MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - FIFA will next week introduce widespread rule changes on how soccer agents operate, including a cap on the transfer commissions they receive and the introduction of an exam, the sport’s governing body said.
Fees paid by clubs for the services of intermediaries were $622.8 million in 2022, FIFA said last month, marking a 24.3 percent increase in their spending on fees compared to 2021.
Following the approval of changes agreed at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha, agents can take a maximum 3 percent commission for any transfer above $200,000 and 5 percent for deals under $200,000.
Under the new regulations, which come into force on Monday, agents must also make all transactions public, allowing fans to see how much they are paid for deals.
The other major changes include the introduction of a mandatory licensing system and the prohibition of multiple representation to avoid conflicts of interest.
Those people wanting to become agents must now follow a strict process, including the need to pass a FIFA exam, and then pay an annual fee to the governing body.