Luís Villas-Boas Pires explains new regulatory framework for FIFA agents in Thinking Football – Thinking Football Summit

The 18th of November is approaching, which will mark the beginning of Thinking Football, a congress that will take place until the 20th, in Porto, and in which several high-ranking football figures will be present to discuss the present and the future. of the modality. Indeed, one of the guest speakers will be Luís Villas-Boas Pires, Head of FIFA Agents and simultaneously responsible for implementing the new regulatory framework for football agents. A topic that promises to revolutionize the functioning of the market and that will be the subject of conversation at the congress, the ideal stage for this purpose. “One of the projects that we are implementing at FIFA is the creation of a new regulatory framework for football agents. It has a relevant impact on the market for the benefit of all. I thought it could be a good stage to explain, together with other stakeholders, the new rules that will be implemented next year. It is always an honor to return to my country to share my current experience”, began by saying the specialist in sports law, Recordmentioning that the presence of so many different players from the world of football at the same event will be important to also hear the different perspectives.

“It can be a good stage to explain the objective that FIFA intends to implement and to hear the point of view of clubs, players, agents regarding the reform. Obviously, one of the positive aspects in the context of a consultation process is to discuss different perspectives. Sometimes we have consensus, sometimes we don’t, but we try to do our best to protect the transfer system, although there are agents who do not agree with its implementation”, he pointed out, even before explaining the new regulation in detail.

“I divide the new framework into five principles. First, the reintroduction of the mandatory licensing system, which includes continuing education requirements. The aim is to raise professional standards. We will introduce an examination for accessing the agent profession and continuing education requirements. In order to maintain the license, courses with continuing education credits will have to be carried out. We will create an online platform where courses and exams can be accessed. The second principle is the dispute resolution system, between clubs, players, coaches and agents. a Chamber should be created in the football court to resolve disputes. The third point is the limit in the commissions to avoid excessive and abusive practices and to protect the proper functioning of the transfer system. The fourth is the prohibition of multiple representation, to avoid conflicts of Finally, all transfer fees will be paid through a clearing house to ensure financial arency. These are the 5 main points of the new framework”, he added.

Importance of agents cannot be relativized

Agents have been an important part of the football machine for some time now. An importance that Luís Villas-Boas Pires does not relativize. “I think they are as important as any other player. Federations, clubs, players, coaches, leagues. Everyone can and should contribute to a better functioning of the market. It was with some of the agents that we started this process of change to the current regulatory framework. They obviously have a say and they are and will be part of this new system that we are going to create. We are going to create a working group to monitor the application of the new regulation”, he stressed.