FIFA Agent Exam Article Finder: Find the Article

Football Agent Regulations (FFAR)

In force 1 January 2025. Page = PDF page, same as the printed number.

Topic	What the rule says	Where	Page
How to become a football agent	Apply via the Platform, meet the eligibility requirements, pass the FIFA exam and pay the annual fee.	FFAR Art. 4, para. 1	p. 12
Agent eligibility: interests in clubs	An applicant may not hold, personally or through their agency, any interest in a club, academy, league or single-entity league.	FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(a)(v)	p. 12
Agent eligibility: criminal record	No criminal conviction (including settlements) for listed offences such as corruption, fraud, money laundering or match manipulation.	FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(a)(ii)	p. 12
Agent eligibility: officials and employees	An applicant may not be an official or employee of FIFA, a confederation, an association, a league or a club (narrow exception for agent-representative bodies).	FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(a)(iv)	p. 12
Agent eligibility: unlicensed work	No finding of working as an agent without a licence in the 24 months before applying.	FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(b)	p. 12
Agent eligibility: bankruptcy	No personal bankruptcy, and no bankrupt company as majority shareholder, director or key office holder, in the five years before applying.	FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(c)	p. 13
Agent eligibility: betting interests	No interest in any entity that brokers or runs sports betting in the 12 months before applying.	FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(d)	p. 13
Exam: format, frequency and dates	The format, frequency and dates of the exam are communicated by FIFA circular, not set in the regulations.	FFAR Art. 6, para. 2	p. 13
Licence fee deadline after passing	After passing the exam the applicant must pay the annual licence fee within 90 days, or the application is void.	FFAR Art. 7, para. 3	p. 13
Licence: personal, indefinite, worldwide	The licence is for an indefinite period, strictly personal, non-transferable and valid worldwide.	FFAR Art. 8, para. 1	p. 13
Continuing professional development (CPD)	An agent must meet the CPD requirements every year; the requirements are announced by circular.	FFAR Art. 9, para. 1	p. 14
Suspending or ending a licence	An agent may ask to suspend or end their licence in the Platform; after ending it they must apply again from the start.	FFAR Art. 10, para. 1-2	p. 14
Only licensed agents may act; staff may not	Only a licensed agent may perform agent services or approach a client; non-agent staff may not, and the agent stays responsible.	FFAR Art. 11, para. 1, 3	p. 16
Who may not hold an interest in an agency	Clients, ineligible persons and persons holding player registration rights in breach of RSTP 18bis/18ter may not have an interest in an agent or agency.	FFAR Art. 11, para. 4	p. 16
Written representation agreement required	An agent may only work for a client after signing a written Representation Agreement.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 1	p. 16
Representation contract: maximum length (player)	A Representation Agreement with a player (an Individual) may not exceed two years; it can only be extended by a new agreement.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 3	p. 16
Automatic renewal of agent contract	Any automatic renewal, or clause extending the term beyond the maximum, is null and void.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 3	p. 16
Independent legal advice for players	Before signing or amending an agreement with a player, the agent must tell them in writing to consider independent legal advice and get written confirmation.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 4	p. 16
Representation contract with a club: duration	An agreement with a club (Engaging or Releasing Entity) has no maximum duration.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 5	p. 16
Minimum content of a representation agreement	To be valid it must state the parties, the duration (if any), the service fee, the services and carry the signatures.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 7	p. 17
Dual representation (player and buying club)	An agent may act for the player and the engaging club in the same transaction only with prior explicit written consent of both clients.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 8	p. 17
Forbidden combinations of clients	An agent may not act for the releasing club and the player, the releasing club and the engaging club, or all parties.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 9	p. 17
Agent details in the transfer or employment contract	The resulting contract must show the agent's name, client, FIFA licence number and signature.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 11	p. 17
Negotiating without an agent	A client may negotiate without an agent; this must be stated in the transfer or employment agreement.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 12	p. 17
Clauses that block a player negotiating alone	Clauses that limit or penalise a player for negotiating a contract without the agent are null and void.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 13	p. 18
Ending an agent contract for just cause	Either party may end a Representation Agreement for just cause; ending it without just cause means paying the other side's damage.	FFAR Art. 12, para. 14	p. 18
Minors: when an agent may approach	An approach to a minor or guardian may be made no more than six months before the minor can sign a first professional contract, and only with prior written guardian consent.	FFAR Art. 13, para. 1	p. 18
Minors: CPD course required	An agent who wants to represent a minor must first complete the designated CPD course on minors.	FFAR Art. 13, para. 2	p. 18
Minors: when the agreement is enforceable	A minor's agreement is enforceable only if it has the minimum content, the agent followed paragraphs 1-2, and the minor and guardian signed.	FFAR Art. 13, para. 3	p. 18
Minors: sanction for a breach	Approaching a minor in breach of paragraph 1 is sanctioned with at least a fine and a licence suspension of up to two years.	FFAR Art. 13, para. 4	p. 18
Service fee: who pays	The service fee is paid only by the agent's client; the client may not authorise a third party to pay.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 2	p. 19
Service fee: club pays for the player (under USD 200,000)	Only if the player's annual remuneration is below USD 200,000 (excluding conditional pay) may the club pay the player's agent fee for the player, under three conditions.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 3	p. 19
Service fee: only for agreed services while contract in force	An agent gets a fee only for services stipulated in advance while the agreement is in force; after expiry only if expressly agreed and the employment contract is still running.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 5	p. 19
Service fee: payment in instalments	The fee is paid after the registration period closes, in instalments every three months over the employment contract.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 6	p. 19
Service fee: only on pay actually received	Only the remuneration the player actually receives counts toward the fee, calculated pro rata.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 7	p. 19
Service fee: contracts under six months	If the negotiated employment contract is under six months, the fee is paid in one instalment when it expires.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 8	p. 20
Service fee: minors	No fee for services to a minor unless the player signs a first or later professional contract as allowed by local law.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 9	p. 20
Service fee: club share in dual representation	In permitted dual representation the club may pay up to 50% of the total service fee.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 10	p. 20
Service fee: selling club pays after each instalment	A selling club pays its agent after receiving each instalment of transfer compensation and must tell the agent.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 11	p. 20
Service fee: no fee after early move or termination	No fee not yet due if the player moves to another club early, or ends the contract without just cause while still represented.	FFAR Art. 14, para. 12	p. 20
Fee cap: player as client	Agent for a player: 5% of the player's remuneration if annual pay is USD 200,000 or less; 3% if above.	FFAR Art. 15, para. 2 (table)	p. 21
Fee cap: club (engaging entity) as client	Agent for the engaging club: 5% of the player's remuneration up to USD 200,000 annual pay; 3% above.	FFAR Art. 15, para. 2 (table)	p. 21
Fee cap: dual representation	Agent for both player and engaging club: 10% of the player's remuneration up to USD 200,000 annual pay; 6% above.	FFAR Art. 15, para. 2 (table)	p. 21
Fee cap: selling club (releasing entity)	Agent for the releasing club: 10% of the transfer compensation.	FFAR Art. 15, para. 2 (table)	p. 21
Fee cap: conditional payments	Conditional payments are not counted when working out the cap.	FFAR Art. 15, para. 2(a)	p. 21
Fee cap: pay above USD 200,000	The annual amount above USD 200,000 is capped at 3% (or 6% in permitted dual representation).	FFAR Art. 15, para. 2(b)	p. 21
Fee cap: what transfer compensation excludes	Compensation for breach of contract and sell-on fees are not part of the transfer compensation used for the cap.	FFAR Art. 15, para. 2(c)	p. 21
Other services within 24 months of a deal	Other services for the same client in the 24 months before or after a transaction are presumed to be part of the agent services.	FFAR Art. 15, para. 3	p. 22
Other services counted into the fee cap	If the presumption is not rebutted, fees for other services count as part of the service fee.	FFAR Art. 15, para. 4	p. 22
Exclusive representation: approaching another agent's client	An agent may not approach or sign a client bound to another agent's exclusive agreement, except in its final two months.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 1(b)-(c)	p. 22
Agent duties: best interests and conflicts	An agent must act in the client's best interests and avoid conflicts of interest.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 2(a), (c)	p. 22
Agent reporting: upload to the Platform within 14 days	Within 14 days an agent must upload agreements, amendments, terminations, fee payments and other required items to the Platform.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 2(j)	p. 23
Agency ownership disclosure	An agency's ownership and staff must be uploaded within 14 days of its first transaction; changes within 30 days.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 2(k)	p. 23
Banned conduct: inducing a player to break a contract	An agent may not solicit or facilitate talks to induce a player to end their contract early without just cause.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(a)	p. 24
Banned conduct: undue advantages	An agent may not offer undue advantages to officials or employees of associations, clubs or leagues, or to a player or their family to win a contract.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(b)	p. 24
Banned conduct: hiding facts from a client	An agent may not hide material facts, including a conflict of interest or a written offer.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(c)	p. 24
Banned conduct: circumventing the fee cap	An agent may not get around the cap, for example by raising the fee for other services.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(d)	p. 24
Banned conduct: taking transfer compensation or training rewards	An agent may not accept any transfer compensation or training reward payable on a transfer between clubs.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(e)	p. 24
Banned conduct: bridge transfers and third-party rights	An agent may not be involved in a bridge transfer or hold player registration rights in breach of RSTP 18bis or 18ter.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(f)	p. 24
Disclosure to clients: written offers	An agent must immediately tell the client of any written offer received for them.	FFAR Art. 16, para. 4(a)	p. 24
Automatic provisional suspension of a licence	A licence is automatically provisionally suspended if the agent fails eligibility, fee, CPD or reporting duties.	FFAR Art. 17, para. 1	p. 25
Licence withdrawal after 60 days	If a fee, CPD or reporting failure is not fixed within 60 days of suspension, the licence is withdrawn.	FFAR Art. 17, para. 4(b)	p. 25
Client duties: check the agent is licensed	A client must check the agent is licensed by FIFA before signing; clubs must also upload transaction and agent data to TMS within 14 days.	FFAR Art. 18, para. 1(c), 1(f)	p. 27
Banned client conduct: unlicensed agents and fee-cap circumvention	A client may not engage an unlicensed person, or help circumvent the fee cap.	FFAR Art. 18, para. 2(a), 2(e)	p. 28

Topic

What the rule says

Where

Page

How to become a football agent

Apply via the Platform, meet the eligibility requirements, pass the FIFA exam and pay the annual fee.

FFAR Art. 4, para. 1

p. 12

Agent eligibility: interests in clubs

An applicant may not hold, personally or through their agency, any interest in a club, academy, league or single-entity league.

FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(a)(v)

p. 12

Agent eligibility: criminal record

No criminal conviction (including settlements) for listed offences such as corruption, fraud, money laundering or match manipulation.

FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(a)(ii)

p. 12

Agent eligibility: officials and employees

An applicant may not be an official or employee of FIFA, a confederation, an association, a league or a club (narrow exception for agent-representative bodies).

FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(a)(iv)

p. 12

Agent eligibility: unlicensed work

No finding of working as an agent without a licence in the 24 months before applying.

FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(b)

p. 12

Agent eligibility: bankruptcy

No personal bankruptcy, and no bankrupt company as majority shareholder, director or key office holder, in the five years before applying.

FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(c)

p. 13

Agent eligibility: betting interests

No interest in any entity that brokers or runs sports betting in the 12 months before applying.

FFAR Art. 5, para. 1(d)

p. 13

Exam: format, frequency and dates

The format, frequency and dates of the exam are communicated by FIFA circular, not set in the regulations.

FFAR Art. 6, para. 2

p. 13

Licence fee deadline after passing

After passing the exam the applicant must pay the annual licence fee within 90 days, or the application is void.

FFAR Art. 7, para. 3

p. 13

Licence: personal, indefinite, worldwide

The licence is for an indefinite period, strictly personal, non-transferable and valid worldwide.

FFAR Art. 8, para. 1

p. 13

Continuing professional development (CPD)

An agent must meet the CPD requirements every year; the requirements are announced by circular.

FFAR Art. 9, para. 1

p. 14

Suspending or ending a licence

An agent may ask to suspend or end their licence in the Platform; after ending it they must apply again from the start.

FFAR Art. 10, para. 1-2

p. 14

Only licensed agents may act; staff may not

Only a licensed agent may perform agent services or approach a client; non-agent staff may not, and the agent stays responsible.

FFAR Art. 11, para. 1, 3

p. 16

Who may not hold an interest in an agency

Clients, ineligible persons and persons holding player registration rights in breach of RSTP 18bis/18ter may not have an interest in an agent or agency.

FFAR Art. 11, para. 4

p. 16

Written representation agreement required

An agent may only work for a client after signing a written Representation Agreement.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 1

p. 16

Representation contract: maximum length (player)

A Representation Agreement with a player (an Individual) may not exceed two years; it can only be extended by a new agreement.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 3

p. 16

Automatic renewal of agent contract

Any automatic renewal, or clause extending the term beyond the maximum, is null and void.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 3

p. 16

Independent legal advice for players

Before signing or amending an agreement with a player, the agent must tell them in writing to consider independent legal advice and get written confirmation.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 4

p. 16

Representation contract with a club: duration

An agreement with a club (Engaging or Releasing Entity) has no maximum duration.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 5

p. 16

Minimum content of a representation agreement

To be valid it must state the parties, the duration (if any), the service fee, the services and carry the signatures.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 7

p. 17

Dual representation (player and buying club)

An agent may act for the player and the engaging club in the same transaction only with prior explicit written consent of both clients.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 8

p. 17

Forbidden combinations of clients

An agent may not act for the releasing club and the player, the releasing club and the engaging club, or all parties.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 9

p. 17

Agent details in the transfer or employment contract

The resulting contract must show the agent's name, client, FIFA licence number and signature.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 11

p. 17

Negotiating without an agent

A client may negotiate without an agent; this must be stated in the transfer or employment agreement.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 12

p. 17

Clauses that block a player negotiating alone

Clauses that limit or penalise a player for negotiating a contract without the agent are null and void.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 13

p. 18

Ending an agent contract for just cause

Either party may end a Representation Agreement for just cause; ending it without just cause means paying the other side's damage.

FFAR Art. 12, para. 14

p. 18

Minors: when an agent may approach

An approach to a minor or guardian may be made no more than six months before the minor can sign a first professional contract, and only with prior written guardian consent.

FFAR Art. 13, para. 1

p. 18

Minors: CPD course required

An agent who wants to represent a minor must first complete the designated CPD course on minors.

FFAR Art. 13, para. 2

p. 18

Minors: when the agreement is enforceable

A minor's agreement is enforceable only if it has the minimum content, the agent followed paragraphs 1-2, and the minor and guardian signed.

FFAR Art. 13, para. 3

p. 18

Minors: sanction for a breach

Approaching a minor in breach of paragraph 1 is sanctioned with at least a fine and a licence suspension of up to two years.

FFAR Art. 13, para. 4

p. 18

Service fee: who pays

The service fee is paid only by the agent's client; the client may not authorise a third party to pay.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 2

p. 19

Service fee: club pays for the player (under USD 200,000)

Only if the player's annual remuneration is below USD 200,000 (excluding conditional pay) may the club pay the player's agent fee for the player, under three conditions.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 3

p. 19

Service fee: only for agreed services while contract in force

An agent gets a fee only for services stipulated in advance while the agreement is in force; after expiry only if expressly agreed and the employment contract is still running.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 5

p. 19

Service fee: payment in instalments

The fee is paid after the registration period closes, in instalments every three months over the employment contract.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 6

p. 19

Service fee: only on pay actually received

Only the remuneration the player actually receives counts toward the fee, calculated pro rata.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 7

p. 19

Service fee: contracts under six months

If the negotiated employment contract is under six months, the fee is paid in one instalment when it expires.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 8

p. 20

Service fee: minors

No fee for services to a minor unless the player signs a first or later professional contract as allowed by local law.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 9

p. 20

Service fee: club share in dual representation

In permitted dual representation the club may pay up to 50% of the total service fee.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 10

p. 20

Service fee: selling club pays after each instalment

A selling club pays its agent after receiving each instalment of transfer compensation and must tell the agent.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 11

p. 20

Service fee: no fee after early move or termination

No fee not yet due if the player moves to another club early, or ends the contract without just cause while still represented.

FFAR Art. 14, para. 12

p. 20

Fee cap: player as client

Agent for a player: 5% of the player's remuneration if annual pay is USD 200,000 or less; 3% if above.

FFAR Art. 15, para. 2 (table)

p. 21

Fee cap: club (engaging entity) as client

Agent for the engaging club: 5% of the player's remuneration up to USD 200,000 annual pay; 3% above.

FFAR Art. 15, para. 2 (table)

p. 21

Fee cap: dual representation

Agent for both player and engaging club: 10% of the player's remuneration up to USD 200,000 annual pay; 6% above.

FFAR Art. 15, para. 2 (table)

p. 21

Fee cap: selling club (releasing entity)

Agent for the releasing club: 10% of the transfer compensation.

FFAR Art. 15, para. 2 (table)

p. 21

Fee cap: conditional payments

Conditional payments are not counted when working out the cap.

FFAR Art. 15, para. 2(a)

p. 21

Fee cap: pay above USD 200,000

The annual amount above USD 200,000 is capped at 3% (or 6% in permitted dual representation).

FFAR Art. 15, para. 2(b)

p. 21

Fee cap: what transfer compensation excludes

Compensation for breach of contract and sell-on fees are not part of the transfer compensation used for the cap.

FFAR Art. 15, para. 2(c)

p. 21

Other services within 24 months of a deal

Other services for the same client in the 24 months before or after a transaction are presumed to be part of the agent services.

FFAR Art. 15, para. 3

p. 22

Other services counted into the fee cap

If the presumption is not rebutted, fees for other services count as part of the service fee.

FFAR Art. 15, para. 4

p. 22

Exclusive representation: approaching another agent's client

An agent may not approach or sign a client bound to another agent's exclusive agreement, except in its final two months.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 1(b)-(c)

p. 22

Agent duties: best interests and conflicts

An agent must act in the client's best interests and avoid conflicts of interest.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 2(a), (c)

p. 22

Agent reporting: upload to the Platform within 14 days

Within 14 days an agent must upload agreements, amendments, terminations, fee payments and other required items to the Platform.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 2(j)

p. 23

Agency ownership disclosure

An agency's ownership and staff must be uploaded within 14 days of its first transaction; changes within 30 days.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 2(k)

p. 23

Banned conduct: inducing a player to break a contract

An agent may not solicit or facilitate talks to induce a player to end their contract early without just cause.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(a)

p. 24

Banned conduct: undue advantages

An agent may not offer undue advantages to officials or employees of associations, clubs or leagues, or to a player or their family to win a contract.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(b)

p. 24

Banned conduct: hiding facts from a client

An agent may not hide material facts, including a conflict of interest or a written offer.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(c)

p. 24

Banned conduct: circumventing the fee cap

An agent may not get around the cap, for example by raising the fee for other services.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(d)

p. 24

Banned conduct: taking transfer compensation or training rewards

An agent may not accept any transfer compensation or training reward payable on a transfer between clubs.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(e)

p. 24

Banned conduct: bridge transfers and third-party rights

An agent may not be involved in a bridge transfer or hold player registration rights in breach of RSTP 18bis or 18ter.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 3(f)

p. 24

Disclosure to clients: written offers

An agent must immediately tell the client of any written offer received for them.

FFAR Art. 16, para. 4(a)

p. 24

Automatic provisional suspension of a licence

A licence is automatically provisionally suspended if the agent fails eligibility, fee, CPD or reporting duties.

FFAR Art. 17, para. 1

p. 25

Licence withdrawal after 60 days

If a fee, CPD or reporting failure is not fixed within 60 days of suspension, the licence is withdrawn.

FFAR Art. 17, para. 4(b)

p. 25

Client duties: check the agent is licensed

A client must check the agent is licensed by FIFA before signing; clubs must also upload transaction and agent data to TMS within 14 days.

FFAR Art. 18, para. 1(c), 1(f)

p. 27

Banned client conduct: unlicensed agents and fee-cap circumvention

A client may not engage an unlicensed person, or help circumvent the fee cap.

FFAR Art. 18, para. 2(a), 2(e)

p. 28

Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP)

FIFA file named “January 2026 edition” (cover dated January 2025). Page = PDF page, same as the printed number.

Topic	What the rule says	Where	Page
Protected period: definition	Three seasons or three years (whichever is first) after a contract signed before the player's 28th birthday; two seasons or two years if signed after.	RSTP Definitions, para. 7	p. 7
Player registration and the FIFA ID	Each association must run an electronic registration system and give every player a FIFA ID; only registered players may play organised football.	RSTP Art. 5, para. 1	p. 18
Registered with one club at a time	A player may only be registered with one club at a time.	RSTP Art. 5, para. 3	p. 18
Maximum clubs per season	A player may be registered with at most three clubs in a season and may play official matches for only two of them (limited exception for overlapping seasons).	RSTP Art. 5, para. 4	p. 18
Bridge transfers	No club or player may be in a bridge transfer; two consecutive transfers of a player within 16 weeks are presumed to be one.	RSTP Art. 5bis, para. 1-2	p. 19
Registration periods: length	Two periods a year: the first 8 to 12 weeks, the second 4 to 8 weeks, both together no more than 16 weeks.	RSTP Art. 6, para. 2	p. 20
Registration periods: dates entered in TMS	The dates of the competition period and both registration periods must be entered in TMS at least 12 months before they start.	RSTP Art. 6, para. 2	p. 20
Registering a player outside the window: terminated contract	A professional who ended their contract with just cause, or whose contract the club ended without just cause, may be registered outside a registration period.	RSTP Art. 6, para. 3(a)	p. 20
Registering a player outside the window: expired contract	A player whose contract expired or was mutually ended before the window closed may be registered after the window.	RSTP Art. 6, para. 3(b)	p. 20
Former club consent to register	After a registration outside the window based on termination, any rule requiring the former club's consent is void; consent is never needed when the contract expired.	RSTP Art. 6, para. 5	p. 21
International Transfer Certificate (ITC)	A player can register with a new association only once it has an ITC; the ITC is free and without conditions or time limit.	RSTP Art. 9, para. 1	p. 22
Loans: minimum and maximum length	A loan lasts at least the time between two registration periods and at most one year.	RSTP Art. 10, para. 1(d)	p. 23
Loans: sub-loaning	The new club may not sub-loan or permanently transfer the loaned player to a third club.	RSTP Art. 10, para. 1(f)	p. 23
Overdue payables: 30 days	A club that delays a due payment by more than 30 days without a prima facie contractual basis may be sanctioned.	RSTP Art. 12bis, para. 2	p. 25
Overdue payables: written default notice	The creditor must put the club in default in writing and give at least ten days to pay.	RSTP Art. 12bis, para. 3	p. 25
Overdue payables: sanctions	The Football Tribunal may give a warning, reprimand or fine, or ban the club from registering players for one or two entire registration periods.	RSTP Art. 12bis, para. 4	p. 26
Just cause to terminate	With just cause, either party may end the contract with no compensation or sporting sanctions.	RSTP Art. 14, para. 1	p. 28
Abusive conduct as just cause	Abusive conduct aimed at forcing the other side to end or change the contract is just cause for that side to terminate.	RSTP Art. 14, para. 2	p. 28
Unpaid salaries: just cause for the player	If a club fails to pay two monthly salaries on time, the player has just cause after a written default notice giving at least 15 days.	RSTP Art. 14bis, para. 1	p. 28
Sporting just cause	A player who played in fewer than 10% of official matches in the season may end the contract, only within 15 days after the club's last official match.	RSTP Art. 15	p. 29
Termination during the competition period	A contract cannot be unilaterally terminated during a competition period.	RSTP Art. 16	p. 29
Compensation for breach: positive interest	Compensation for breach follows the positive interest principle; for a player without a new contract it is generally the residual value of the old one.	RSTP Art. 17, para. 1	p. 29
Compensation for breach: extra three months	If the player ended the contract over overdue payables, they get three monthly salaries on top of mitigated compensation (up to six in egregious cases).	RSTP Art. 17, para. 1(ii)	p. 29
New club jointly liable for inducing breach	The new club is jointly liable for compensation if it induced the player to breach the contract.	RSTP Art. 17, para. 2	p. 30
Sporting sanction on a player in the protected period	A player who breaches a contract in the protected period gets a four-month restriction on playing in official matches (six with aggravating circumstances).	RSTP Art. 17, para. 3	p. 30
Sporting sanction on a club in the protected period	A club that breaches a contract (or induces a breach) in the protected period is banned from registering players for two entire and consecutive registration periods.	RSTP Art. 17, para. 4	p. 30
Maximum and minimum contract length	A contract runs from its start date to at least the end of the season and no more than five years; a player under 18 cannot sign a professional contract longer than three years.	RSTP Art. 18, para. 2	p. 31
Negotiating with a player under contract	A club must tell the player's current club in writing before talks; a player is free to sign elsewhere only if the contract has expired or ends within six months.	RSTP Art. 18, para. 3	p. 31
Contract conditional on medical or work permit	A contract's validity may not depend on a successful medical examination or the grant of a work permit.	RSTP Art. 18, para. 4	p. 31
Grace periods for late payment	Clauses giving the club extra time to pay amounts that are due are not recognised (collective bargaining agreements excepted).	RSTP Art. 18, para. 6	p. 31
Agent details in a player contract (RSTP)	A player contract concluded after agent services must show the agent's name, client, FIFA licence number and signature.	RSTP Art. 18, para. 1	p. 31
Third-party influence on clubs	No club may sign a contract that lets another club or a third party influence its independence, policies or team performance in employment and transfer matters.	RSTP Art. 18bis, para. 1	p. 33
Third-party ownership (TPO) of players' economic rights	No club or player may agree that a third party takes part in future transfer compensation or holds rights in a future transfer.	RSTP Art. 18ter, para. 1	p. 33
International transfers of minors: the rule	International transfers are only allowed for players over 18, subject to five exceptions.	RSTP Art. 19, para. 1-2	p. 39
Minors: exception for parents moving	Exception: the player's parents move to the new club's country for reasons not linked to football.	RSTP Art. 19, para. 2(a)	p. 39
Minors: EU/EEA exception, age 16 to 18	Exception: ages 16 to 18 within the EU/EEA (or between two associations in one country), if the new club meets education and welfare obligations.	RSTP Art. 19, para. 2(b)	p. 39
Minors: border exception, 50 km	Exception: player and club each live or sit within 50 km of the border (max 100 km apart), player stays at home, both associations consent.	RSTP Art. 19, para. 2(c)	p. 39
Minors: refugees and protected persons	Exception: humanitarian cases for minors recognised as vulnerable; refugees may register with a professional club, asylum seekers only an amateur club.	RSTP Art. 19, para. 2(d)	p. 39
Minors: first registration of a foreigner	The minor rules also cover a first registration of a player who is not a national and has not lived in the country continuously for five years.	RSTP Art. 19, para. 3	p. 40
Minors: Football Tribunal approval	For minors aged ten or over, the Players' Status Chamber must approve the transfer or first registration, before any ITC request.	RSTP Art. 19, para. 4-5	p. 40
Academies: reporting minors	Clubs with an academy must report every minor who attends it to their association.	RSTP Art. 19bis, para. 1	p. 41
Trials: limit for minors	A minor may attend only two trials per calendar year.	RSTP Art. 19ter, para. 9	p. 43
Training compensation: when it is due	Paid to training clubs when a player first registers as a professional and on each transfer until the end of the calendar year of their 23rd birthday.	RSTP Art. 20	p. 46
Solidarity mechanism: principle	If a professional is transferred before the contract expires, clubs that trained them get a share of the compensation paid to the former club.	RSTP Art. 21	p. 46
Agent payments declared in TMS	Clubs must declare in TMS payments made in relation to any representation (agent) agreement.	RSTP Annexe 3, art. 12, para. 3	p. 81
Training compensation: training period ages 12 to 23	Training and education run from age 12 to 23; compensation is paid up to age 23 for training up to age 21.	RSTP Annexe 4, art. 1, para. 1	p. 85
Training compensation: international transfer trigger	Due on a first professional registration, or on a transfer between clubs of two different associations before the end of the calendar year of the 23rd birthday.	RSTP Annexe 4, art. 2, para. 1	p. 85
Training compensation: when it is not due	Not due if the former club ended the contract without just cause, the player moves to a category 4 club, or a professional regains amateur status.	RSTP Annexe 4, art. 2, para. 2	p. 86
Training compensation: 30 day deadline	The new club pays within 30 days of registration, pro rata to each club's time training the player (cases outside the Clearing House).	RSTP Annexe 4, art. 3, para. 1-2	p. 86
Training compensation: club categories and costs	Associations sort clubs into at most four categories; FIFA publishes training costs per category and confederation.	RSTP Annexe 4, art. 4, para. 1-2	p. 87
Training compensation: calculation	Calculated as the new club's training costs times the years of training, in principle from the calendar year of the 12th birthday to the 21st.	RSTP Annexe 4, art. 5, para. 2	p. 87
Training compensation: ages 12 to 15 use category 4	Training costs for the calendar years of the 12th to 15th birthdays use category 4 club costs.	RSTP Annexe 4, art. 5, para. 3	p. 87
Training compensation: EU/EEA special rules	Inside the EU/EEA, moving up a category uses the average of the two clubs' costs; moving down uses the lower club's costs.	RSTP Annexe 4, art. 6, para. 1	p. 88
Solidarity contribution: 5% of the transfer fee	If a professional moves during a contract, 5% of the compensation (excluding training compensation) is deducted and shared with the training clubs.	RSTP Annexe 5, art. 1, para. 1	p. 89
Solidarity contribution: split by age 12 to 23	Ages 12 to 15 get 5% of the 5% a year; ages 16 to 23 get 10% of the 5% a year.	RSTP Annexe 5, art. 1, para. 1(a)-(l)	p. 89
Solidarity contribution: which transfers	A training club gets a share on transfers (permanent or loan) between clubs of different associations, or within one association if the training club is in another.	RSTP Annexe 5, art. 1, para. 2	p. 90

Topic

What the rule says

Where

Page

Protected period: definition

Three seasons or three years (whichever is first) after a contract signed before the player's 28th birthday; two seasons or two years if signed after.

RSTP Definitions, para. 7

p. 7

Player registration and the FIFA ID

Each association must run an electronic registration system and give every player a FIFA ID; only registered players may play organised football.

RSTP Art. 5, para. 1

p. 18

Registered with one club at a time

A player may only be registered with one club at a time.

RSTP Art. 5, para. 3

p. 18

Maximum clubs per season

A player may be registered with at most three clubs in a season and may play official matches for only two of them (limited exception for overlapping seasons).

RSTP Art. 5, para. 4

p. 18

Bridge transfers

No club or player may be in a bridge transfer; two consecutive transfers of a player within 16 weeks are presumed to be one.

RSTP Art. 5bis, para. 1-2

p. 19

Registration periods: length

Two periods a year: the first 8 to 12 weeks, the second 4 to 8 weeks, both together no more than 16 weeks.

RSTP Art. 6, para. 2

p. 20

Registration periods: dates entered in TMS

The dates of the competition period and both registration periods must be entered in TMS at least 12 months before they start.

RSTP Art. 6, para. 2

p. 20

Registering a player outside the window: terminated contract

A professional who ended their contract with just cause, or whose contract the club ended without just cause, may be registered outside a registration period.

RSTP Art. 6, para. 3(a)

p. 20

Registering a player outside the window: expired contract

A player whose contract expired or was mutually ended before the window closed may be registered after the window.

RSTP Art. 6, para. 3(b)

p. 20

Former club consent to register

After a registration outside the window based on termination, any rule requiring the former club's consent is void; consent is never needed when the contract expired.

RSTP Art. 6, para. 5

p. 21

International Transfer Certificate (ITC)

A player can register with a new association only once it has an ITC; the ITC is free and without conditions or time limit.

RSTP Art. 9, para. 1

p. 22

Loans: minimum and maximum length

A loan lasts at least the time between two registration periods and at most one year.

RSTP Art. 10, para. 1(d)

p. 23

Loans: sub-loaning

The new club may not sub-loan or permanently transfer the loaned player to a third club.

RSTP Art. 10, para. 1(f)

p. 23

Overdue payables: 30 days

A club that delays a due payment by more than 30 days without a prima facie contractual basis may be sanctioned.

RSTP Art. 12bis, para. 2

p. 25

Overdue payables: written default notice

The creditor must put the club in default in writing and give at least ten days to pay.

RSTP Art. 12bis, para. 3

p. 25

Overdue payables: sanctions

The Football Tribunal may give a warning, reprimand or fine, or ban the club from registering players for one or two entire registration periods.

RSTP Art. 12bis, para. 4

p. 26

Just cause to terminate

With just cause, either party may end the contract with no compensation or sporting sanctions.

RSTP Art. 14, para. 1

p. 28

Abusive conduct as just cause

Abusive conduct aimed at forcing the other side to end or change the contract is just cause for that side to terminate.

RSTP Art. 14, para. 2

p. 28

Unpaid salaries: just cause for the player

If a club fails to pay two monthly salaries on time, the player has just cause after a written default notice giving at least 15 days.

RSTP Art. 14bis, para. 1

p. 28

Sporting just cause

A player who played in fewer than 10% of official matches in the season may end the contract, only within 15 days after the club's last official match.

RSTP Art. 15

p. 29

Termination during the competition period

A contract cannot be unilaterally terminated during a competition period.

RSTP Art. 16

p. 29

Compensation for breach: positive interest

Compensation for breach follows the positive interest principle; for a player without a new contract it is generally the residual value of the old one.

RSTP Art. 17, para. 1

p. 29

Compensation for breach: extra three months

If the player ended the contract over overdue payables, they get three monthly salaries on top of mitigated compensation (up to six in egregious cases).

RSTP Art. 17, para. 1(ii)

p. 29

New club jointly liable for inducing breach

The new club is jointly liable for compensation if it induced the player to breach the contract.

RSTP Art. 17, para. 2

p. 30

Sporting sanction on a player in the protected period

A player who breaches a contract in the protected period gets a four-month restriction on playing in official matches (six with aggravating circumstances).

RSTP Art. 17, para. 3

p. 30

Sporting sanction on a club in the protected period

A club that breaches a contract (or induces a breach) in the protected period is banned from registering players for two entire and consecutive registration periods.

RSTP Art. 17, para. 4

p. 30

Maximum and minimum contract length

A contract runs from its start date to at least the end of the season and no more than five years; a player under 18 cannot sign a professional contract longer than three years.

RSTP Art. 18, para. 2

p. 31

Negotiating with a player under contract

A club must tell the player's current club in writing before talks; a player is free to sign elsewhere only if the contract has expired or ends within six months.

RSTP Art. 18, para. 3

p. 31

Contract conditional on medical or work permit

A contract's validity may not depend on a successful medical examination or the grant of a work permit.

RSTP Art. 18, para. 4

p. 31

Grace periods for late payment

Clauses giving the club extra time to pay amounts that are due are not recognised (collective bargaining agreements excepted).

RSTP Art. 18, para. 6

p. 31

Agent details in a player contract (RSTP)

A player contract concluded after agent services must show the agent's name, client, FIFA licence number and signature.

RSTP Art. 18, para. 1

p. 31

Third-party influence on clubs

No club may sign a contract that lets another club or a third party influence its independence, policies or team performance in employment and transfer matters.

RSTP Art. 18bis, para. 1

p. 33

Third-party ownership (TPO) of players' economic rights

No club or player may agree that a third party takes part in future transfer compensation or holds rights in a future transfer.

RSTP Art. 18ter, para. 1

p. 33

International transfers of minors: the rule

International transfers are only allowed for players over 18, subject to five exceptions.

RSTP Art. 19, para. 1-2

p. 39

Minors: exception for parents moving

Exception: the player's parents move to the new club's country for reasons not linked to football.

RSTP Art. 19, para. 2(a)

p. 39

Minors: EU/EEA exception, age 16 to 18

Exception: ages 16 to 18 within the EU/EEA (or between two associations in one country), if the new club meets education and welfare obligations.

RSTP Art. 19, para. 2(b)

p. 39

Minors: border exception, 50 km

Exception: player and club each live or sit within 50 km of the border (max 100 km apart), player stays at home, both associations consent.

RSTP Art. 19, para. 2(c)

p. 39

Minors: refugees and protected persons

Exception: humanitarian cases for minors recognised as vulnerable; refugees may register with a professional club, asylum seekers only an amateur club.

RSTP Art. 19, para. 2(d)

p. 39

Minors: first registration of a foreigner

The minor rules also cover a first registration of a player who is not a national and has not lived in the country continuously for five years.

RSTP Art. 19, para. 3

p. 40

Minors: Football Tribunal approval

For minors aged ten or over, the Players' Status Chamber must approve the transfer or first registration, before any ITC request.

RSTP Art. 19, para. 4-5

p. 40

Academies: reporting minors

Clubs with an academy must report every minor who attends it to their association.

RSTP Art. 19bis, para. 1

p. 41

Trials: limit for minors

A minor may attend only two trials per calendar year.

RSTP Art. 19ter, para. 9

p. 43

Training compensation: when it is due

Paid to training clubs when a player first registers as a professional and on each transfer until the end of the calendar year of their 23rd birthday.

RSTP Art. 20

p. 46

Solidarity mechanism: principle

If a professional is transferred before the contract expires, clubs that trained them get a share of the compensation paid to the former club.

RSTP Art. 21

p. 46

Agent payments declared in TMS

Clubs must declare in TMS payments made in relation to any representation (agent) agreement.

RSTP Annexe 3, art. 12, para. 3

p. 81

Training compensation: training period ages 12 to 23

Training and education run from age 12 to 23; compensation is paid up to age 23 for training up to age 21.

RSTP Annexe 4, art. 1, para. 1

p. 85

Training compensation: international transfer trigger

Due on a first professional registration, or on a transfer between clubs of two different associations before the end of the calendar year of the 23rd birthday.

RSTP Annexe 4, art. 2, para. 1

p. 85

Training compensation: when it is not due

Not due if the former club ended the contract without just cause, the player moves to a category 4 club, or a professional regains amateur status.

RSTP Annexe 4, art. 2, para. 2

p. 86

Training compensation: 30 day deadline

The new club pays within 30 days of registration, pro rata to each club's time training the player (cases outside the Clearing House).

RSTP Annexe 4, art. 3, para. 1-2

p. 86

Training compensation: club categories and costs

Associations sort clubs into at most four categories; FIFA publishes training costs per category and confederation.

RSTP Annexe 4, art. 4, para. 1-2

p. 87

Training compensation: calculation

Calculated as the new club's training costs times the years of training, in principle from the calendar year of the 12th birthday to the 21st.

RSTP Annexe 4, art. 5, para. 2

p. 87

Training compensation: ages 12 to 15 use category 4

Training costs for the calendar years of the 12th to 15th birthdays use category 4 club costs.

RSTP Annexe 4, art. 5, para. 3

p. 87

Training compensation: EU/EEA special rules

Inside the EU/EEA, moving up a category uses the average of the two clubs' costs; moving down uses the lower club's costs.

RSTP Annexe 4, art. 6, para. 1

p. 88

Solidarity contribution: 5% of the transfer fee

If a professional moves during a contract, 5% of the compensation (excluding training compensation) is deducted and shared with the training clubs.

RSTP Annexe 5, art. 1, para. 1

p. 89

Solidarity contribution: split by age 12 to 23

Ages 12 to 15 get 5% of the 5% a year; ages 16 to 23 get 10% of the 5% a year.

RSTP Annexe 5, art. 1, para. 1(a)-(l)

p. 89

Solidarity contribution: which transfers

A training club gets a share on transfers (permanent or loan) between clubs of different associations, or within one association if the training club is in another.

RSTP Annexe 5, art. 1, para. 2

p. 90

Method

How each row was checked

Every row was checked against the FIFA PDF text. For each row we confirmed that the quoted wording sits on the page shown, and that the article heading sits just above it. A rule we could not match to the text was left out. No article number comes from memory.

Editions: FFAR approved 10 December 2024, in force 1 January 2025. RSTP: the FIFA file named "January 2026 edition" (cover dated January 2025). Page numbers are PDF pages, and match the printed numbers.

Covered: the FFAR and the RSTP only. Other exam documents are not covered yet.

Example

Question in the exam: how long can a player sign an agent for?

Type: maximum length. Result: FFAR art. 12, para. 3, page 16. Two years at most, and automatic renewal is void.

Who wrote it

Written by Can, a bar-registered lawyer

Football Business Desk is run by Can, a bar-registered lawyer. Each row was read against the FIFA text named above.

Independent. Not affiliated with FIFA. Not legal advice, and not the official exam.

Practise and check the facts

Take the free 20-question mock exam, then read the exam facts: dates, format and pass mark.

Limits

What is not included

Independent study aid. Not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA, and not the official exam.
Rows summarise the rule in plain words. Read the article itself before you answer an exam question or advise a client.
Only the FFAR and RSTP are covered. Other exam documents are not covered yet.
FIFA's new RSTP edition enters into force in January 2027 and may renumber articles. We will update the rows when it is published.
Some FFAR fee provisions have been challenged in court. Check FIFA's latest circulars for what currently applies.

Frequently asked questions

Is the FIFA agent exam open book?

Partly. The FIFA Football Agent Exam Rules let candidates consult the Study Materials in digital format only, on the approved device, during the exam. Finding the right article fast is the skill that matters.

Where is the agent fee cap in the FIFA rules?

FFAR article 15, paragraph 2, page 21. The cap is 3% or 5% of the player's remuneration for a player client, depending on whether annual pay is above USD 200,000, and 10% of the transfer compensation for a releasing club.

What is the maximum length of an agent contract with a player?

Two years. FFAR article 12, paragraph 3, page 16. Automatic renewal clauses are null and void.

Where do the rules on minors and agents sit?

FFAR article 13 (page 18) covers agents and minors. RSTP article 19 (page 39) covers international transfers of minors.

Where are training compensation and solidarity in the RSTP?

Articles 20 and 21 (page 46) state the principles. The detail is in RSTP Annexe 4 (training compensation, from page 85) and Annexe 5 (solidarity mechanism, from page 89).

Which documents does the finder cover?

Only the FIFA Football Agent Regulations and the RSTP. Other exam documents are not covered yet.

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Football Agent Regulations (FFAR)

Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP)

How each row was checked

Example

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Practise and check the facts

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Frequently asked questions

References

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Football Agent Regulations (FFAR)

Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP)

How each row was checked

Example

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Practise and check the facts

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