Football agents have been unsuccessful in their attempt to prevent new FIFA regulations from being implemented.
These regulations would limit the amount of money agents can earn from player transfers and require them to pass exams to obtain a license.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of FIFA, upholding the new rules. The Professional Football Agents Association (PROFAA) had appealed to CAS, but their appeal was denied. The new regulations will take effect on October 1st.
CAS has completely rejected PROFAA’s argument that the regulations breach competition and European Union laws. The agents’ group expressed their strong disappointment with the ruling.
“PROFAA will carefully examine the ruling before deciding the next steps and will continue to support any and all litigation against these regulations, specifically the introduction of a commission cap,” the group added.
FIFA is proposing new regulations to restrict agents from receiving excessive commissions for player transfers. Under the new rules, agents would be limited to a maximum 3% commission for transfers over $200,000 and 5% for transfers below that amount. Additionally, agents acting on behalf of the selling club would be subject to a 10% cap on earnings. To ensure compliance, agents would need to obtain a license by passing a new examination by October 1st.
In a previous exam held in April, only 52% of the 3,800 candidates achieved the required passing score. Other significant changes include the prohibition of multiple representation to prevent conflicts of interest and the requirement for agent fees to be paid through FIFA’s financial clearing house.
“FIFA welcomes today’s ruling … that fully confirms the legality, validity and proportionality of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR),” the governing body said.
“The award confirms FIFA’s position that the FFAR are a reasonable and proportionate regulatory measure that help to resolve systemic failures in the player transfer system.”
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