In 2023, Agent Service Fees Reach Record High
According to FIFA’s Football Agents in International Transfers Report, the total spending on club agent service fees in 2023 reached a record high of USD 888.1 million, a significant increase of 42.5% compared to 2022. This amount surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by over one third. English clubs were the top spenders, collectively paying over USD 280 million in agent service fees. European clubs accounted for the majority (86.6%) of global spending on club agents.
In addition, the report highlights that clubs in women’s professional football spent over USD 1 million for the first time on agent services, totaling just under USD 1.4 million. There was a record number of 125 transfers involving club agents in women’s football, representing an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year.
The report also provides information on the process of becoming a licensed football agent under the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR). In the reporting period from January 1, 2023, to November 30, 2023, FIFA received a total of 19,973 licensing applications. Of the applicants, 9,207 individuals took the exam on either April 19, 2023, or September 20, 2023. Out of those who took the exam, 32.6% successfully passed.
FIFA aims to enhance transparency in the football transfer system and has introduced the FFAR, which governs football agent activity and licensing. The annual report provides detailed analyses of agent activity in international transfers and offers insights into the new licensing system.
Please note that the source of this information can be found in the FIFA Football Agents in International Transfers Report and the FIFA Football Agent Regulations document, which are available at the provided URLs. (https://apo-opa.co/3RGy9G2)
