Sports Agent in Uzbekistan: Domestic and International Rules in Football

Professional sport involves the emergence of a complex system of contractual relations among athletes, coaches, sports clubs, federations, leagues, sponsors, and competition organizers. The conclusion of employment contracts, transfer agreements, advertising contracts, and other transactions requires specialized legal and industry knowledge. Therefore, the sports agent becomes an important participant in sports-related legal relations.

The new Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Physical Culture and Sport” dated 24 March 2026 No. ZRU-1123 recognizes the sports agent as an independent participant in the sphere of physical culture and sport. The Law defines the concept of a sports agent, establishes the agent’s principal rights and duties, and provides for the Cabinet of Ministers to adopt a separate procedure governing agency activities.

In international football, agency activities are regulated in detail by the FIFA Football Agent Regulations. They establish requirements for obtaining a license, entering into representation agreements, preventing conflicts of interest, representing minors, professional conduct, and dispute resolution. At the same time, the FIFA rules directly regulate agency activities related to international football transfers and other transactions of an international nature.

The purpose of this article is to examine the legal status of a sports agent under the legislation of Uzbekistan and the FIFA rules, as well as to identify the relationship between general national regulation and the special rules of the international football organization.

Sports Agent as a Participant in Sports-Related Legal Relations

The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Physical Culture and Sport” classifies sports agents as participants in the sphere of physical culture and sport, alongside athletes, coaches, sports referees, and other specialists.

According to Article 37 of the Law, a sports agent is a person who:

• acts on behalf of an athlete, coach, or sports club;
• carries out activities on a contractual basis;
• acts as an intermediary in the conclusion of contracts and transfer agreements;
• monitors compliance with the terms of concluded contracts.

Thus, a sports agent performs not only an intermediary function, but also representative and monitoring functions. The agent’s activities do not end once a contract is signed. The Law expressly provides that the agent must monitor compliance with contractual terms and protect the rights and legitimate interests of the represented person.

The FIFA rules use the narrower concept of a football agent. A football agent is a natural person who has obtained a FIFA license to provide football agent services.

FIFA defines agent services as football-related services performed for or on behalf of a client with the purpose of concluding a transaction. These include negotiations, communications, preparatory actions, and other related activities aimed at concluding an employment contract, registering a player, transferring a player, employing a coach, or changing or terminating the terms of an employment relationship.

Accordingly, the concepts of a sports agent and a football agent are related as the general and the specific. Uzbek law regulates agency activities in all sports, whereas the FIFA rules apply only to football agents and football transactions.

Legal Nature of the Activities of a Sports Agent

The basis of a sports agent’s activities is a contract with the client. A client may be:

• an athlete;
• a coach;
• a sports club.

Under Uzbek legislation, an agent may act on behalf of and in the interests of the client, represent the client in the conclusion of contracts, participate in negotiations with sponsors and advertisers, and receive remuneration.

The content of Article 37 of the Law indicates that agency activities include both legal and factual actions. An agent may search for a potential employer, organize negotiations, analyze contractual offers, agree commercial terms, support a transfer, and monitor performance of obligations.

The FIFA rules refer to the corresponding contract as a Representation Agreement. It is a written agreement establishing the legal relationship between a football agent and a client for the purpose of providing football agent services.

Under the FIFA rules, an agent may not provide football agent services without first entering into a written Representation Agreement. Such an agreement must contain at least:

1. the names of the parties;
2. the term of the agreement;
3. the amount of the agent’s remuneration;
4. the nature of the services to be provided;
5. the signatures of the parties.

Thus, both Uzbek law and the FIFA rules base an agent’s activities on a contract. However, the FIFA rules regulate the form and minimum content of such an agreement in greater detail.

Clients of a Sports Agent

Under Uzbek law, a sports agent may represent three categories of clients: athletes, coaches, and sports clubs.

The FIFA rules provide for a more detailed list of clients. These include:

• a football player;
• a coach;
• a football club;
• a national football association;
• a single-entity league acting as an employer or representing the common interests of clubs.

A client has the right to negotiate and conclude a transaction independently, without engaging an agent. The FIFA rules require the relevant employment or transfer agreement to expressly state that the transaction was concluded without the involvement of a football agent.

In addition, an agreement with an agent may not restrict the right of a player or coach to negotiate independently and conclude an employment contract. Provisions are invalid if they:

• prohibit the person from negotiating independently with a club;
• impose a fine or other sanction for concluding a contract without the agent’s involvement.

This rule is intended to safeguard the client’s freedom and prevent excessive dependence of an athlete or coach on an agent.

RIGHTS OF A SPORTS AGENT UNDER THE LEGISLATION OF UZBEKISTAN

Article 37 of the Law establishes the following principal rights of a sports agent.

1. Entering into Agency Agreements

A sports agent has the right to enter into agency agreements with athletes, coaches, and sports clubs.

This right forms the basis of the agent’s professional activity. Without an agreement, the agent does not acquire authority to act in the client’s interests.

The agreement should define:

• the scope of the agent’s authority;
• the types of services provided;
• the term of representation;
• the amount of remuneration;
• the reporting procedure;
• the grounds for termination of the legal relationship.

2. Representation of the Client’s Interests

An agent has the right to act on behalf of and in the interests of athletes, coaches, and sports clubs.

Representation may include:

• searching for a club, athlete, or coach;
• organizing negotiations;
• receiving and reviewing offers;
• agreeing contractual terms;
• participating in the preparation of transfer agreements;
• monitoring performance of contractual obligations.

The specific scope of authority must be defined by the agreement. The mere existence of an agency agreement does not mean that the agent is entitled to sign any document on behalf of the client. Such authority must be expressly provided for in the agreement or in a separate power of attorney.

3. Participation in the Conclusion of Contracts

A sports agent has the right to represent the client’s interests in the conclusion of contracts.

With respect to an athlete, negotiations may concern:

• salary;
• the term of the employment contract;
• premiums and bonuses;
• conditions for participation in competitions;
• medical and insurance coverage;
• early termination provisions;
• use of the athlete’s name and image;
• transfer and compensation terms.

With respect to a coach, the agent may participate in negotiating the position, powers, performance indicators, contract term, and grounds for termination.

With respect to a club, the agent may search for athletes or coaches, support transfers, and interact with other clubs.

4. Interaction with Sponsors and Advertisers

The Law gives an agent the right to interact with sponsors and advertisers operating in the sphere of physical culture and sport.

Accordingly, an agent may participate in negotiations concerning:

• sponsorship cooperation;
• an athlete’s participation in advertising campaigns;
• use of the athlete’s name and image;
• promotion of the athlete’s personal brand;
• conclusion of commercial contracts.

The FIFA rules distinguish football agent services from other services. Other services include, in particular, legal advice, financial planning, scouting, consultancy, management of image rights, and conclusion of commercial contracts.

5. Receipt of Remuneration

A sports agent has the right to receive remuneration for representing the interests of an athlete, coach, or sports club.

The amount, calculation method, and payment terms must be determined by the agreement. Remuneration may be established as a fixed amount, a percentage, or a combination of both.

The right to remuneration should be linked to services actually provided and to the terms of the concluded agreement.

DUTIES OF A SPORTS AGENT UNDER THE LEGISLATION OF UZBEKISTAN

The Law imposes two principal groups of duties on a sports agent.

1. Knowledge of and Compliance with Sports Rules

An agent is required to know and strictly comply with:

• the rules and regulations of international sports organizations;
• the rules of the relevant sport;
• the regulations and rules of sports competitions.

This means that an agent’s professional activity requires knowledge not only of legislation, but also of specialized sports rules.

When supporting a transfer, an agent must take into account the procedure for registering an athlete, transfer windows, eligibility requirements for competitions, transfer restrictions, and other requirements of the relevant sports organization.

In football, an agent must comply not only with the FIFA Football Agent Regulations but also with other binding FIFA instruments, including the FIFA Statutes, the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the FIFA Code of Ethics, and the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. By obtaining a license, an agent assumes an obligation to comply with these instruments.

2. Protection of the Client’s Rights and Legitimate Interests

A sports agent is required to monitor compliance with and ensure protection of the rights and legitimate interests of athletes, coaches, and sports clubs in accordance with the concluded agreements.

This duty includes:

• reviewing proposed contractual terms;
• explaining the legal consequences of a transaction to the client;
• monitoring performance of monetary obligations;
• preventing violations of the client’s rights;
• informing the client of risks;
• taking measures provided for by the agreement in the event of non-performance of obligations.

Accordingly, an agent must act not only as an intermediary interested in concluding a transaction, but also as a representative obliged to take the client’s interests into account.

FIFA Requirements for Obtaining the Status of a Football Agent

Uzbek law provides that the procedure governing the activities of sports agents is to be established by the Cabinet of Ministers. Article 37 itself does not establish requirements concerning a license, examination, or professional training.

Football applies a more detailed model. Under the FIFA rules, only a natural person may become a football agent if that person:

1. submits an application through the FIFA digital platform;
2. meets the professional eligibility requirements;
3. successfully passes the FIFA examination;
4. pays the annual license fee.

A license is issued to a natural person for an indefinite period, is personal, and may not be transferred. It authorizes the holder to provide football agent services worldwide, provided that the license requirements continue to be met.

To maintain the license, an agent must satisfy FIFA’s continuing professional development requirements each year. FIFA provides that an agent must obtain the prescribed number of educational credits during each annual professional development period.

Thus, FIFA treats a football agent as a licensed professional who must continuously demonstrate professional compliance.

Professional Eligibility Requirements for a Football Agent

The FIFA rules establish a number of circumstances that prevent a person from obtaining or retaining a license.

In particular, an applicant must not:

• provide false or incomplete information;
• have a criminal conviction for corruption, fraud, money laundering, tax offences, document forgery, match manipulation, and certain other serious offences;
• have been subject to a lengthy disqualification imposed by a professional or sports regulatory body;
• be an official or employee of FIFA, a confederation, national association, league, or club;
• hold a financial interest in a club, academy, or league;
• engage in agent activities without the required license;
• have certain economic links with an organization involved in sports betting.

These restrictions are intended to ensure the independence of a football agent and prevent situations in which the agent’s personal or commercial interests may conflict with the interests of the client and the principles of sporting integrity.

Term of the Representation Agreement

Uzbek law does not establish a maximum term for an agency agreement.

Under the FIFA rules, an agreement between a football agent and a player or coach may be concluded for a maximum term of two years. The relationship may be extended only by signing a new agreement.

Automatic renewal clauses or other provisions that effectively extend the term of the agreement beyond two years are invalid.

An agent may have only one effective Representation Agreement with the same player or coach at any one time.

For agreements with clubs and other sports organizations, the FIFA rules do not impose the two-year limitation. An agent may enter into several agreements with the same club if they concern different transactions.

These requirements prevent an athlete or coach from becoming excessively dependent on one agent for an extended period and allow the terms of cooperation to be periodically reconsidered.

Client’s Right to Independent Legal Advice

Before entering into or amending an agreement with a player or coach, the agent must recommend in writing that the client obtain independent legal advice.

The agent must also obtain written confirmation that the client:

• obtained independent legal advice; or
• knowingly waived such advice.

This rule promotes informed contracting and reduces the risk that an agent may take advantage of an athlete’s or coach’s insufficient legal knowledge.

Uzbek law does not expressly provide for a similar obligation; however, it is consistent with the agent’s duty under Article 37 to protect the client’s rights and legitimate interests.

Conflict of Interest and Dual Representation

Uzbek law does not expressly establish rules governing dual or multiple representation.

The FIFA rules establish the general principle that an agent may represent only one party in a transaction.

As an exception, simultaneous representation is permitted of:

• a player or coach; and
• the engaging club.

Such dual representation is permitted only with the prior and express written consent of both clients.

An agent may not simultaneously represent:

• a player or coach and the releasing club;
• the releasing club and the engaging club;
• all parties to the same transaction.

The restrictions also apply to connected agents. The rules do not permit the prohibition to be circumvented through another agent working in the same organization, closely related to the agent, or regularly sharing income from agent activities with the agent.

This model is intended to prevent a situation in which an agent must simultaneously protect the incompatible interests of several participants in a transfer.

Representation of Minor Athletes

Article 37 of Uzbek law does not contain special rules governing agents’ activities in relation to minor athletes.

The FIFA rules establish a special regime for the representation of minor football players.

An agent may approach a minor or the minor’s legal representative concerning the provision of football agent services only during the prescribed period before the minor reaches the age at which the first professional contract may be concluded.

Before approaching the minor, the agent must obtain the written consent of the minor’s legal representative.

In addition, the agent must complete special professional training concerning the representation of minors. The agreement must be signed by the minor and the minor’s legal representative in accordance with applicable law.

The enhanced requirements are justified by the need to protect children from premature commercial pressure, exploitation, and disadvantageous long-term agreements.

Remuneration of a Football Agent

Uzbek law establishes a sports agent’s right to receive remuneration but does not determine a maximum amount or payment procedure.

The FIFA rules contain specific provisions on an agent’s remuneration. In particular, the Representation Agreement must expressly state the amount of the service fee.

The rules link the amount of remuneration to the nature of the representation, the remuneration of the player or coach, or the amount of transfer compensation.

At the same time, the practical application of certain FIFA provisions governing the payment procedure and maximum level of agent remuneration has been the subject of litigation in various jurisdictions. Therefore, in a specific international transfer, it is necessary to take into account not only the text of the FIFA rules but also current FIFA decisions regarding the application of the relevant provisions.

The fundamental principle nevertheless remains unchanged: the amount of remuneration must be transparently defined in a written agreement, and the agent must disclose the agent’s role and the client represented in the relevant transaction.

Rights of a Football Agent under the FIFA Rules

A football agent has the right to:

• provide football agent services on the basis of a valid license;
• enter into written Representation Agreements;
• represent players, coaches, clubs, and other eligible clients;
• receive the agreed remuneration;
• conduct business through an agency;
• access the FIFA digital platform;
• refer contractual disputes to the competent bodies;
• surrender the license or temporarily suspend it in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

An agent may conduct business through a company or agency. However, football agent services themselves may be provided only by a licensed natural person.

Employees and contractors of an agency who do not hold a FIFA license may not independently:

• provide football agent services;
• approach potential clients;
• enter into Representation Agreements.

A licensed agent is responsible for the actions of the agent’s agency, employees, contractors, and other representatives if they violate the FIFA rules.

Duties of a Football Agent under the FIFA Rules

The FIFA rules establish a broad range of duties for football agents.

An agent must:

• continuously comply with the license requirements;
• act on the basis of a written agreement;
• comply with FIFA statutes and regulations;
• act in the client’s interests;
• avoid prohibited conflicts of interest;
• disclose required information concerning the agent’s activities;
• comply with continuing professional development requirements;
• pay the annual license fee;
• ensure that unlicensed persons do not provide football agent services on the agent’s behalf;
• comply with professional and ethical standards;
• cooperate with FIFA and competent football bodies;
• provide requested documents and information;
• refrain from conduct intended to circumvent the rules.

Any employment or transfer agreement concluded with the involvement of an agent must state:

• the agent’s name;
• the client represented by the agent;
• the agent’s FIFA license number;
• the agent’s signature.

These requirements ensure transparency of an agent’s participation in football transactions.

Good Faith and Professional Ethics

The FIFA rules are based on the need to establish minimum professional and ethical standards for football agent activities.

The main objectives of the regulation are:

• improving the quality of football agent services;
• protecting clients;
• preventing excessive and speculative practices;
• limiting conflicts of interest;
• increasing financial transparency;
• protecting minors;
• strengthening the stability of contractual relationships among players, coaches, and clubs.

The FIFA Football Agent Code of Conduct imposes an obligation to comply with high professional and ethical standards. It applies to all agents holding a FIFA license.

In substance, these duties specify and develop the obligation under Uzbek law requiring a sports agent to protect the rights and legitimate interests of the client.

Termination of the Agency Agreement

Uzbek law does not establish special grounds for terminating an agency agreement. Such grounds must be determined by the agreement itself and by applicable civil legislation.

Under the FIFA rules, either party may terminate a Representation Agreement at any time where there is just cause.

Just cause exists where, in accordance with the principle of good faith, a party can no longer reasonably be expected to continue the contractual relationship.

If the agreement is terminated without just cause, the terminating party may be required to compensate the other party for the resulting damage.

This approach protects the client against an unscrupulous agent, while at the same time safeguarding the agent’s interests against unjustified unilateral termination.

Dispute Resolution

Uzbek law provides that the procedure governing sports agent activities is to be established by the Cabinet of Ministers; however, Article 37 does not separately regulate the procedure for resolving disputes between an agent and a client.

The FIFA rules distinguish between international and domestic disputes.

The FIFA rules apply to Representation Agreements with an international dimension, as well as to conduct connected with an international transfer or another international football transaction.

International disputes arising from a Representation Agreement may be considered by the Agents Chamber of the FIFA Football Tribunal, subject to the applicable jurisdictional requirements.

Disputes under agreements without an international dimension must be considered by the bodies designated under the national regulations of the relevant football association. FIFA requires national associations to establish a competent body for the resolution of such disputes and the imposition of disciplinary measures.

Liability of a Sports Agent

Uzbek law does not expressly list special sanctions applicable to a sports agent. Nevertheless, an agent may be held liable for breach of contract, violation of legislation, and violation of sports regulations.

Under the FIFA rules, a breach of the applicable requirements by an agent may result in disciplinary proceedings.

Depending on the nature of the violation, possible sanctions include:

• a warning;
• a fine;
• temporary suspension of the license;
• a prohibition on carrying out agent activities;
• termination of the license;
• other disciplinary measures.

Liability may arise, in particular, for:

• acting without a license;
• prohibited dual representation;
• providing false information;
• violating the rules governing work with minors;
• using unlicensed intermediaries;
• violating disclosure obligations;
• failure to comply with license requirements;
• circumvention of the FIFA rules.

Relationship between Uzbek Law and the FIFA Rules

Uzbek law establishes the general framework for the activities of sports agents regardless of the type of sport.

The FIFA rules constitute special regulation of agent activities in football.

Uzbek law defines:

• the concept of a sports agent;
• the categories of clients;
• the principal rights;
• the principal duties;
• the contractual nature of the activities;
• the obligation to comply with international sports regulations.

The FIFA rules additionally establish:

• mandatory licensing;
• professional eligibility criteria;
• an examination;
• annual professional development;
• requirements for the Representation Agreement;
• a maximum term for an agreement with a player or coach;
• restrictions on dual representation;
• special rules for minors;
• transparency requirements;
• disciplinary and dispute-resolution jurisdiction.

The FIFA rules apply primarily to agency relationships having an international dimension. Domestic football transactions are governed by the national rules of the relevant football association, which must comply with FIFA’s fundamental requirements and may provide for stricter measures insofar as they do not conflict with mandatory national law.