Becoming a Licensed Agent

Become A Licensed Agent

Important Information for Applicants

The application window for the Autumn 2013 exam is now open, and will remain open until 5pm on Friday 14 June. Any applications received after 5pm on 14^th June 2013 will not be processed.

The application form is available to download from the bottom of this page during this window.

Application Process

FIFA regulations state the in order to become a Licensed Agent you must pass an exam. These examinations are currently held twice a year by The Football Association on dates specified by FIFA.

The process for becoming a Licensed Agent is relatively straightforward and begins with your application to the national association of the country of which you are a national or are currently residing (further details on residency requirements can be found below), this in accordance with Article 6 of the FIFA Players’ Agent Regulations.

The FA cannot accept applications from anyone that does not meet the residency requirements, if this is the case you are advised to contact the national association in the country you currently reside.

In the resource document section below you will find the application form, study materials and all the information relating to the examination and licensing process. You are advised to take the time to read all the information on this page before applying.

Step by Step Guide

Download Application Form and read website

Once the window is open, to initiate the process, you should initially download an FA application form which will be made available on this page.

You are advised to read the attached Protocols, Procedures and Policy document for the Test of Good Character and Reputaion Test for FA Licensed Agents before completing the Application Form.

Supporting Documents (Proof of Nationality/Residency)

The FA requires applicants to submit supporting documents with their applications. If you are an English national, please submit a copy of the photo page and cover page of your passport.

If you are an EU citizen, in addition to a copy of your passport please also submit proof that you are currently residing in England (no more than three months old).

If you are from outside the EU, in addition to a copy of your passport and current proof of residency please also provide proof of residency from two years ago.

For proof of residence, The FA will accept any two of the following:

utility bill
mobile phone bill
mortgage statement
Bank or Building Society statement
addressed payslip
P45 or P60

Submit Application Form, Supporting Documents and Cheque to The FA

Please complete and return the application form, along with the relevant supporting documents to:-

Agents Licensing Applications
Financial Regulation Department
The FA Group
Wembley Stadium
PO Box 1966
London
SW1P 9EQ

A non-refundable application fee of £250 (for the avoidance of doubt, this fee is also due for any resits) (cheque or postal order only please, made payable to 'The Football Association Ltd') must accompany your application form.

Previous versions of the application form will not be accepted and will delay the processing of your application.

Please note that due to the timeframe of assessing applications and undertaking CRB checks, your place at a specific examination sitting cannot always be guaranteed. You are therefore advised to apply as early as possible within each application window, and to complete all necessary paperwork on a timely basis.

Enhanced CRB Disclosure

Part of the assessment of your application will be to undertake an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check. Once The FA has received your completed exam application form, the relevant forms and guidance notes will be sent to you directly.

You should complete the disclosure form and send this, together with the CRB fee of £59 (this may change from time to time) to the address shown on the CRB form. Please do not send the CRB form and fee to The FA. As the CRB Disclosure process can often take around 12 weeks to be completed, make sure you send the form and relevant supporting documents to The FA CRB Unit as soon as possible.

If you have any queries relating to the supporting documents required by the CRB unit or are yet to receive your completed CRB. Please contact TMG on the number below:

0845 210 80 80

You will not be eligible to sit the examination until clearance of your suitability to become a Football Agent has been confirmed through the CRB procedure.

Should your Enhanced CRB Disclosure not be returned in time for this examination you will need to submit a new exam application form, in the relevant application window, for any future examination you wish to sit. If this does happen your fee will remain valid for any future application.

Invite to Sit Exam

Once the application form and CRB checks have been approved, your details will be recorded and you will be notified of the next available examination date, as soon as this information has been provided by FIFA.

However, please note that applications will be rejected where:-

Any aspect of the application contravenes the FIFA Players’ Agents Regulations; and/or
The FA CRB Panel deems an applicant unsuitable on the basis of their Enhanced CRB Disclosure and Test of Good Character and Reputation, or where an applicant fails to complete Enhanced CRB Disclosure forms.

IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE £250 APPLICATION FEE WILL BE FORFEITED (notwithstanding any appeal in accordance with FA and FIFA Regulations).

The Exam

All those whose applications are accepted will be invited to an examination sitting. At present, these are held in Spring and Autumn each year. Two passport-sized photographs and photo ID will be required upon attendance.

The examination is based on both FIFA and FA Regulations concerning players.

You are, however, advised to consult the FIFA and FA websites from time to time for all relevant circulars, developments and amendments to the regulations.

Following attendance at the examination, entrants will be sent their result within two weeks and successful candidates advised of the next steps to take.

The FA does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the study information which is provided as a courtesy. The FA does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising as a result of incompleteness or inaccuracy in the information provided.

The FA does not offer any training courses on becoming a Licensed Agent. However, we are aware that some commercial enterprises or sports lawyers may offer such services. The FA is unable to recommend any such services as we must retain our impartiality.

After the Exam

Once the exam has been passed, the applicant must also send to The FA the following documents:-

Signed and dated Code of Professional Conduct – as found in Annexe 1 to the FIFA Players’ Agents Regulations;
A copy of Professional Indemnity Insurance cover which specifically names the agent – in accordance with Article 9 of the FIFA Players' Agents Regulations.

If you fail the examination you do have the opportunity to apply to resit. However you will have to repeat the above application process (including payment of a new £250 application fee).

FIFA regulations state that if you fail the examination more than once you are required to wait the following periods of time before you can apply to resit:

2^nd Fail – Two sittings

3^rd Fail – Two years

Further Fails – Two years

Issuing Licence

Once we have all the relevant documents, your licence will be issued and your details submitted to FIFA to be added to their website. Please note that you are not entitled to act as a Licensed Agent until you receive our formal acknowledgement.

Thereafter, you may refer to yourself as a 'FA Licensed Agent' and are permitted to talk to Players without current representation, or accept offers of representation from Clubs directly approaching you.

If you are in any doubt, you are advised to consult The FA before submitting your application.