The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled in FIFA’s favour in a dispute with football agents over the legality of the governing body’s new regulations.
FIFA introduced new rules earlier this year, with agents having to pass an exam before being allowed to operate beyond October 1.
A number of agents were attempting to stop the regulations — most notably the cap on their fees — from being implemented.
The European Football Agents Association lost a case against FIFA in the Netherlands Central Court in May, having argued that the new restrictions were unlawful as FIFA has no authority to regulate their profession.
And now, CAS has ruled against the Professional Football Agents Association (PROFAA) in arbitration with FIFA, with the claims “dismissed in their entirety”.
FIFA said it “welcomed” the decision by CAS.
“The award represents the first in-depth legal assessment of the legality of the FFAR by an independent panel of renowned experts,” a FIFA statement added.
“The introduction of the FFAR follows a robust consultation period involving multiple stakeholders. The award confirms FIFA’s position that the FFAR are a reasonable and proportionate regulatory measure that helps to resolve systemic failures in the player transfer system.
“FIFA particularly notes that the award confirms its regulatory authority to regulate the activity of football agents in the transfer system, as well as the validity of key provisions of the FFAR.
“Those provisions notably include the service fee cap, the prohibition of multiple representation and the principle that only licensed football agents may provide football agent services, all of which will enhance contractual stability, ensure that the interests of football agents are aligned with those of their clients, increase professional and ethical standards, and protect the smooth functioning of the player transfer system,” it stated.
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