Agents Regulations

All the latest information and guidance on The FA Football Agents Regulations can be found on this page.

Regulations Update

The FA has previously reported that the 2009 FIFA Congress declared its support for an "in-depth reform of the player’s agents system through a new approach based on the concept of intermediaries”. On the basis of the proposals of the FIFA working group assigned to tackle the issue, it may be that the current players' agents licensing provisions will be replaced by a different system.

FIFA’s initial position was that any proposals would be introduced with effect from October 2011, provided they had gained approval at the 2011 FIFA Congress.  This was subsequently delayed until 2012.

We now understand that FIFA have decided to engage in further consultation on their Intermediaries’ proposals. As a result it is ‘very likely’ that the proposals will not now be taken to FIFA congress in May and that the current position will remain until at least October 2013.

The FA would like to reiterate that until such time as any new Regulations come into force, the existing Football Agents Regulations, including the current requirements for individuals to become licensed agents, will continue to apply.

Re-examination of Licensed Agents – Article 17 of FIFA Players’ Agents Regulations (2008)

According to Article 17 of FIFA Players’ Agents Regulations (2008), the players’ agent licence expires five years after its date of issue and Licensed Agents are required to send a written application to The FA to resit the exam before the date on which their licences are due to expire.

The validity of the first batch of licences is about to expire and a first group of Licensed Agents would consequently be required to resit the examination.

However, in relation to the current consultation on the possible revision of the rules on players’ agents, FIFA have decided to suspend the application of Article 17 of FIFA Players’ Agents Regulations (2008) until further notice (FIFA Circular no. 1298). In consequence, and until such time as FIFA decide to lift this suspension, The FA will not proceed with re-examination of its Licensed Agents.”

FA Agent Regulations

The latest FA Football Agents Regulations were introduced in July 2009 and can be found in the resource documents below.

Agents Panel Terms of Reference

The regulations allow agents and applicants to appeal to the Agents Panel on the following issues;

• submissions made pursuant to the Agents Regulations in respect of whether a relevant party (Agent, Player and/or Club) may act in a manner other than in accordance with the requirements set out in the Agents Regulations;
• appeals in respect of decisions made by The Association rejecting an application to sit the Agents examination or suspending/withdrawing an Agent’s License;
• such other responsibilities and activities as The Football Regulatory Authority may from time to time decide in respect of the Agents Regulations.

This process is detailed in the Agents Panel Terms of Reference - see resource documents below.

FIFA Agents Regulations 2008

All agents licensed worldwide are also required to adhere to the 2008 FIFA Players’ Agents Regulations as per resource document below.

Explanatory Note on Agency Activity

For information on what is defined as Agency Activity as well as guidance on Scouting, Introduction Fees and more you should read the document below.