Sports News
31 January 2010
FIFA look to de-regulate agents
FIFA are in consultation with National Associations over a radical change to its statutes which will allow non-licensed individuals to represent players and clubs in transfer deals.
This is a major departure from its previous stance and will not be favoured by the FA, who has the most rigorous regulatory framework over agency activity in world football.
The changes propose the introduction of ‘intermediaries’ being a natural or legal person who for a fee can represent players and/or clubs in the negotiation of contracts of employment or the concluding of a transfer of a player’s registration.
One rationale behind the changes is to allow greater freedom for players and clubs to appoint persons of their choice, but to accept responsibility for the actions of those they engage and to take reasonable steps to ensure that there is compliance with the law.
Perhaps the most disturbing affect of these changes will be that neither FIFA nor National Associations will have any jurisdiction over intermediaries, nor will these individuals be subject to any regulation or assessment of their ability or fitness to undertake football agency work.
Gary Mellor, head of the Sports team at Beswicks believes that the effect of this de-regulation will only serve to demonstrate how important it is to use a qualified sports lawyer or licensed agent for advice on contractual matters, as they will have a wealth of experience and expertise to advise on a broad range of issues which could have a positive impact on a player's potential income.
For more information contact Gary Mellor or Tim Bailey on 01785 205000.
The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.
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