FA, agents agree to suspend hostilities during transfer window

The English FA has backed off the zero tolerance attitude toward agents who are paid by clubs.

With the onset of the January transfer window, the organisation said the rules prohibiting third-party deals will only be enforced against those who knowingly violate the law.

As a goodwill gesture, agents have said they will drop any legal threat until after the transfer window shuts at the end of January.

"Agents will work within the regulations, but it doesn't mean they are acceptable or legal. If they are unworkable, then we may take action further down the line," agent spokesman Mel Stein told the Telegraph. "It makes no sense to have a massive war about something when we don't know what the war is about. Everyone will wait to see how this pans out."

The point of contention between the two sides is mainly over what party is responsible for paying an agent's fees. Clubs can no longer do it, unless it comes from the player's salary.

Agents also are responsible for taxes on their fees. Agents dispute this, saying it should be 'allowed for tax', as it is in other sections of the entertainment industry.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.