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. 

If you are a legacy path applicant and require confirmation of your pre-2015 agent licence and post-2015 intermediary registration with The FA, then please contact The FA at Intermediaries.Queries@TheFA.com and we will seek to provide confirmation based on the records that we hold.

Please note that:

• An intermediary previously registered overseas should seek the relevant confirmations from the FIFA member association through which they were previously licensed.
• A ‘Registered Lawyer’ under The FA’s pre-2015 Football Agents Regulations is not considered under the FFAR to be a person who was formerly licensed and therefore cannot take the legacy path. 

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:

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 FA, it will take place at a venue selected by The 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 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.

What if I fail the exam?

If a candidate fails an exam, they may retake it on the next available date.

Will I need to continue to maintain my intermediary registration with The FA up to 1st October 2023?

Yes - you will need to maintain your intermediary registration with The FA up until 1st October 2023 if you wish to continue to conduct intermediary activity within The FA’s jurisdiction.

The FA’s Working with Intermediaries Regulations will continue in full force until The FA determines otherwise and participants must continue to adhere to them.  

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. 

In respect of registrations that are due to expire between 1st September 2023 and 30th September 2023 (inclusive), the renewal cost will be reduced to £125 + VAT.

If my approval to work with minors as an intermediary with The FA expires before 1st October 2023, do I need to renew it?

If you wish to continue to act on behalf of or in relation to a minor, then you will need to ensure you continue to have the necessary FA approval to work with minors.

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?’).

The Football Association
February 2023