Players to pay their own agents

One piece of information released from the Football League Chairmens' AGM in Portugal concerns the regulations involving players and agents. Hereford United chairman Graham Turner is reported to be amidst the chairmen at the meeting.

At their Annual General Meeting, in the Algarve, Football League Chairmen have unanimously introduced new regulations that prohibit 'dual representation' by agents in player transfers - the practice whereby an agent represents more than one party in negotiations - and placed new restrictions on the circumstances in which clubs are permitted to pay agents.

In future players will be responsible for paying their own agents, who will also need a formal agreement to represent their players. Clubs employing agents will be required to have similar arrangements in place.

Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said:

"Two years ago we committed ourselves to being the only set of clubs in world football that publish our spending on agents' fees. Today, we have taken another considerable step forward. These changes will bring a much greater level of integrity to transfer negotiations.

"By outlawing 'dual representation' and giving greater clarity to the circumstances in which clubs can pay agents we have made a major contribution to restoring a fair balance to the relationship between clubs, players and their agents.

"I commend club chairmen for taking this lead and hope other football authorities will choose to follow our example."

Additionally, clubs have voted for The League to establish a 'Register of Interests' in which club officials must disclose to The League any interest or influence they have in the business of an agent.

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