Understand your goals
Listen to what you want from football, including playing time, development, education, family needs and long-term plans.
PFA Northern Ireland • Player guidance
Choosing a football agent.
The right agent can support your career. The wrong approach can leave you exposed. Know what to check, what to question and what you should never feel pressured to accept.
Representation matters
Your career. Your decision.
Football agents are part of the modern game. A good agent can help a player understand opportunities, negotiate with clubs and make informed career decisions. But a big promise, impressive contact list or social-media profile is not proof that someone is qualified or acting in your best interests.
Take your time, check the facts and obtain independent advice before entering any agreement.
Understanding the role
What should a good agent do?
An agent should add genuine value and explain things clearly. They work for their client—not for their own interests or simply for whichever deal pays most.
Explain opportunities
Provide honest information about clubs and proposals, including the benefits, risks and realistic alternatives.
Negotiate professionally
Help negotiate employment or transfer terms while keeping you informed and seeking your authority before decisions are made.
Protect your interests
Identify conflicts of interest and recommend independent specialist advice where legal, tax or financial questions arise.
Communicate clearly
Be accessible, respond honestly and provide written records of important offers, instructions, fees and decisions.
Support the whole career
Think beyond one contract and support decisions that protect your development, welfare and future in or outside football.
Before agreeing to anything
Ten checks every player should make.
Verify the licenceSearch the FIFA directory yourself. Do not rely on a screenshot, business card or somebody else’s assurance.
Meet the individualOnly work with an agent you have seen and spoken with. Know exactly who will personally handle your affairs.
Ask about experienceRequest examples relevant to your level and career stage. Check references directly where appropriate.
Confirm the club contactIf a trial or contract is being offered, confirm that the club knows you are coming and recognises the agent involved.
Understand every serviceAsk exactly what the agent will do—and what they will not do—during the agreement.
Know every feeUnderstand the amount, how it is calculated, who pays it, when it becomes due and whether any other charges apply.
Identify conflictsAsk whether the agent or their agency is also advising the club, another player or anyone else involved in the same deal.
Check the durationKnow the start date, end date, termination process and any continuing payment obligations.
Keep written recordsKeep copies of agreements, messages, offers, invoices and payment records. Do not rely on verbal promises.
Take independent adviceAsk PFA NI or an independent legal adviser to review the representation agreement before you sign.
The representation agreement
Read the agent’s contract as carefully as the club’s.
A football agent may only provide agent services after entering into a written representation agreement with the client. Do not sign it on the spot. Take it away, read it and seek independent advice.
Parties: It should clearly identify the player and the individual licensed agent.
Services: It should explain precisely what the agent is being appointed to do.
Duration: FIFA’s published guidance says a player-agent representation agreement may not exceed two years and cannot be extended by an automatic-renewal clause.
Fees: The amount or method of calculation, payment dates, payer and applicable services should be clear.
Termination: Check how either party can end the agreement and what fees or obligations could continue afterwards.
Signatures: Make sure the final document is complete and signed, and retain your own copy.
Warning signs
Stop and check if an agent…
Guarantees a contract
No legitimate agent can guarantee that a club will sign or select you.
Creates urgency
Be wary of “sign today” pressure or claims that seeking advice will cause the opportunity to disappear.
Requests unexplained money
Do not make advance payments or pay for a supposed trial without verifying the club, service, agreement and recipient.
Refuses written details
Important promises, services, fees and offers should be available in writing.
Asks you to mislead someone
Never provide false information, conceal an agreement or sign incomplete or backdated documents.
Discourages independent advice
A professional agent should be comfortable with you speaking to PFA NI, your family or an independent adviser.
Young players and families
Potential should never be used as pressure.
Young players and parents can be targeted with impressive promises about academies, trials and professional contracts. Verify every approach independently and put the child’s welfare, education and long-term development first.
FIFA’s guidance states that an approach concerning representation of a minor requires prior written consent from the legal guardian and the agent must have completed the required accreditation for work involving minors. A valid agreement involving a minor must also be co-signed by the legal guardian as required by applicable law.
Ask before you sign
Questions to put to an agent.
Are you currently licensed by FIFA?
Are you accredited to work with minors?
Who exactly will manage my career?
Which services are included?
Who are you representing in this transaction?
How and when will you be paid?
How can I end the agreement?
Can I take this agreement for independent advice?
Does the club know about this trial or offer?
Will I receive every offer and instruction in writing?
Independent player support
PFA NI can help you check before you commit.
Before signing a representation agreement, accepting a trial or agreeing to a club contract, contact PFA NI. We can help you identify questions, understand the documents and arrange appropriate independent advice.
If you are already concerned about an agent, preserve all messages, agreements, invoices and payment records and seek advice promptly.
Quick answers
Football-agent FAQs.
How can I check whether an agent is licensed?
Search the official FIFA Football Agent Directory using the person’s name. Check that you are dealing with the licensed individual shown—not merely somebody working for or using the name of an agency.
Can an agent act without a written agreement?
FIFA’s published guidance states that a football agent may only provide football-agent services to a client after entering into a written representation agreement that meets the applicable requirements.
Should I pay money for a trial?
Do not pay simply because someone promises access to a club. Confirm the trial directly with the club using independently sourced contact details, understand precisely what any payment covers and contact PFA NI before transferring money.
Can the same agent represent me and a club?
Multiple or dual representation raises potential conflicts and is regulated. Ask the agent to disclose in writing every person or organisation they represent in the transaction and obtain independent advice before giving consent.
What should I do if I feel pressured?
Do not sign or transfer money. Step away, retain the messages and documents, and contact PFA NI or an independent legal adviser.
Important: This page provides general player guidance, not individual legal advice. Football-agent rules and their application can change or depend on whether a transaction is domestic or international. Always check the latest applicable regulations and obtain advice on your circumstances before signing or making a payment.
Your talent deserves proper protection.
Check the person. Check the promises. Check the agreement.
Speak to PFA NI