Sports Law
Sports Law, especially Player Representation, is an increasingly complex area and has attracted the attention of the media in recent times as a result of the conduct of some Football Agents. As a result the choice of Players Agent is extremely important to the future careers of all Academy Scholars and Professional Footballers.
There are just over 400 Qualified Football Agents in England, and very few of those are qualified Solicitors and FA Licensed Agents. Fosters combines both to provide a premier service and advice to the professional football sector.
Chris Brown, a Partner at Fosters is a Solicitor-Advocate and Football Agent Licensed by the Football Association (www.theFA.com) and whose details can also be found on the FIFA list of authorised Football Agents (www.FIFA.com). As the only Licensed Agent in Norfolk and Suffolk he provides a tailored service to clients in that area, as well as those whose careers take them outside of East Anglia.
Why use Fosters?Player Management at Fosters is based on three core principles of Competence, Confidentiality and Transparency:
- Competence - as well as the skills of an FA Licensed Agent and Solicitor-Advocate qualified to advise you on Player Contracts, Transfers, and Football Employment Contracts, you will also have access to an experienced team drawn from our Commercial Law Department. In addition, our selected specialist partners can provide a full lifestyle service from public relations to prestige cars.
- Confidentiality - At Fosters we believe that modern football management requires discretion. We are bound by Rule 4 of the Solicitors Code of Conduct and cannot discuss the affairs of our clients without their express permission. This means you control who we talk to on your behalf and when.
- Transparency - Whilst we will keep your matters confidential, we will always provide you with all the information at our disposal. We are required by the Code of Conduct to always act in the best interests of our clients, not anyone else. Any opportunity or offer made will always be discussed with our clients and issues relating to fees or services disclosed as required to the FA.
We are always happy to consider requests for representation by players. If you are based in the UK and are of Academy Scholar or Current Professional status and our service is of interest to you, please contact us below. Please note we cannot accept requests from players under the age of 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need an Agent?
Modern football is now a complex commercial area. Football Clubs regularly employ the services of professionals including lawyers to advise them in negotiation. As with any life changing decisions, receiving independent advice is key to ensuring you reach the correct decision. When the Agent role is properly conducted, they provide that advice and representation for their clients career in football and beyond.
- Why should I use Fosters?
There is no doubt that much of the bad press directed towards Football Agents is deserved. An unscrupulous Agent may operate a system that means their business depends on unsettling players and creating a market for transfers, regardless of what may be best for their client. Whilst anyone can qualify as an Agent, Solicitors are governed by a separate set of rules designed to protect and safeguard clients, providing an added protection against you being taken advantage of.
- I am under 16 and want an Agent. Can I use Fosters?
FIFA Regulations prohibit any Agent from conducting Agency business with someone under the age of 16. This rule is designed to protect young players and their parents from making difficult decisions before it is necessary to do so. Agents that act outside of this rule are breaking those Regulations and should therefore be avoided. At Fosters, we are bound to stick to the rules imposed not only by FIFA and The FA, but also the Solicitors Code of Conduct.
- How much will I have to pay?
Depending on the advice required, it is very possible you will not have to pay anything at all. But if you do, we will agree any fees in advance with you and not exceed that amount without your permission. Many Agents will charge their clients by taking a percentage of their basic salary, regardless of the time or effort the work involves. At Fosters you can be assured we will only be paid for the work you tell us to do, and that you will always have control of the amounts involved.
The Sports Law Team
Solicitor