What You Need to Know:
The football industry in Uganda and Africa as a whole has been growing exponentially, and with it, the role of football agents has become increasingly crucial.
These individuals act as intermediaries between players and clubs, negotiating contracts, transfers, and endorsements on behalf of their clients.
However, not all agents operate ethically, which has prompted FIFA to introduce new regulations aimed at cleaning up the industry.
The new FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) were approved by the FIFA Council on 16th December 2022 and will come into effect on 1st October 2023.
Under the new regulations, anyone wishing to operate as a football agent must possess a FIFA Football Agent License.
To obtain this license, one must submit a complete application via the FIFA Agent Platform, comply with the eligibility requirements, successfully pass the football agent exam conducted by FIFA, and pay an annual fee.
One of the significant changes under the FFAR is the requirement for agents to pass the FIFA exam.
This exam will be delivered online and will be conducted by FIFA as FUFA, the football association in Uganda, will be responsible for the logistical and administrative duties related to the exam.
The introduction of these new regulations is a significant blow to football agents in Uganda. Previously, anyone could act as an agent as long as they registered with FUFA and paid a fee.
However, with the new regulations, only those with a FIFA Football Agent License will be able to operate as agents.
This means that many agents who have been operating without proper qualifications or ethical considerations will be forced out of the industry.
In Uganda, football agents have come under scrutiny in recent years, with reports of corruption, bribery, and exploitation of young players.
The new regulations aim to address these issues by ensuring that only qualified and reputable individuals can act as agents. It will also make it easier to hold agents accountable for any unethical behavior.
Antony Samson Samuel Kingue, the owner of ASSK sports agency, has been instrumental in managing the careers of players such as URA and National team goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi, Wakiso Giants’ Titus Ssematimba, and center back Hillary Mukundane among others.
Meanwhile, Sepuya INC Agency has played a crucial role in the success of Vipers’ Ibrahim Orit, URA’s Viane Sekajugo, and KCCA center forward Muhammad Shaban.
Prosper Sports Agency has also made a name for itself, representing players such as Marvin Youngman, a central midfielder at Vipers, Moses Waiswa, another midfielder but with KCCA, right-back Gavin Kizito, and Charles Lwanga who is also at KCCA.
FEMO Intermediar, on the other hand, is responsible for managing 24-year-old KCCA right-winger Rogers Mato Kassim and Express’ Abubaker Kasule.
In Uganda’s sporting landscape, while a number of reputable agencies exist, there are numerous others who seem to have taken on roles without merit.
These individuals often receive appointments from those with personal connections, including family, friends, parents, or even coaches.
Such actions can raise questions about the legitimacy of their involvement in the industry, prompting scrutiny from those within the sports community.
The new FIFA Football Agent Regulations are a positive step towards cleaning up the football industry and ensuring that players are adequately protected.
While it may be bad news for some agents in Uganda who have been operating without proper qualifications or ethical considerations, it is good news for the sport as a whole.
By ensuring that only qualified and reputable individuals can act as agents, the regulations will help to promote fairness, transparency, and integrity in the industry.
