The European Parliament has recently approved a resolution aiming to introduce some community rules to govern the activities of sports agents. Among measures proposed by MEPs are the prohibition of remuneration to agents in cases of minor players transfers, the creation of system of licenses, a mechanism of discipline and control, a progressive remuneration system based on compliance of the contract and strict exam criteria in order to become an agent.

In its resolution, the European Parliament is particularly concerned about criminal activities related to sport and where the sport has been affected by crime associated with activities organized by players' agents. MEPs stress the fact that sport players' agents are central in financial streams that are often not transparent, making them prone to illegal activities and even organised crime, as portrayed by recent study by the European Commission, which were part of some actions took by the Commission in the scope of the White Paper on Sport.

This study also highlights the inherent opacity transfer systems, especially in team sports, "which are conducive to illegal activities in involving staff and clubs and players."

MEPs believe that this is "detrimental to the image of sport, its integrity and ultimately its role in society". They are especially critical of the opacity of player transfer systems, particularly in team sports, "which are conducive to illegal activities where agents as well as clubs and players are involved".

The resolution calls for an EU initiative on the activities of sports agents with the following objectives

• Standards and strict screening criteria before anyone can act as a player agent
• Transparency in the operations carried out by agents
• Prohibition of remuneration to the agents in case of transfer of players who are still minors
• Establishment of a “agents licensing system” and a record of agents across the EU
• Harmonized minimum standards for agents' contracts
• An effective system of surveillance and discipline
• Gradual remuneration subject to the completion of the contract

EP resolution on players' agents regulation and the role of the FIFA

The text points out that the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has full authority to regulate the profession of agent, provided that such rules are not anti-competitive and "conducive to professional and ethical standards" of the activity of agents and to protect the players. MEPs acknowledge that doing away with the existing FIFA licence system without setting up a robust alternative would not be appropriate.

The Parliament also emphasizes the need for a consistent solution across the EU to avoid "gaps due to vague regulation and get a proper monitoring and control of the activities of agents."