Since the entry into force of new FIFA agents regulations(FFAR), obtaining the official license necessarily involves the Football Agent Exam, a central, selective and now very closely monitored exam. Only 30 to 50% of candidates pass depending on the session, and the pressure pushes some to cross the line.
In response, FIFA has significantly toughened the penalties for cheating.FIFA agent exam fraud is now considered a serious violation undermining the integrity, to the transparency and to the credibility of the profession.
This article presents in detail the sanctions, disciplinary procedures, the risks of being struck off in case of fraud and the impact on a future career as an agent.
Why is FIFA intensifying its fight against fraud?
A matter of image and integrity
L’FIFA agent is a key intermediary between clubs, players, and institutions. He must embody the transparency, l’ethics and the responsibility Any cheating during the exam will invalidate:
- the value of the certificate,
- the quality of the intermediaries,
- the reputation of the system.
The FIFA wants to restore a strict framework, like that of regulated professions such as lawyers or notaries.
An increase in reported cases in 2023-2024
With the digitization of the test and the exam passed online Cases of cheating have exploded:
- Remote assistance,
- Sharing answers,
- Use of AI,
- Organized fraud networks.
Some candidates even paid third parties to take the exam on their behalf.
Result : FIFA has strengthened controls and sanctions including retroactive ones.
The most frequent forms of fraud
1. External assistance
The candidate is assisted by:
- a lawyer,
- a dismissed agent,
- an expert in sports law,
- a software program.
Even simple voice or message assistance constitutes fraud.
2. Identity theft
A third of them are pretending to be a registered candidate.
This directly leads to:
- Test cancelled
- Disciplinary procedure
- Lifelong ban on practicing in certain cases
3. Sharing or selling examination documents
Some candidates share illegally:
- PDFs from previous sessions
- screenshots
- stolen questions
FIFA regulations equate this to a serious violation of the evaluation secrecy.
The 5 official penalties for fraud
1 – Immediate cancellation of the exam
This is the first measure applied as soon as fraud is detected.
The test is automatically cancelled, even if:
- the fraud is partial
- The answers are correct.
- The candidate denies the allegations.
Cheating on the FIFA agent exam automatically invalidates the entire session.
The candidate receives written notification, sent to:
- FIFA
- the member organization (e.g., FFF)
- the future disciplinary file
2 – Prohibition against retaking the exam
Depending on the severity of the fraud, FIFA may ban the candidate from:
- to return for the next session,
- for one or more years,
- orlife in case of serious fraud or repeated.
The regulation explicitly states:
“Candidates found guilty of fraud may be excluded from future examination sessions.”
This can to block an agent’s career before it even begins.
3 – Suspension or withdrawal of licence
If the fraud is discovered after obtaining the license FIFA can:
- suspend the agent
- or permanently withdraw its status.
This includes, in particular:
Even if the agent has been working for months or years.
- licenses obtained through cheating
- fraudulent affiliations
- falsified files
License withdrawal entails:
- prohibition on operating,
- ban on performances,
- loss of clients (players, clubs, recruiters).
4 – Financial penalties
FIFA can impose:
- fines
- disciplinary fees
- procedural fees
According to the regulations, serious fraud can cost:
→ several thousand euros
And in the event of a dispute or arbitration:
→ The candidate also pays the legal fees
5 – Disciplinary procedure and ethics file
FIFA’s ethics committee is notified in cases of proven cheating.
She can:
- open a disciplinary file
- enter a name
- communicate the sanction to the federations
- block any future official role in football
Fraud can lead to:
- a ban on practicing in any activity related to football
- a blocking of the functions of agent, scout, manager, player representative
In summary: Fraud in the FIFA agent exam affects not only your license, but your entire football career.
What are the possible avenues of appeal?
Direct complaint to FIFA
A sanctioned candidate has the right to submit:
- a dispute,
- a request for reconsideration,
- a review procedure.
However, he must prove a procedural error or an abuse of authority.
Appeal to the CAS
If the decision is upheld, the candidate may appeal to:
THAT(Sports Arbitration Tribunal)
This court can:
- reduce the penalty,
- cancel the decision,
- or confirm it.
Note: The CAS never excuses cheating.
He is merely judging:
- proportionality,
- the procedure,
- compliance with regulations.
In conclusion, the FIFA agent exam fraud is now being treated with exemplary severity. The new rules make the cheating is a reason for exclusion, with consequences going far beyond a simple failure.
A serious future agent must succeed based on his skills because the FIFA license represents more than a certificate: it is a commitment to the integrity of football.
