This article refers to the following FIFA regulations:
- Articles 13 and 14 of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations
Table of contents
A minor is a player under the age of 18. Representing a minor requires compliance with rules on the timing of an approach, the legal guardian’s consent, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation and applicable national law.
Timing of an approach and guardian consent
A FIFA football agent may approach a minor or their legal guardian in relation to football agent services no earlier than six months before the minor becomes eligible to sign a first professional contract under the applicable national law. The legal guardian’s prior written consent is required before any approach or representation agreement.
The minimum age for signing a first professional contract depends on the law where the minor will be employed and varies between member associations. The relevant member association should be consulted to confirm the current national requirements before an approach is made.
Accreditation and representation agreements
Before representing a minor or a club in a transaction involving a minor, or otherwise participating in such a transaction, a football agent must successfully complete the FIFA Representing Minors CPD course, pass its assessment and meet any additional national requirements. The authorisation to represent minors is visible on the football agent’s digital licence card and is valid for three years, after which the course and assessment must be successfully completed again to continue representing minors.
An agreement with a minor is enforceable only if it meets the minimum representation-agreement requirements, the rules on approaching and representing minors have been followed, and it is signed by the minor and their legal guardian as required by the applicable law.
A service fee for football agent services relating to a minor may be received only where the player is signing a first or subsequent professional contract in accordance with the applicable national law.
Breaches may result in disciplinary sanctions, including a fine and licence suspension of up to two years for violations relating to the approach of minors.
Guidance for parents and guardians
Before entering a representation relationship, families should verify the football agent’s licence and authorisation to represent minors, understand the services and fees, and allow time for independent advice. Pressure to sign, unrealistic promises and requests for money linked to unverified opportunities warrant further checks; suspected unlicensed activity can be reported through the reporting procedure.
FIFA’s Parents’ Education on Football Agents handbook covers preparing to engage a football agent, entering and managing the relationship, and ending it. The focused guides on verifying a football agent, identifying fake agents and representation agreements provide practical checklists.