European Parliament backs FIFA and demands increased regulation of player agents

November 15 – The Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament has called for regulation of football agents, backing FIFA’s plans to reform the agents’ industry.

A report by European Parliament member Tomasz Frankowski MEP, says that there is “the need to regulate the activities of agents”, and encourages “the relevant sports authorities to ensure [their] prompt implementation.”

It noted that some of FIFA’s recent introductions such as the Clearing House are a step in the right direction. The report will give FIFA more ammunition to push through with its reforms, which have faced strong opposition from agents. The world governing body is consulting stakeholders over the future of the transfer market.

Last week, Zurich boss Gianni Infantino said that it is “not right” that player agents claimed €700 million of commissions in 2019. Infantino also suggested that a mathematical calculation of a player’s value could replace the system of transfer fees.

Infantino said: “In 2019, €7 billion have been spent on transfer fees, €700 million have gone to commissions of agents, and €70 million have gone to training solidarity compensation,” said the FIFA president.”

“Something is not right when we hear those figures. Seven billion for transfers. 700 million for agents. And only 70 million for training of players. It’s not right and something needs to change in this respect. And we are changing it.”

Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1711725014labto1711725014ofdlr1711725014owedi1711725014sni@i1711725014tnuk.1711725014ardni1711725014mas1711725014