No more player agents—FAM

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) yesterday announced the abolition of player agents and the introduction of intermediaries with effect from June 28.

The association’s announcement is in line with Fifa regulations on working with intermediaries which were adopted last year.

These regulations outline how the intermediaries can represent players and clubs to conclude an employment contract between a player and a club, or conclude a transfer agreement between two clubs.

“The regulations replace the old system of player agents and all existing licences have lost their validity with immediate effect,” FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said in a statement.

Meanwhile, FAM has invited applications from interested individuals who would like to become intermediaries.

The individuals will be required to pay K550 000 ($763) application fee for the initial year and a renewal fee of K350 000 ($485).

Nyirenda said the introduction of intermediaries will bring an end to rogue agents.

“Only those intermediaries to be certified by FAM, will be allowed to transact business on behalf of either players or clubs or both in Malawi. Licensed intermediaries will be expected to be depositing contracts they will sign with players and clubs, both locally and internationally, at FAM secretariat.

“FAM will organise educational seminars for its entire members in all the three regions to enable all stakeholders familiarise themselves with the Fifa and FAM regulations on working with intermediaries,” said Nyirenda.

Former player agent Felix Sapao said the changes were long overdue.

“It’s just a change of name implemented by Fifa last year. It is better for management and it was overdue as most FAs implemented the changes late last year. But there is not much difference as the rules are 98 percent the same. Most changes are in the registration,” he said.

Player manager James Pondamale observed that the changes would make life easier for stakeholders.

“At least we can now get formal recognition both locally and internationally,” he said.