The Agents Angle - The World's Premier Football (Soccer) Agent Show

On this week's episode of 'The Agents Angle' we talk about how a dispute between an agent and a player started with a disagreement over a transfer to an English Premier League club and has now 'snowballed' into a wider dispute and a ban for the agent involved. We also look at a report from Germany where a club has reportedly taken steps to avoid youth football agents.

The show's special guest this week is Senior Sports Writer for The Athletic, Matt Slater - who brings his insights on the football agent world and a different perspective on football agents and their role in the football industry, including how that 'Pogba Deal' may have incited FIFA to reregulate agents, the impact of 'Bosman' on the football agent's world and whether it was the media who created the 'Super Agents'.

Also, we highlight reports of a scam of fake FIFA Agent Licenses that seems to be fooling some trying to enter the agent's industry, as well as an update on new NFAR (National Football Agent Regulations) from around the world, this week includes Mexico, Poland and the home of FIFA; Switzerland.

EMAIL : ⁠⁠[email protected]

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SHOW RUNNING ORDER :

(01:01) - First Month of FFAR Prompts Several Agent Related Events. >

(01:26) - 'Scam' Warning of Fake FIFA Agent Licenses. >

(03:57) - Agent Pressurising a Player Over a Transfer Leads to a Ban. >

(08:35) - Agent Sanctions Where RWWI and FFAR Collide. >

(12:13) - Potential Long-Term Ramifications of a Player Agent Dispute (for all involved). >

(14:30) - Cases of Unecessary Disputes Between Agents and Client-Players? >

(17:38) - Guest Interview - Matt Slater (PART 1) : Senior Sports Journalist (The Athletic) >

(19:17) - One Impactful Story from the Football World. >

(22:50) - Tackling the Stereotypes of Football Agents. >

(27:11) - The Journalist to Agent Relationship. >

(29:17) - The Value of Agent Media Releases & Social Media. >

(31:20) - Did the Media Create the 'Super Agent(s)'? >

(32:50) - Football Agents World/Industry in One Word. >

(33:59) - Global NFAR Update. >

(40:42) - Guest Interview - Matt Slater (PART 2) >

(40:42) - The Impact of 'Bosman' on Agents. >

(44:10) - FFAR - Triggered by That Pogba Deal? >

(46:50) - Shifts In the Agent's World & Impact on Football's Eco-System. >

(48:45) - Agent Influence on the Burgeoning Women's Game. >

(51:37) - What to Look for in 'The Athletic' on Agents? >

(52:37) - Journalist & Fan Wishes for the Football Agents World. >

(58:43) - German Club To Avoid Youth Football Agents. >

(67:20) - Clubs Banning Agents Doesn't Work! >

(68:48) - Closing Remarks. - Get in Touch. >

(69:50) - Disclaimer. >

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RELATED LINKS :

Matt Slater @ The Athletic -

BT Sport Films: 'Bosman,The Player That Changed Football' -

Agent Portal - How to Become a FIFA Licensed Football Agent -

FIFA Licensed Agent Register -

St. Pauli: German football's cult club explained -

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FEATURED ARTICLES :

“They were quite clear” – Player on agents trying to force him to join Bournemouth, resulted in split -

Larsson's former agent suspended: "Pushed me very hard" -

Hugo Larsson changes agent: "Want to take the next step at some point" -

Malmo FF Prospect Hugo Larsson Explains Rejecting Chelsea -

St. Pauli to avoid youth football agents -

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CREDITS :

Theme Music : Agent Red by Abbynoise

Music from #Uppbeat : https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/agent-red

Episode 13 ('unlucky for some') marks the week after the new FFAR (FIFA Football Agent Regulations) were scheduled to come 'fully into force'. We are joined by a former FIFA regulator who now works in private practice advising many top clubs, players, agents and leagues on a breadth of regulatory matters. Paolo Lombardi brings with him a unique perspective, a depth of knowledge and an 'inside track' on the world of football agent regulations - we look with him at the past, present and (possible) future of football agent regulations.

Also this week, we have updates on the development of NFAR (National Football Agent Regulations) by national football associations from around the world; whilst another National Association looks to 'scrap' its pioneering 'clearing house' for football agent payments.

And whilst one FIFA resource for agents poses the question of why some newly licensed FIFA Football Agents seem to have gone missing (with gremlins the prime suspects), we also have a look at a new tool for agents to assist in the creation of compliant football agent representation agreements.

EMAIL : [email protected]

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Show Running Order :

(02:18) - The End of The FA 'Clearing House' in England >

(08:59) - Guest Interview (Part 1) - Paolo Lombardi >

(12:02) - How the Landscape of Football Agent Regulations Has Evolved >

(15:12) - Historical Issues at FIFA with Agents & Agent Regulations >

(16:14) - Transferring Skills from Football Regulation to Private Practice >

(17:40) - Improving the Relationship Between Agents & Clubs - And the Importance of Consistency. >

(21:00) - One Word to Describe the Agents Industry/World >

(21:27) - RWWI : Could It Have Worked & Should It Have Worked >

(24:08) - What May The Future Hold for FFAR and Football Agents Regulation >

(26:13) - Delays with FFAR in England & Scotland - Situation in France & Italy >

(28:48) - National Football Agent Regulation (NFAR) - Updates >

(32:39) - Guest Interview (Part 2) - Paolo Lombardi >

(32:58) - Professionalism, Ethics & Transparency in Football >

(34:13) - Will Technology Bring Compliance to the Football Agency World >

(36:11) - Football Agents as Stakeholders >

(38:06) - Agent Regulations to Fit the Diversity of Agents and the Global Industry >

(40:44) - Changes, Trends and Evolution in the Football Agents World in the Last Decade >

(43:12) - Role of Football/Sports Lawyers in the Football Agency World >

(44:48) - How Can Football Agent Regulations Develop in the Best Interests of All >

(46:33) - One Wish for the Football Agent Industry/World >

(48:50) - The Value of Looking Through the Eyes of Others on FFAR >

(50:34) - The New FIFA Agent Platform/Portal >

(50:52) - Football Agents Go Missing are Gremlins to Blame? >

(53:15) - Great Tools for Football Agents Go Unnoticed >

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Related Links :

Lombardi Associates - The Football Regulation Specialists

Representation Agreement template/generator - FIFA

Training Rewards Calculator - FIFA

⁠⁠⁠FFAR - FIFA Football Agent Regulations⁠⁠ (PDF) - FIFA

Featured Articles :

Update on the Implementation of Scottish FA Football Agent Regulations - The SFA (Scotland)

Statement on Agent Regulations - The FA (England)

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Show Links :

EMAIL : ⁠[email protected]⁠

Website : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theagentsangle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

LinkedIn : ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/company/the-agents-angle/⁠⁠⁠ >

Threads : ## >

Instagram : ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

Facebook : ⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

Twitter (X) : ⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

⁠YouTube : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

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Credits :

Theme Music : Agent Red by Abbynoise

Music from #Uppbeat : https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/agent-red

What a week ........... indeed, what a week it has proven to be for football agents (old and new), the football world, as well as here on 'The Agents Angle'. This week has seen numerous changes in the football agent space that has likely left everyone 'in a spin'.

In the space of a week we have seen the announcement of resits offered to 'some' of those candidates who failed the second of the new FIFA Football Agents exam; but with a very short window of opportunity for them to register and resit. Which leads to the question of whether the FIFA Agents exam process is fair, and ultimately whether the legitimacy, integrity and value of the new agents license and regulations is tarnished even before the new regulations are implemented in full.

In England, there is now huge uncertainty as to whether the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) and agent license will ever happen, as its implementation is 'put on hold' and England retains the old intermediary regulations (RWWI), albeit possibly just as a temporary measure.

We also hear from an exam candidate who sat the second exam in the US; and hear what they felt about the exam, the process and their take on the impact of FIFA agent licensing in the rapidly accelerating American 'soccer' scene. In addition to that, we also ask whether there are questions of accessibility and inclusivity issues surrounding the exam process and the study materials, as well as whether there is a regulatory oversight when it comes to the protection of minors with the new FIFA Football Agent Regulations.

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Show Running Order :

(01:47) - Is 'The Agents Angle' Anti-FIFA (Establishment) or Pro-FIFA? >

(03:30) - Agent Exam Candidate Interview - Americas - USA. >

(11:51) - Has Football & The Agents Exam Got Accessibility and Inclusivity Problems? >

(12:45) - Are the FIFA Agents Exam Study Materials Satisfactory and adequate? >

(16:17) - FA Criticised for Not Taking a Disabled Agent Candidate Seriously. >

(21:15) - Remote Resits for Candidates Who Failed the Second Agents Exam. >

(24:17) - "Brace Yourselves" : Credit Where it is Due for The FA (England). >

(25:28) - Is the Reputation, Value and Integrity of FFAR Agent License Already Damaged? >

(27:23) - FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) and License 'On Hold' in England. >

(36:41) - Is There An Anomaly in FFAR Regarding Agents Representing Minors? >

(39:21) - Challenges to FFAR Around the World - Update/Summary. >

(41:38) - A Harsh Appraisal of FFAR and the Process? >

(44:09) - If You're Sick of FFAR, You're Not Alone. >

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Related Links :

Update on Arbitration Proceedings by Agencies to Challenge NFAR Implementation - The FA (England)

⁠⁠FIFA Football Agent Exam Study Materials - May 2023 edition⁠⁠ - (PDF) - FIFA

⁠FIFA Football Agent Exam Rules⁠ (PDF) - FIFA

⁠⁠FFAR - FIFA Football Agent Regulations⁠ (PDF) - FIFA

Featured Articles :

New FIFA agent regulations delayed by FA after agency challenges - The Athletic

FIFA and FA criticised for handling of disabled candidate’s access to agents’ exam - The Athletic

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Show Links :

Website : ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theagentsangle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

LinkedIn : ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/company/the-agents-angle/⁠⁠ >

Threads : ## >

Instagram : ⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

Facebook : ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

Twitter (X) : ⁠⁠www.twitter.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

⁠YouTube : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ >

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Credits :

Theme Music : Agent Red by Abbynoise

Music from #Uppbeat : https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/agent-red

In a week when the final FIFA Football Agent's Exam has taken place all around the world, before the scheduled implementation of the new FFAR (FIFA Football Agents Regulations) due to take place in full on the 1st October 2023, "The Agent's Angle" takes a look at how the exam went for candidates and Football Associations around the globe.

Interviews with candidates from Africa, Asia and Europe (Nigeria, Indonesia and England respectively); along with snapshots and anecdotes from numerous other locations around the world where candidates sat the exam from India to the USA, the Czech Republic to Qatar, we look at where the exam was adjudged to be 'fantastic', 'strict' yet 'fair' ...... but also where it seems that the exam descended into 'farce' and reported 'chaos'.

"The Agent's Angle" looks at various problems and complacency that arguably led to the failure of some exams and how the 'knock-on' effects won't just affect candidate agents, and FAs, but football as a whole - and what can be done to rectify the situation in the short window of time that remains before the scheduled full implementation of the new agent regulations (FFAR) by FIFA in just a weeks time.

We also bring some breaking news from a national football association in Asia who are amongst the first to announce their new NFAR (National Football Agents Regulations) with just a week remaining, whilst many fellow national FAs (FIFA member associations) are in 'limbo' and uncertainty with their NFAR. Many are still hampered by legal challenges and national laws/legislation with the implementation of the international FFAR (from FIFA), any new national (domestic) football agent regulations (NFAR) they may be seeming to introduce before their deadline in 7 days time (30th September 2023) ................ or even both FFAR and NFAR.

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Show Running Order :

(01:30) - Overview and Observations from the 2nd New (FFAR) FIFA Football Agents Exam from Around the World.

(06:21) - Agent Exam Candidate Interviews for the Exam⁠,

(06:21) - Asian Agent Exam Candidate (Indonesia),

(15:19) - African Agent Exam Candidate (Nigeria),

(21:06) - European Agent Exam Candidate (England).

(36:09) - Agent Exam Observations from Elsewhere.

(37:02) - FIFA Agent Exam Rules ('Hotspots' & Prohibited Items).

(38:35) - Are the Football Agent Exams Consistent with FIFA Agent Exam Rules?

(40:33) - How Are Problems and Damaging Situation Created by The Agent's Exam & FFAR Rectified? ........ QUICKLY!

(48:21) - Fairness & Rumours of an Agent Passing the Agents Exam the Very Same Day?

(51:23) - BREAKING NEWS: Japan's FA (JFA) Release Their National Football Agent Regulations ('NFAR')

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Related Links :

FIFA Football Agent Exam Rules (PDF) - FIFA

FIFA Football Agent Exam Study Materials - May 2023 edition - (PDF) - FIFA

⁠FFAR - FIFA Football Agent Regulations (PDF) - FIFA

AIFF conducts FIFA Football Agent License Examination - All India Football Federation

Featured Articles :

Agent exam ‘shambles’: Questions repeated, no wifi, January window concerns - The Athletic

⁠⁠FA agents exam descends into chaos after internet crashes – but clock keeps ticking - The Telegraph

FIFA agents' exam descends into CHAOS amid a lack of working WiFi and integrity concerns after candidates were - Daily Mail (online)

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Show Links :

Website : ⁠⁠⁠www.theagentsangle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn : ⁠www.linkedin.com/company/the-agents-angle/⁠

Threads :

Instagram : ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook : ⁠www.facebook.com/TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter (X) : ⁠www.twitter.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠YouTube : ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

======

Credits :

Theme Music : Agent Red by Abbynoise

Music from #Uppbeat : https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/agent-red

A media release from FIFA in recent weeks has sent the football agents world into yet another state of flux over the new FFAR (FIFA Football Agent Regulations), so 'The Agents Angle' this week looks at what FIFA has said and whether an exemption applies for German agents as well as those connected to German football with regards to agent regulations, when FIFA's 'Regulations on Working with Intermediaries' (RWWI) are scheduled to be replaced by the FFAR in full on the 1st October 2023.

A fine of €150,000 for FIFA may have prompted movement on FFAR in Germany; but as well as causing complications for German Football Authorities, could this actually spell more trouble for FIFA and the FFAR? Joining 'The Agents Angle' this week to discuss these football agent complications, is German football law and football agency expert, Dr Joachim Rain who will help dissect the announcement, the complications, implications as well as the potential outcomes.

In addition to this, 'The Agents Angle' will also be taking a look into the recently released FIFA 'International Transfer Snapshot' (Sept'23) which provides information regarding the recent transfer window from where we will be analysing what it says about the activity of agents in the recent transfer period, as well as whether it projects an accurate picture of the realities across the broad and contrasting landscape that is the football agent industry.

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Show Running Order :

(02:56) - FIFA's 'International Transfer Snapshot' for the Mid-Year Transfer Window(s) - Sept'23.

(07:48) - Records Continue to Be Broken ALL Across The Football Transfer System

(12:01) - German Clubs are First to Reach a $1billion Milestone

(13:16) - Interview with with Dr Joachim Rain - The Impact Of the German Injunction on Halting FIFA and the FFAR⁠,

(14:40) - FIFA Media Release on German Exemptions to FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR),

(19:39) - What Are German Agents (& Agents in Germany) Doing in Terms of Compliance?

(22:33) - Implications for German Agents Overseas,

(24:20) - German Football Agent Regulations from 1st October 2023?

(28:01) - Does the "Link to Germany" Potentially Create More Problems for FIFA and FFAR?

(30:47) - Impact of CAS and Others on German Rulings Regarding FFAR,

(34:38) - The Lack of 'Exclusivity' for German Football Agents,

(37:40) - Trends and Patterns Noticed in the German Football Agent Space.

(43:30) - Is Information Missing or Omitted from Football Governance Reports- BUT, Are Some Examples Misleading?

(49:33) - Parting Shot from FIFA in Media Release Regarding Agents Fees With No Comparison.

(51:52) - "Football Transfers Biggest Change Since Bosman"?

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Related Links :

FIFA International Transfer Snapshot confirms record-breaking figures - FIFA

International Transfer Snapshot (1 June – 1 September 2023) - (PDF) - FIFA

Inflation in the football players’ transfer market (2013/14-2022/23) - CIES Football Observatory

FIFA Transfer Window Calendar - (PDF) - FIFA

Featured Articles :

International transfer agents fees near £800m in 2023 according to Fifa - BBC

How Fifa is leading the push for football transfers’ biggest change since Bosman - The Independent

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Show Links :

Website : ⁠⁠www.theagentsangle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/company/the-agents-angle/

Threads :

Instagram : ⁠www.instagram.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook : www.facebook.com/TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter (X) : www.twitter.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠YouTube : ⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Credits :

Theme Music : Agent Red by Abbynoise

Music from #Uppbeat : https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/agent-red

As the summer transfer windows draw to a close, 'The Agent's Angle' looks back at the window and examines where agents have been both productive, and also possibly left frustrated. This is in addition to the uncertainty and adjustments that not just agents, but also CLUBS have had to make in this window when considering the impact of the new agent regulations.

We also ponder the question as to whether the Football Agents world is 'REALLY' that interesting if not fascinating to those on the outside looking in; and we pose the question to our guest, Romaric Etong, who with his network of social media channels and website has engaged with a wide and varied online audience in bringing them a unique insight into the agents world.

Meanwhile, we look at the story of The AFA (Association of Football Agents, in England) demanding more time in the consultation process with The FA (England) with their recent domestic agent regulation proposals.

And also look into some misleading information and quotes from the media and possibly also FIFA when it comes to the new agents regulations, the reasons behind the implementation and the challenges to the new regulations.

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Show Running Order :

(01:44) - Views of the Recent Transfer Window(s).

(05:31) - Biggest Transfers (thus far).

(06:57) - Saudi Pro League Comparisson with the 'Big 5'.

(09:00) - Interview with 'The Football Agents' Social Network - Romaric Etong⁠,

(11:19) - Motivations & Objectives for the Network,

(13:43) - 'One Word' to Sum up the Agents Industry/World,

(15:10) - Information Sources in a Secretive World,

(16:16) - Agents Love the 'Spotlight' (or not),

(18:20) - 'All About Agents' Strapline,

(19:46) - Is There a Genuine Interes in Football Agents?

(26:47) - A Wish for the Football Agents Industry.

(32:20) - A Transfer Window of Uncertainty & Adjustment for Agents AND CLUBS.

(36:07) - Misleading Information from the Media & Possibly FIFA on Regulations?

(49:01) - The 'Door is Open' on 'The Agents Angle' for FIFA and Others.

(50:43) - English Agents (AFA) Demand More Time on National Regulatory 'Consultation'.

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Related Links :

The Football Agents (website) : https://footballagents.net/

The Football Agents (Instagram) : https://www.instagram.com/footballagents_/

The Football Agents (Facebook) : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067197576054

Featured Articles :

⁠2023/24 Summer Transfer Market Financial Recap & Top 10 Highest Spending Leagues ⁠

The 20 biggest transfers in the world in the 2023 summer transfer window

Three Summer Window Observations - edition #20 - Saudi Pro League threat. - NEWSLETTER

Association of Football Agents demand more time from FA to respond to new FIFA regulations

Inside the controversial new agent rules shaping the final days of transfer window

FIFA crackdown on unqualified agents after record-breaking transfer window for commission

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Show Links :

Website : ⁠⁠www.theagentsangle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Threads :

Instagram : ⁠www.instagram.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook : www.facebook.com/TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter : www.twitter.com/theagentsangle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠YouTube : ⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@TheAgentsAngle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Credits :

Theme Music : Agent Red by Abbynoise

Music from #Uppbeat : https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/agent-red

This week 'The Agent's Angle' looks at the topic of players, coaches/managers, sporting directors, and other football professionals looking to work for clubs abroad; and what agents should know in trying to help them and their clubs (employers) in ensuring they meet the necessary work permit and visa requirements to work legitimately and legally.

A key focus is on the latest iteration of United Kingdom's 'Governing Body Endorsements' (GBEs) and how these affect the role of agents in bringing footballing clients to the likes of England and Scotland. As a guest on 'The Agent's Angle,' we are joined by eminent international sports lawyer Dev Kumar Parmar to guide us through the maze that now presents itself to football agents with GBEs, and how these regulations have changed and developed from pre-Brexit times to the present day, thus affecting both players from within Europe, as well as outside of the EU.

'The Agent's Angle' also takes a look at visa and work permit requirements in other territories, and how they compare with the UK's GBEs .... as well as the possible 'crossroads' Australian football (soccer) finds itself with regards to game, league, pathways and player development.

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Show Running Order :

(03:38) - Overlapping Transfer Window & Saudi Pro League Impact

(08:32) - Work Permits for Players, Coaches/Managers, Executives & Football Specialists

(09:03) - Brief Synopsis of GBE's (Governing Body Endorsements) for UK Football

(10:16) - Guest Interview: International Sports Lawyer on Work Permits (and GBEs in the UK) - Dev Kumar Parmar

(11:59) - Overview & Explanation of the UKs Governing Body Endorsements (GBEs) for Football.

(14:27) - Agents Assisting Players and Clubs in the GBE Process.

(17:17) - How Agents Keep Informed About GBE Regulations.

(18:59) - One Word to Describe the Football Agent World/Industry as a Whole.

(21:03) - Comparisons With Work Permit & Visa Requirements Elsewhere.

(22:59) - "Subject to Gaining a Work Permit": Sloppy Terminology.

(25:03) - Balancing the Expectations & Ambitions of Clients With GBEs & Work Permits.

(27:52) - Successfully Appealing GBE & Work Permit Decisions.

(32:03) - Is Scotland the 'Springboard' for Overseas Players Regarding GBEs?

(35:02) - The Future & Agents Preparing for Future Changes in GBE Regulations.

(38:25) - One Wish for the Football Agent World/Industry.

(41:52) - Differing Opinions on GBEs in UK Football.

Related Links :

Featured Articles :

Show Links :

Music from #Uppbeat : https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/agent-red

At a time when football agents operate in a more competitive industry than ever and allegedly find themselves 'under attack' from various quarters with regulation and legislation, 'The Agents Angle' asks the question of why more than 10,000 applicants have registered for the second sitting of the new FIFA 'Football Agent's Exam', in addition to 1000's who passed the first exam and many more established agents who qualify under the 'legacy pathway'?

Could more agents be looking to use the role of a licensed agent as a 'stepping stone' to the role of a sporting director within a club rather than the competitive, combative, and often 'cut-throat' world of being a football agent?

What are the ramifications for these licensed agents both new and old under the new FFAR (FIFA Football Agents Regulations) or more importantly what happens if the FFAR fails to be implemented consistently around the footballing world?

In this episode 'The Agents Angle' also looks into reports of an agent threatening to sue a super club (in the shape of Barcelona) and where such disputes between agents and clubs may be heard ..... and the effects on the associated player in such disputes.

Also at a time when a lot of people are losing faith in large parts of the not-so'beautiful game', we look at a case where a player and agent have kept their word to a club in the transfer window when many others would be unlikely to show similar honour and morals.

And with all this in mind, 'The Agents Angle' asks the question as to "what value agents bring to football", and looks into some research that asks the 'age-old' question of : "Do footballers (players) really need agents?"

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Show Running Order :

(01:06) - The prospect of 10,000+ new football agents with the 2nd FIFA Football Agents Exam

(07:32) - Professional Pathways from Agent to Sporting Director

(08:37) - The Ramifications of Challenges to FFAR for New Agent Exam Applicants

(12:32) - Football Agent Threatens to Sue 'Mega-Club' (Barcelona)

(18:26) - Legal & Regulatory Aspects for an Agent in Dispute with a Club

(24:06) - 'Keeping Your Word' in a Football Transfer Window

(29:14) - Research into the Value of Agents - Do Players Need Football Agents?

Related Links :

---------------------

Featured Articles :

======================

Show Links :

Theme Music : Agent Red by Abbynoise

Music from #Uppbeat : https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/agent-red

Whilst many believe football agents should be 'put on trial' for some of the reported and alleged misdemeanors committed by some agents, 'The Agent's Angle' looks at an increasing trend whereby players are signing short-term (trial) representation agreements (contracts) with their agency representatives. Is it a positive step, a sign of mistrust, or a 'weakening of the grip' of some agents who may use longer-term representation agreements to solely benefit themselves and 'fall short' in the service level they provide?

Our guest on 'The Agent's Angle' this week is Ged Searson, who as well as having experience as a Premier League scout and working across the breadth of the English football spectrum, has also worked as an international scout and advisor to National Teams and Football Associations around the world.

With Ged's experience, knowledge, and expert opinion, 'The Agent's Angle' explores the close association and relationship between football scouts and football agents. Looking at not only how these relationships can be productive, but also where and why they may fail due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities performed by one another.

In addition, discussing where the two industries overlap and 'the lines become blurred' in terms of the regulations, leaving people at risk of not just agents and scouts breaching football regulations, but also clubs and players (as clients and employers).

'The Agent's Angle' also takes a look at how one Premier League football star 'reportedly' used statistical data in a contract renegotiation with his club in the absence of an agent, and whether all is as has been reported. Are statistics and data a threat to the football agent profession, or are such resources along with scouting reports, a tool to be utilised by professional agents in ensuring they optimise the representation services they give to clients, whether they be players, clubs, or coaches/managers.?

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Show Running Order :

(01:24) - Agents on Trial and The Transfer of Rasmus Højlund to Manchester United

(04:30) - Football Agent and Player Disputes - When Things Go Wrong With Representation

(06:07) - Agent and Player Representation is Often More Complicated Than it Seems

(07:24) - A Shrewd Move by a Footballer & Clarity for All Involved

(09:55) - Guest Interview: Ged Searson - Former Premier League Scout, International Scout & Scout Educator

(11:32) - Starting Out as a Football Scout

(13:52) - The Relationship Between Scouts and Football Agents

(17:45) - Are The Lines Too 'Blurred' Between Agents & Scouts in Terms of Knowledge & Regulation?

(21:42) - International Scouting and Working With National Teams & Football Associations

(25:41) - The Evolution of Scouting and The Relationship with Data and Statistics etc

(31:20) - Missed Opportunities and the Star Player That Got Away

(36:48) - What Can Agents Learn from Scouts (and vice-versa)

(38:47) - Introducing AFCAS (The Association of Football Coaches and Scouts)

(44:22) - Are Stats a Replacement for Agents as 'Reported'? and Kevin De Bruyne's Negotiations with Manchester City

(47:05) - Scouting Reports and Statistics as Part of an Agent and Players Toolkit

(48:05) - What Reports Fail to Say Is : Its More than Just Stats and Agents

(50:50) - The Value of a 'Holistic' Football Agent/Agency Approach

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