Major transfer deals have been thrown into doubt ahead of the opening of the winter window after FIFA opted to make a key decision.
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January window set to openFIFA make big decision on agentsMove likely to affect transfer dealsWHAT HAPPENED?
FIFA have decided to implement a worldwide temporary suspension of new rules for football agents just days before the opening of the January transfer window. The move includes a cap on agent fees, service fees and the prohibition of double representation. FIFA opted to change stance and make the move after a German court ruled an injunction applied to all of the European Union, according to The temporary suspension has apparently come as "a surprise" to member associations, particularly with the January window so close.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT FIFA SAID
FIFA said in a statement: "This Injunction is inconsistent with previous judicial decisions in other European countries, the CAS award as well as previous decisions in Germany, including from appeals courts. Fifa has therefore initiated appeal proceedings against the Injunction and an appeal decision is expected in the first semester of 2024.
“In order to comply with the Injunction, Fifa will suspend the implementation of the FFAR for any transfer which has a link to the European Union. Implementing the Injunction only for transfers linked to the European Union would create a situation of unequal legal standards within the international transfer system, in particular between Europe and the rest of the world. As the world governing body of football and a prudent and responsible regulator, Fifa has a duty to prevent such uncertainty and inequality and protect competitive balance at a worldwide level.
“In light of the foregoing, on 30 December 2023 the Bureau of the Council approved the worldwide temporary suspension of the FFAR rules affected by the above-mentioned German court decision, until the European Court of Justice renders a final decision in the pending procedures concerning the FFAR.
“In this light, we recommend all the member associations to temporarily suspend the equivalent provisions from their national football agent regulations, unless they conflict with mandatory provisions of the law applicable in their territory."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The move is likely to have an impact on the January transfer window, although it remains to be seen how clubs will react to FIFA's decision. The fear is that teams will be unsure as to which rules apply and the decision could well complicate any potential transfer deals. The January transfer window is traditionally a busy period for clubs as it allows the opportunity for teams to strengthen ahead of the second half of the season.
(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT?
The transfer windows in the Premier League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 are due to open on Monday, January 1 and will stay open until until Thursday, February 1. The window opens a day later in La Liga and Serie A, while the MLS window remains open until April. A number of big deals have already been rumoured with Real Madrid expected to make an offer for Kylian Mbappe, while Arsenal could try to bring in Ivan Toney from Brentford.
