Today more than ever, the world of football is evolving at high speed. In this context, the regulations governing the key players in the sport, particularly agents FIFA, is also changing. Thus, in 2025, FIFA updated its regulatory framework concerning agents, making major changes.The objective? Improve transparency, strengthen ethics and further professionalize this strategic function.
Therefore, whether you are an active agent, a future FIFA license candidate, a player looking for guidance or simply a fan of the industry, it is essential to fully understand these new rules.
Why a new FIFA regulation in 2025?
History and limits of the old system
For many years, the profession of football agent was poorly regulated internationally. While FIFA had established a framework with the agent’s license, the rules were not uniform, which left too much room for manoeuvre. often gave way to opaque, even dubious practices. For example, some agents were charging excessive commissions or had conflicts of interest. As a result, this situation led to a loss of trust among clubs, players, and supporters.
Objectives of the reform: ethics, transparency, regulation
Faced with these challenges, FIFA adopted a new regulation in 2025, also called FIFA RRFA (Regulations on Working with Intermediaries). This text aims to:
- Professionalize the agent function by requiring rigorous training and assessment.
- Improve transparency operations, particularly on commissions and contracts.
- Strengthen control agents and sanction non-compliant behavior.
- Protecting players against abuse and conflicts of interest.
This stricter framework aims to restore confidence in the profession and to guarantee a healthy and ethical environment around transfers.
Who is affected by the new FIFA agent rules?
Licensed agents
All agents wishing to practice legally must now obtain a licence agent FIFA valid. This license is essential to officially represent a player in their contract negotiations, whether at the national or international level.
Clubs and players
Clubs and players must ensure that the agents they work with comply with the rules. Failure to comply can result in sanctions or even the nullification of signed contracts. Clubs are also required to ensure transparency regarding commissions to avoid conflicts of interest.
Families and non-authorized representatives
Furthermore, families or non-licensed representatives who intervene in the careers of players are now strictly supervised.. In fact, they can no longer negotiate or receive commissions without being approved, which not only limits the risks of abuse, but also to ensure better protection for the player.
How to get a FIFA agent license?
Eligibility requirements
To apply for the license, you must:
- Be of legal age
- Not have any criminal convictions related to sports management or activities
- Have professional liability insurance
- Pay the FIFA registration fee
The exam: content, dates, preparation
Obtaining the license requires a official FIFA exam, which assesses knowledge on:
- The legal framework of football
- FIFA and local regulations
- Negotiation and drafting of contracts
- Ethics and professional conduct of the agent
Examination sessions take place several times a year in the various national associations affiliated with FIFA. It is advisable to prepare thoroughly with specialized training or courses in sports law.
Renewal and continuing obligations
Concretely, the license is issued for a limited period (usually 3 years). At the end of this period, agents must then go through a renewal procedure, which includes continuing training obligations in order to stay up to date on regulatory developments.
The new rules in detail: what really changes
Supervision of commissions
FIFA now imposes a cap on commissions, in order to avoid excessive remuneration which penalizes clubs and players. All commissions must be clearly declared and justified.
Mandatory contracts and transparency
Every relationship player agent or agent-club must be formalized by a written contract conforming to the FIFA model This contract specifies in particular the services rendered, the remuneration, the duration and the obligations of the parties. A copy must be registered with the competent authorities.
Prohibitions and conflicts of interest
Agents can no longer represent multiple parties involved in the same transaction (e.g., both the player and the club), which limits the risk of conflict. Any form of favoritism or collusion is punishable.
Sanctions and control by FIFA
FIFA has strengthened its control measures, with regular audits and the possibility of imposing sanctions ranging from fines to suspensions, or even permanent bans, for offending agents.
What this means for active agents
Transition between old and new statuses
Agents who already hold a license must comply with the new rules or lose their license. A transitional period has been put in place to facilitate this adaptation.
Update of professional practices
Agents must now adopt a more rigorous and transparent approach, particularly in terms of documentation and commission management. Emphasis is placed on ongoing training and ethics.
Advantages and limitations of the FIFA 2025 reform
Positive points for football
- Better player protection
- Increased transparency in transfers
- Professionalization and enhancement of the agent function
- Reduction of conflicts of interest
Criticisms and controversies
- Increased complexity of administrative procedures
- Rigidity perceived by certain agents
- Risk of exclusion of poorly trained independent agents
- Debate on the relevance of commission caps
Mistakes to avoid to stay compliant
- Practice without a license
Representing a player or negotiating a contract without a FIFA license is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties.
- Lack of transparency in commissions
Failure to declare or conceal a commission is grounds for cancellation of the contract and may result in a ban from practicing.
- Representing multiple parties without permission
Acting for multiple parties involved in the same transaction is strictly prohibited.
Tips for Success as a FIFA Agent in 2025
Prepare well for the exam
- Follow a formation recognized
- Study FIFA and local regulations in detail
- Practice with practical cases and mock exams
Understanding the legal aspects
- Mastering contracts and important clauses
- Keep informed of legislative and regulatory developments
Building a relationship of trust with players
- Act with transparency and ethics
- Be a true advisor, not just a negotiator
- Maintain regular contact and personalized follow-up
Ultimately, the new FIFA rules for agents in 2025 mark a major step towards increased professionalization, greater transparency and stronger ethics in world football. From now on, for agents, it becomes essential to obtain a FIFA license, master the new regulatory obligations and, above all, adopt rigorous practices.
In this new dynamic, this renewed framework offers great opportunities to motivated and serious agents, while also ensuring better protection for players and clubs.
