The regulations were approved unanimously by The FA Board on 4 November and by The FA Council on 23 November.

They represent a significant step forward in the governance of agents’ activities, introducing measures to improve transparency and increasing protection for young players.

Among the key points are:

  • Fuller transparency between the parties involved in a transaction and in relation to payments.
  • The requirements set out in the regulations are extended to cover subcontracted or third party agents involved in deals.
  • The regulations stipulate that clubs, club's officials and club employees cannot have an interest in a licensed agent's business.
  • This restriction is subject to transitional arrangements whereby the relevant club cannot use the services of the agent/agents business until the interest is disposed of.
  • The regulations will tighten up on the use of unlicensed agents by players and clubs and reinforce the rules on approaches to players set out under Premier League, Football League and FIFA rules.
  • The regulations prevent agents from approaching or entering into agreements with player(s) under 16 years of age.
  • Licensed agents are obliged to act in line with the FA Child Protection Policy.
  • The licensing process includes additional requirements for applicants.
  • A list of agents and their clients will be published on TheFA.com.

The regulations are accompanied by guidelines for players, clubs and agents.