FIFA Calls for Government Intervention in Agent Fee Regulation
FIFA, the governing body of world football, has urged lawmakers to intervene in the regulation of player agent fees in the multi-billion dollar transfer market. The organization has specifically targeted the English Premier League, which has become a major source of revenue for agents.
According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, English clubs paid a staggering 500 million euros (530 million dollars) in agent fees in the year to February. However, only 6% of that amount (30 million euros) was paid to foreign clubs that developed and trained the players.
Infantino expressed concern that the vast majority of agent fees are leaving the football ecosystem. He emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and better redistribution in the transfer market.
FIFA has faced legal challenges from agents in Europe who oppose the organization’s plans for tighter regulations. The football body wants to cap agent commissions at 10% of transfer fees for selling clubs and 3% to 10% of salaries for players they represent.
However, these rules have been stalled after agents won a key legal ruling in England. The London tribunal ruled that implementing FIFA’s regulations would violate competition law.
FIFA relies on its financial clearing house in Paris to track transfer and agent fees between clubs in different countries. The system also directs money from these deals to clubs that trained and developed players earlier in their careers.
Infantino stressed the importance of compensation and solidarity payments for less privileged clubs. He argued that these payments are vital for clubs struggling to generate sufficient revenue.
The FIFA leader called on governments and lawmakers to join the organization in ensuring that funds generated in transfers remain within football and are shared with clubs worldwide. He emphasized the crucial role of less wealthy clubs in developing future generations of footballers.
