FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced new agent rules, with Man United and Man City set to benefit significantly.
New FIFA regulations will see football clubs pay less agent fees during a player transfer, with Manchester United and Manchester City set to benefit significantly from the fresh rule change.
The rules now stipulate that dual representation – of a club and a player involved in a specific deal – is now banned. As well as this, commission caps will be imposed, which could potentially save both United and City millions of pounds in fees.
Speaking during a press conference in Qatar, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed “a 10 percent cap on what agents representing buying clubs and players being signed can receive from a transfer.”
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When City signed star striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window, it was widely reported that the club paid £34m extra to the Norwegian’s representatives, including the late Mino Raiola as an agent and Alfie Haaland, his father.
In March of this year, it was confirmed that United had spent the second-most on agent/intermediary fees in the Premier League for last season. The FA released official records and they showed the Reds spent a total of £29,036,141 on agent/intermediary fees between February 2, 2021, and January 31, 2022.
Only City spent more (£35m) during that period, while Chelsea (£28m) spent third-most in the top flight.
The other fresh rule changes include: “Limitations on what those acting on behalf of selling clubs could also make from deals; A curb on the rewards to family members who are not licensed intermediaries; Establishing a clearing-house through which all transfer payments must pass.”
The changes are expected to be followed by the passing of an agent’s exam – meaning that family members will be unable to earn commission on transfers unless they are officially passed by FIFA.
However, there is a chance that legal action could be taken in order to try and prevent the new regulations, with several agents expected to proceed to court.
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