FIFA’S reform for football agent has set off as by October this year, major changes are expected to take place. Over 6000 applications from candidates across the globe that are part of 138 member associations have been received.
The whole reforms is to ensure a “professional and ethical standard” for football agents, in a bid to raise the standard of representation for footballers. FIFA’s chief legal and compliance officer, Emilio García Silvero, expressed the delight in the coming to existence of the new structure.
On October 1, 2023, the use of licensed football agents will become obligatory by law after a provisional period through this year. The new FIFA Football Agent Regulations was approved by the FIFA Council last year, and has since come into existence since January 9th this year with the a scheduled professional licensing exam been organised last week.
The key changes are being 1. (re)introduction of an examination and licensing system, 2 Cap on agents fees, 3. Limits on multiple agents representation.
Meanwhile, Ghana, gallantly represented in the exams by thirty-five applications received by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the exam, which took place on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at the conference room of the Ghana Football Association.
Agents can therefore apply for a licence via the agent platform, however the exam will only be held from time to time as applications dates would be opened.
The agent exam windows in 2023 are as follows:
9 January 2023 to 15 March 2023 for the first FIFA football agent exam
1 May 2023 to 31 July 2023 for the second FIFA football agent exam on 20 September 2023.
Notwithstanding, agents who were licensed under the old 2008 FIFA Players’ Agent Regulations and were registered as an intermediary at a national association continuously since 1 April 2015, will not be required to take the exam.
FIFA licenses will only be issued to only licensed agents who then can directly perform agent services or approach any potential client. With this, agencies cannot obtain a licence although some agents may still conduct their business via an agency.
Story by:
Kevin F Sarfo-Adu
Source: Soccanews.com