One of the objectives of FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) is to prevent conflicts of interest in a transaction. As a result, there is a limit on how many parties a football agent can represent in a single transaction. This general rule on how many parties an agent can represent also comes with an exception.
For anyone preparing for the FIFA Football Agent Exam 2027, understanding the rules of representation under the FFAR is important. The rules on representation is one of the most commonly tested topics in the FIFA agent exam.
This article explains how many parties a football agent can represent in a transaction, the exceptions and what is prohibited.
A Football Agent Can Only Represent One Party in a Transaction
Under the FFAR, a football agent can only represent one party in a single transaction. In simple terms, an agent is expected to act solely in the best interests of one client in providing football agent services.
An example is an agent representing a player in a negotiation with contract with a club. Such agent responsibility is to secure the best possible outcome for that player. Representing multiple parties with competing interests will compromise that duty.
A Football Agent Can Represent Two Parties in Limited Circumstances
While the general rule limits representation to one party, FIFA allows one important exception known as dual representation.
A football agent can represent two parties (both an individual and an engaging club) in a single transaction if both clients give prior written consent.
Which Parties Cannot Be Represented by the Same Football Agent?
A Football Agent cannot represent these parties in a single transaction:
- A Releasing Entity (selling club) and an Individual
- A Releasing Entity and an Engaging Entity
- All three parties (Releasing Entity, Engaging Entity, and Individual)
Connected Football Agents (linked by family, agency, or other arrangements) are also barred from acting for different clients in the same Transaction, except under the dual-representation exception. Also, both Football Agent Services and Other Services are also included in this restriction.
Why Does FIFA Limit the Number of Parties a Football Agent Can Represent?
According to FIFA, one of the key objectives of the Football Agent Regulations is to limit conflicts of interest and protect clients from unethical conduct. FIFA considers these restrictions necessary to preserve integrity and transparency within football transactions.
Without these rules, an agent could be placed in a position where their duty to one client conflicts with the interests of another client involved in the same deal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who a Football Agent Can Represent in a Transaction
Q: How many parties can a football agent represent in one transaction?
A: As a general rule, a football agent can represent only one party in a transaction. The sole exception is permitted dual representation involving an Individual and an Engaging Entity.
Q: Can a football agent represent both a player and a club?
A: Yes. A football agent may represent both a player (or coach) and the engaging club. But both parties must give prior written consent.
Q: Can a football agent represent the selling club and the player?
A: No. FIFA expressly prohibits a football agent from representing both the releasing club and the player in the same transaction.
Q: Can a football agent represent both clubs in a transfer?
A: No. A football agent cannot represent both the selling club and the buying club in the same transaction.
Q: What is permitted dual representation?
A: Permitted dual representation allows a football agent to represent both an Individual and an Engaging Entity in the same transaction, provided both clients give prior explicit written consent.
Q: Is multiple representation tested in the FIFA Football Agent Exam?
Yes. Multiple representation, dual representation, connected football agents, and conflicts of interest are all key concepts that candidates should understand when preparing for the FIFA Football Agent Exam
Interested in Becoming a FIFA-licensed Football Agent?
If you’re planning to become a licensed FIFA Football Agent, this is the ideal time to start preparation.
FIFA’s next Football Agent Exam registration window will open in January 2027, with the examination scheduled to take place in April/May 2027. Given the breadth of material to cover, our how to prepare for the FIFA 2027 exam without feeling overwhelmed takes you through the process.
There is also Business FIFA Agent Exam Prep Course and the 400-most common FIFA Agent Exam questions, designed to improve your chances of passing on the first attempt. You can also join our community of aspiring football agents where you can prepare alongside others pursuing the same goal in 2027.