The South African Football Association have announced new regulations for player agents, which includes a commission cap of 3 percent
The rule changes, which also affect the accreditation of agents, take effect from today but will only be enforced by SAFA from May 1.
The move follows a recommendation by world footballing body FIFA.
SAFA released a statement, which reads as follows: 'As of today, 1 April 2015, former football agents will now be known as intermediaries and commissions will be capped at 3% as part of a number of changes to the then existing Players’ Agent Regulations which has been replaced with the new guideline titled Regulations on Working with Intermediaries.
'On 10/11 June2014, the FIFA Congress adopted the new resolution in order to maintain the integrity of the sport of football by promoting and safeguarding considerably high ethical standards in the relations between players, clubs and third parties, and thus live up to good governance and financial responsibility principles.
'FIFA therefore directed that each federation develop its own regulations to comply with its regulations that will have worldwide effect.
'In response, the SAFA NEC approved Regulations on Working with Intermediaries at its ordinary meeting held on Friday, 27 March 2015.
'SAFA would like to advise that the system whereby Players’ Agents were registered and accredited by the Association is hereby repealed and that all Players’ Agents licenses have been revoked effective from midnight on 31 March 2015. Former Players’ Agents are expected to return their license cards to SAFA National Office upon receipt of the new SAFA Intermediaries License.
'The new Regulations take effect from today, 1 April 2015 and are applicable to all new transactions as articulated in the new Regulations.
'SAFA will facilitate a process of licensing Intermediaries and communicating the administrative processes of the new system to all stakeholders over the next month. Therefore, enforcement of the new Regulations will commence only on 1 May 2015.
'Pursuant to the above, former SAFA-licensed Players’ Agents are granted a temporary Intermediaries License to continue representing clients until such time that they have complied with the new requirements and SAFA has issued the new license to them. However, all transactions must comply with the new Regulations which came into effect on 1 April 2015.
'The Players’ Agents previously licensed by SAFA will be exempted from taking the knowledge test.
'Players and clubs are therefore granted amnesty from prosecution for interacting with unlicensed Intermediaries for any transactions during the month of April 2015. We foresee the initial licensing window period ending on 30 April 2015. Should the licensing not be complete by 30 April 2015, a new window period may be proclaimed.
'All previous agreements already concluded prior to the effective date of the new Regulations will remain in force and effect for the duration of that agreement and may only be renewed under the terms and conditions of the new Regulations on Working with Intermediaries. Any amendments or extensions to existing agreements shall be governed by the new Regulations.
'Applications for an Intermediaries License can be found on the SAFA website and the application form or a PDF version may be downloaded at:
http://test.safaonline.co.za/process/form.php?form_id=615&process_id=1&step_id=1
'Applicants are requested to complete the form online or download the PDF version, fill it in and email it to intermediaries@safa.net and submit it for consideration by the Association. Further steps in the licensing process shall be shared with the applicant upon receipt of the online application.
'The new system is transaction-based and all parties involved in a transaction are required to register the transaction with the Association. Copies of players’ agreements with Intermediaries must be lodged with the Association in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations. Further provisions are outlined in the Regulations.
'Failure to abide by the provisions of the Regulations in any transaction carries severe penalties, including fines of up to R100 000 per transaction.
'Clubs are strongly advised not to enter into transactions involving an Intermediary who has not been licensed by the Association. Disciplinary steps shall be taken by the Association against clubs who do so. Each Intermediary will therefore be issued with a license card that must be produced before the commencement of a transaction. Similarly, players are strictly prohibited from engaging unlicensed Intermediaries.
'All role-players in this process are urged to study the Regulations and, should they need further assistance, are asked to contact SAFA’s Licensing Department or Ms Wafeekah Begg at wafeekah.begg@safa.net.
'SAFA has also appointed an independent auditing firm to conduct regular audits of the system to maintain its integrity. Intermediaries will be expected to pass a knowledge test, including a test of their understanding of the player transfer system, in particular.
'Intermediaries will be expected to pay an annual license fee to defray the costs of administering the licensing system, including the appointment of an independent auditor. This fee is contained in the SAFA Schedule of Fees available on the SAFA website.'
0 comments:
Post a Comment