Football Association implements agent rules

Effective almost immediately, the English Football Association has clamped down on third-party transactions with new rules enforced starting Saturday.

The FA said it could do limited enforcement on agent misdeeds, and that FIFA needed to become more involved, especially when it comes to registration rights.

The rules include a registering process and nepotism rules. Overseas agents must register with the FA is they plan on doing business with English clubs. Agents may not deal with a club that employs a family member.

Special staff members have been hired by the FA to monitor transfers. Violations can be dealt with by docking points from a club or suspending an agent's license.

The targets of the rules – the agents – have expressed disappointment that they were not properly consulted.

"We believe these regulations are fair and balanced," said FA director of governance Jonathan Hall. "They are a significant step forward in governing this area of the game.

"If we think there is some wrongdoing then we will investigate. Specialists are in place to examine anything that appears dubious."

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