From a sporting opportunity to a legal decision
A transfer offer can open an important chapter in a player’s career. It also raises questions about the current contract, remuneration, registration, representation and possible obligations to third parties. Identifying an opportunity and assessing its legal consequences require different analyses, even when conducted in parallel.
Sports law brings together national legislation, federation rules and dispute resolution mechanisms. In football, FIFA’s framework is central, but does not replace applicable law in every situation. For athletes, clubs and agents, a clear relationship starts with defining the service required.
What a sports lawyer does
A lawyer analyses the client's rights and obligations, explains the effects of documents and the risks assumed, and develops legal solutions. This may involve reviewing a club contract, sponsorship or image rights agreements and termination documents. In a dispute, the lawyer checks evidence, drafts notices and agrees objectives with the client.
Assistance can involve preventing a dispute or representing a client in proceedings. Jurisdiction is determined for each situation. FIFA, FRF committees, national courts and CAS cannot be selected simply according to preference. The contract, nature of the claim and jurisdictional rules determine the available route.
- Athletes may seek advice on contracts, remuneration and image rights.
- Clubs may need consistent contractual documentation and assistance with disputes.
- Agents may seek advice on their agreements, payments and commercial relationships.
What FIFA agent services involve
The FFAR define a football agent as an individual licensed by FIFA to provide the services specific to that activity. These include negotiations and communications directed towards concluding a transaction concerning employment, registration or transfer, as defined by the regulations. Activities may be organised through an agency, but the licence belongs to the individual.
Legal advice and agent services must be distinguished by their actual substance. Being a lawyer does not automatically confer a FIFA licence. Equally, simply calling an activity “consultancy” does not resolve whether it falls within regulated agent services. This assessment should take place before the engagement begins.
The agent agreement deserves its own review
The relationship with an agent must be documented in the representation agreement required by the regulations. Clients should understand the services, duration, remuneration, termination provisions and dispute arrangements. The agent agreement is separate from the player’s contract with the club.
The FFAR provide for informing individuals of the possibility of independent legal advice before entering into or amending a representation agreement. A review is particularly relevant where there is exclusivity, post-termination payment or services provided through multiple entities. For minors, special requirements and the involvement of a legal representative must be assessed separately.
Clarity about services and represented interests
Before negotiations, the client should know whom each participant represents and who pays for the services. Relationships with the club, other representatives and entities involved in the transaction matter. Any circumstances affecting independence or creating divergent interests should be clarified early.
Documents and invoicing should reflect the agreed services. A contact person, an offer-approval procedure and clear limits on communications made for the client help avoid misunderstandings about what was accepted and on what terms.
Agent rules must be checked at the time of the transaction
The application of certain FFAR provisions has been affected by litigation and suspension measures. In its judgment of 16 July 2026 in Case C-209/23, RRC Sports, the CJEU confirmed that FIFA’s agent rules are subject to EU competition, freedom to provide services and data protection law. The Court left the national court to assess several restrictions and their proportionality in the specific case. Reviewing an agreement therefore requires reference to the rules and measures actually applicable, including the jurisdictions involved; an old commission table is not enough.
Separately, FIFA’s reform of player status and transfers takes effect on 1 January 2027, with transitional rules. It should not be confused with the agent regime or applied in full, in advance, to negotiations in 2026.
How work with Murar is organised
George Iulian Murar, founding partner of Murar și Asociații, is also a FIFA agent with an active licence. The law firm’s legal assistance is distinct from the services of Murar Sports Agency SRL. The service, entity involved, agreement and responsible person are established for each request.
For an initial discussion, useful materials include existing contracts, the offer received, the sporting calendar and the intended objective. These help determine whether legal advice, agency services or coordinated but distinct services are required, respecting the requirements of each.
Useful questions
Can any lawyer be described as a FIFA agent?
No. A FIFA licence is a separate qualification for regulated agent services. The nature of the activity must be assessed separately from professional status as a lawyer.
Legal sources
- FIFA — Legal Handbook 2025, Football Agent Regulations — FFAR: definitions of Football Agent, Agency, Football Agent Services and Other Services; Article 11; Article 12(1) and (4); Article 13. PDF pp. 426–438.
- FIFA — Circular No. 1873 of 30 December 2023 — List of affected provisions and temporary suspension; this alone does not establish the status of every rule following the 2026 CJEU judgment.
- EUR-Lex — RRC Sports, C-209/23 — Judgment of 16 July 2026, ECLI:EU:C:2026:597; review of the FFAR under Articles 101, 102 and 56 TFEU and the GDPR, with specific assessments left to the referring court.
- CAS — Code of Sports-related Arbitration — R27 and R47: arbitration agreement and appeal requirements.
- FIFA — Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, January 2027 — Articles 26 and 29, p. 60: transitional provisions and entry into force.
This analysis provides general information by reference to the sources and date stated. Advice on a specific situation depends on the documents, applicable law and any transitional rules.