Those wishing to become a Players’ Agent should bear in mind that without the relevant contacts and experience, breaking into this popular field may prove extremely difficult, considering the initial costs involved (see Players’ Agent Licence Applications).

As the independent regulators of the industry, The FA is unfortunately not in a position to advise on career advancement upon completion of the licensing process. Indeed, please note that The FA cannot offer work experience.

In order to undertake the work of a Players’ Agent, an individual must be one of the following:

  • A licensed Players’ Agent
  • A solicitor/barrister in possession of a current practising certificate
  • The parent, spouse or sibling of the particular Player in question

Solicitors are exempt from the Regulations by virtue of their legal knowledge and training as well as the fact that they are themselves independently regulated. Please note that solicitors may only act to represent Players or Clubs in their normal course of business as an advisor to clients. They should not refer to themselves as “Players’ Agents” nor are they permitted to appear on FIFA’s official list. Should they wish this to be the case, they must undertake the licensing process in its entirety.

Please note that we cannot accept applications from individuals with a current link - whether via employment or financial interest - with a football club.

Individuals wishing to become a licensed Players’ Agent can only apply through the national association of the country of which they are a national, or the country where they have lived for at least two years.

However, the licence that would be subsequently obtained upon completion of the process permits the individual to work anywhere in the world, representing Players and Clubs alike. Their contact details will be published on the official list on FIFA’s website, which both Players and Clubs are advised to consult.

The process for becoming a Players’ Agent is explained in detail in the Players’ Agent Licence Applications section.

There are no pre-requisite qualifications or experience required to apply for the Players’ Agent licence. There is also no minimum age limit but those under 18 years of age will find establishing the relevant insurance cover and entering into contracts an obstacle to their work.

You will be expected to have extensive knowledge of both FIFA and FA Regulations in order to pass both the licensing examination and for your work as a licensed Players’ Agent thereafter. Specifically, you will need to demonstrate knowledge of regulations concerning the status and transfer of Players, registrations, discipline, youth development and contractual matters.

The FA has adopted the overriding FIFA Players' Agents Regulations, which govern both licensed Players’ Agents and applicants alike. These first came into force in 1995, and were amended in March 2001, and focus on the role Players’ Agents take in transfers and contract negotiations between Players and Clubs. These Regulations may be viewed here.