How do you choose a football agent?

What FIFA's rules require

The FIFA Football Agent Regulations set minimum rules for an agreement between an agent and a player (article 12):

• Only a licensed Football Agent may approach you or sign a representation agreement with you.
• The agreement must be in writing before the agent acts for you.
• It may not run longer than two years. Automatic renewals are void, and only a new agreement can extend it.
• An agent can only have one agreement with you at a time.
• Before you sign, the agent must tell you in writing to consider independent legal advice, and get your written confirmation.
• The agreement must name the parties, its length, the fee, the services, and carry both signatures.

What to check yourself

• The licence: ask for the number and the digital licence card, and check it with FIFA.
• Their record: which players they have placed, at what level, in which countries.
• Their contacts at clubs in the leagues you can realistically play in.
• The fee: how much, on what, and who pays it.
• Whether the agreement is exclusive.

Warning signs

• Asking you to pay up front for a trial, a club, or a place in front of scouts.
• Promising a specific club or contract before talking to any.
• Refusing to give a licence number.
• Pressure to sign immediately, without time to take advice.

You can also do it yourself

Most international transfers have no declared player agent. On FTBL Exchange a player can apply to clubs' requests directly, with or without one.