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Football agents in England are on a collision course with Fifa over suggestions for a new regulation that would cap their fees and make them payable only by the player they represent.
In a letter to Fifa seen by Telegraph Sport, the Association of Football Agents threaten legal action if there is not urgent communication after what they describe as an “absurd” consultation process.The letter sets out the AFA’s position on a range of potential changes. On the question of restricting agent fees, the letter says: “Both we and our client are aware that a cap on fees to agents has been discussed and is still under consideration. That is totally unacceptable.
“Football is a free market. Where there are no caps on transfer fees or players’ salaries, why should there be any cap on agency fees?
“The question of commission should be between the agent and the player when the representation contract is signed and between the agent and the club when a transfer is being negotiated. Any other course of conduct is anti-competitive and unlawful and will be challenged.”
It also warns that limiting agents fees to come only from the player “will create anarchy and a ‘black economy’ within football” that will “destroy any hope of real transparency” and actually indirectly drive up costs to clubs.
