Several FIFA regulations governing football agents may violate European Union competition law, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on Wednesday, finding the governing body holds a dominant position in the market for agent services.
The court identified restrictions on multiple representation, licensing requirements, and rules limiting approaches to clients of other agents as potential barriers to the free movement of services. The preliminary ruling was requested by a German court hearing an injunction brought by two football agents against a FIFA regulation.
However, the court upheld key pillars of FIFA's agent framework, including mandatory licensing, commission caps, and the principle that fees must be paid directly by the represented client. FIFA welcomed the decision, saying it views core elements of the regulations as justified. The organization is preparing a broader overhaul of the transfer system expected to take effect in January 2027.