Report Into the Role and Regulation of Agents in Football
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By Sports Nexus in Football Published: Sunday, 13 August 06 - 12:04 PM (GMT) Last Updated: Saturday, 09 February 08 - 12:09 PM (GMT) |
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The independent sports pressure group 'The Sports Nexus' today publishes a report into the role and regulation of agents in football. Independently researched and written by two of the UK's most respected academics on English football, Professors Christine Oughton and Jonathan Michie, the report pulls no punches in outlining what the FA needs to do if it is to prevent unscrupulous agents ruining our national game.
This report outlines the main problems associated with agents while criticising FIFA, UEFA and the FA for a.) failing to properly regulate their role and b.) where there are regulations, failing to enforce them.
Following on from this the report goes on to offer 23 recommendations for regulatory reform. Of the 23, the single most important issue from which many of the problems surrounding agents emanates, is that agents are allowed to act for the club and the player resulting in a whole manner of tapping up, dirty tricks and double dealing. The report suggests that FIFA, UEFA and the FA should ensure that this practice is outlawed. The agent should act only for and be paid by, the player.
Once this regulation is in place the custodians of the game must ensure that it is backed up with the strictest enforcement laws.
The report points out that there are several parallels in the business world where regulation has been successful in stamping out similar practices.
Phillip Snape, Director of the Sports Nexus says 'This is an important report which clearly shows what needs to be done to effectively regulate the role of agents football. What is clear is that their regulation is quite straight forward. What is now required is courage from the FA and their masters to regulate this ugly practice and then the iron will to enforce it.'
Notes to editors:
This poll is strictly embargoed until 06.00 on Sunday 13th August 2006
The Sports Nexus is an independent sports pressure group. It is a privately funded non for profit organisation established to give critical analysis to the way sport is run in the UK.
Our Vision and Purpose
To be the independent voice which challenges the structures, practices and accountability of British sporting institutions.
To influence all levels of government to:
# re-establish sport as an essential component of the education system.
# recognise the true value of sport to enhance the health and welfare of British citizens
For further information please go to www.sportsnexus.co.uk or call Phillip Snape on 07801 624 982
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