What are the FIFA Football Agent Regulations?
The FIFA Football Agent Regulations (“FFAR”) were approved by the FIFA Council on 16th December 2022.
The FFAR will replace FIFA’s existing Regulations on Working with Intermediaries and will provide the regulatory framework governing football agents and the performance of football agent services worldwide.
The FFAR provide that, from 1 October 2023, only a natural person licensed by FIFA may perform football agent services.
A copy of the FFAR can be found here.
Further information and details regarding the FFAR, as may be updated from time to time, can be found on FIFA’s dedicated website, which can be accessed here. This currently includes:
- Explanatory notes on the FFAR - available here.
- Information concerning the application of the FFAR - available here.
- FIFA’s FAQs on the FFAR - available here.
How do I apply to become a football agent licensed by FIFA?
Applications must be made via the FIFA Agent Platform - available here.
FIFA has published a guide on using the FIFA Agent Platform - available here.
What are the possible licensing paths?
There are three possible licensing paths for applicants: (1) Exam Path; (2) Legacy Path; and (3) National Law Path.
The most suitable path will depend upon an applicant’s own circumstances. Each path requires applicants to meet certain eligibility requirements and other criteria. The key requirements of each path are as follows:
1. Exam Path
The exam path provides a route to becoming a football agent by passing the FIFA football agent exam.
2. Legacy Path
An applicant may qualify for an exemption from the exam if they can provide proof that:
- They were licensed as an agent pursuant to the FIFA Players’ Agent Regulations (1991, 1995, 2001 or 2008 editions); and
- They were registered as an intermediary, or were the owner, director, or employee of a legal person registered as an intermediary at a FIFA member association at least once between 1 April 2015 and 16 December 2022.
Please note that:
- An intermediary previously registered overseas should seek the relevant confirmations from the FIFA member association through which they were previously licensed.
3. National Law Path
An applicant may qualify for an exemption from the exam by proving that they are licensed pursuant to a FIFA-recognised licensing system for sports agents established in accordance with the national law of the territory of a FIFA member association.
Who should I contact if I have issues making an application in the FIFA Agent Platform?
Please contact FIFA at support@agents.fifa.org.
When will the FIFA football agent exams take place and what are the deadlines for applying?
The exam dates and the application window for each exam are as follows:
Application Window - Monday 1 May 2023 to Monday 31 July 2023
Next Exam - Wednesday 20 September 2023
Further exams will take place in 2024 with dates to be confirmed by FIFA in due course.
Where will the FIFA football agent exam be held?
For those sitting the FIFA football agent exam through the Irish FA, it will take place at a venue selected by the Irish FA. Details of the venue and time of the exam will be made available via the FIFA Agent Platform in due course.
The exam will be administered in accordance with the FIFA Football Agent Exam Rules which are available here.
How much will the exam cost?
The cost of the exam will be confirmed by the Irish FA in due course.
What will the FIFA football agent exam involve and what study materials are required?
Please see FIFA’s FAQs on the FFAR (available here – see ‘What is the FIFA football agent exam?’).
Will there be access to study materials and practice exams?
Once your application is approved, all relevant information for taking the exam, the study materials and the FIFA Football Agent Exam Rules will be made available in the FIFA Agent Platform.
In order to ensure that you are prepared for the exam and that your device is compatible, you can complete a practice exam within the FIFA Agent Platform.
Will I need to continue to maintain my intermediary registration with the Irish FA up to 30th September 2023?
Yes - you will need to maintain your intermediary registration with the Irish FA up until 30th September 2023 if you wish to continue to conduct intermediary activity within the Irish FA’s jurisdiction.
The Irish FA’s Working with Intermediaries Regulations will continue in full force until 30th September 2023 and participants must continue to adhere to them until then.
Will I get a refund if the renewal of my registration as an intermediary does not last a full year?
No refunds will be given for renewal fees paid in relation to registrations which do not last a full year.
For Intermediaries registered with the Irish FA up until 31st March 2023, the renewal cost will be £50.
For a natural or legal person who wishes to register with the Irish FA to act as an Intermediary between 1st April 2023 until 30th September 2023 is required to pay a fee of £100.
How will the FFAR affect representation contracts I have entered into before 1st October 2023?
Please see FIFA’s FAQs on the FFAR (available here – see ‘How does the transition period established by article 22 of the FFAR work in practice?’).
In order to become a registered Intermediary with the Irish FA for the period up to and including 30th September 2023, the following documents should be submitted to the Association:
- Intermediary Registration Application form
- Intermediary Declaration form(s) for Natural or Legal persons
The completed and signed registration form and declaration form(s) should be returned to registrations@irishfa.com. A registration with the Irish FA, if approved, will be valid from the date of approval of registration until 30th September 2023. If your registration is approved, the Irish FA will contact you