are managed. It will provide greater transparency into who is representing players, how contracts are being handled, and whether all parties are complying with the regulations. For agents, it provides a formal framework within which they must operate, reducing the ambiguity that often surrounded player representation in the past.

Collaboration Between Licensed Agents: Building Trust and Success

One of the most significant changes under the FFAR is the emphasis on formalized collaborations between agents. In cases where a player is being transferred internationally, or an agent needs to work with another agent in a different jurisdiction, this collaboration must be based on an official agreement and registered in the FIFA Portal.

This change has a major impact on how agents operate. No longer can agents rely on informal partnerships with brokers or intermediaries who are not properly licensed. Instead, they must seek out other licensed FIFA agents and enter into clear, structured agreements that define the roles and responsibilities of each party.

This shift towards more formalized collaborations is designed to reduce misunderstandings and mistakes in the negotiation process. As your colleague in Brazil pointed out, unqualified agents or brokers often contribute to “a lack of information between the parties,” which can lead to costly delays and failed negotiations. By requiring formal agreements and licensed partners, the FFAR ensures a higher level of professionalism in every deal.

Conclusion: Elevating the Standards of Player Representation

The new FIFA Football Agent Regulations represent a major step forward in improving transparency, accountability, and professionalism in football negotiations. For agents, it means a greater responsibility to ensure they are licensed, that their collaborations are formalized, and that they adhere to the new standards expected by FIFA.

For players, these regulations offer increased protection. By only working with licensed FIFA agents, players can be confident that their careers are in the hands of qualified professionals who will act in their best interests and navigate the complex world of football transfers with care and precision.

In an era where mistakes and miscommunications in negotiations can lead to frustration and missed opportunities, the FFAR provides a clear path towards better, more transparent practices in football representation. By asking for an agent’s FIFA registration number, all parties can protect themselves, ensuring that they are working with professionals who are fully compliant with the latest regulations.

As the FIFA Agent Portal goes live in 2025, this system will further cement the need for clear, formal collaborations between agents, ensuring a more seamless and successful process for everyone involved in the beautiful game.

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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