“The third edition encompasses the latest amendments to the RSTP as well as detailed information on the regulations and case law of the FIFA Football Tribunal and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).”
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German Soccer’s $1B Stake Sale Could Have Multiple Bidders
(Excerpt): "The latest plan is designed to help bring in outside investors and much-needed cash, particularly as the DFL attempts to keep up with heightened competition from European powerhouses such as the Premier League and La Liga."
UEFA's multi-club ownership rules - explained
“The good news is that UEFA has already created a precedent for these rules to be ignored.”
OSN+, Anghami to Merge to Create Mideast Streaming Giant
“Dubai-based OSN+ and Anghami Inc. are merging to create one of the Middle East’s largest entertainment streaming services as they seek to fend off competition from rivals such as Spotify and Netflix. The new entity will have over 120 million registered users, 2.5 million paying subscribers and $100 million in revenue, the companies said in a joint statement.”
Apple wants MLS to be the best soccer league in the world
“When I looked at the 10 years, yeah, in my mind, we got into this because we thought that together, we could build the best soccer league in the world. That’s the goal. That’s the objective. You know, we’re trying to be the best. Otherwise, why do it?” - Eddy Cue, Apple Senior Vice President
Premier League multi-club loan ban could impact Newcastle’s January transfer plan
“Some teams are keen for the rules to include permanent transfers between associated clubs, rather than just loans. They also want to restrict clubs from signing players back within two transfer windows of them leaving, to ensure they do not gain what is seen to be an unfair advantage over their peers.”
FIFA’s new agent rules in the balance as UK court set to deliver a merit ruling
“The case, brought against FIFA by a group if UK based agents including CAA, Stellar and ICM, is awaiting a merit decision on whether the new rules can be enforced under English law. … FIFA has currently suspended enforcing the implementation of the new rules while the UK case is waiting for judgement.”
From the EFAA General Assembly (13 November 2023)
Women’s soccer scores big with major broadcast deal
“The networks will pay a combined $240 million over the four seasons - $60 million annually - with CBS, currently in its fourth year in partnership with the NWSL, retaining the rights to the league’s season finale. The deals were brokered on behalf of the league by the Endeavor-owned IMG and WME Sports agencies.”
Read more from GlobalData.
Football agents victory in FIFA commission cap row
“Several football agents and agents' associations have initiated legal actions against FIFA. Over the summer, the Spanish Association of Football Players' Agents, along with 18 other football agents and agencies, filed a lawsuit against FIFA, as well as asking for interim measures to prevent FIFA from enforcing the FFAR fee cap. On November 6, 2023, the court ruled in the agents’ favour, marking a significant win for those opposing FIFA’s legislation.”
How FIFA’s New Agent Regulations Could Change The Transfer Market
“The new rules shift agents’ incentives away from trying to get players to move clubs often or secure high transfer fees and toward trying to secure high wages for their clients.”
EFAA Statement on the Spanish court case decision (6 November 2023)
Athlete Investment Contracts Disguised as NIL Contracts
“In essence, athlete investing involves a company that “invests” in a student-athlete by compensating them to use their NIL and if the student-athlete ends up receiving a major sports league contract, the company is entitled to a percentage of that contract.”
EU Commission supports FIFA in row with football agents
“Strict new laws imposed by the world football governing body — including a cap on fees that agents can make from a player transfer deal — have won approval in Brussels ahead of a hearing at the Court of Justice of the European Union, according to the Commission's written submission to judges.”
Sports Attorney vs. Sports Agent
“Sports attorneys provide legal expertise and representation, while sports agents focus on contracts, finances, and career development.”
Kitman Labs Launches ‘The Football Intelligence Platform’ For Premier League Academies
“The platform gives academies data accuracy and the ability to conduct advanced analytics at a league, club, or player level. Staff will manage player pathways through performance benchmarking and personalised development plans, in addition to providing tools, reporting, insights and actionable data to achieve specific operating and performance outcomes.”
How overseas sports stars are taxed in the UK
“In the author’s experience, HMRC’s decision to tax endorsement income has been met with much internal criticism from within the accounting profession over the years. This is primarily because it often deters athletes from competing in the UK and deprives the country of hosting showpiece events which could boost the economy by attracting overseas fans and tourists to watch their international heroes.”
Premier League Considers Salary Cap Amid Ballooning Player Costs
With rising player compensation and competitive imbalance, the Premier League is considering a team salary cap.
FIFA’s new regulations pose a threat to Lionel Messi’s collaboration with his father
“Jorge Messi represents his son as his agent. He has played a pivotal role in Lionel Messi’s club transfer to Inter Miami. However, FIFA’s new regulations for football agents have put his role at risk, potentially requiring Messi to consider changing his agent.”
6th edition of FIFA FLAR to be held in Tokyo, February 2024
The FIFA Football Law Annual Review (FLAR) will be in Tokyo on February 1-2, 2024 for discussions on the most pressing and interesting topics in football law. The agenda will feature, among other key topics, presentations on the new FIFA Clearing House, the legal proceedings around the FIFA Football Agent Regulations and the European Football landscape.
Unlocking Private Wealth For Private Equity
"In the U.S., individual investors with "qualified purchaser" status (investments of USD$5 million or more) are allowed to make allocations to alternative assets, while business development companies (BDCs) and interval funds provide other routes for U.S. investors into various alternative assets."
new agent regulations being legally challenged by some of the biggest Sports agencies
“They (FIFA) took over the market and have monopolized football. The regulations are an example of totalitarianism.” - Rafaela Pimenta (Agent of Erling Haaland)
Why Kylian Mbappe will have to sack his own mother to secure Real Madrid transfer
“Lamari would be unable to obtain the relevant certificates until May 2024 and faces the threat of a fine if she continues to represent her son. There are, however, a couple of loopholes that could be explored as teams in Germany and England have blocks in place that prevent them from having to adhere to the FIFA regulations for now – meaning that Mbappe could head for the Bundesliga or Premier League if he wanted to keep his mother in place and speak with other clubs.”
FC Barcelona is forward-thinking about monetizing their international audience
FIFA & ECA Legal Conference: Football Contracts 2023
“The event is aimed at providing professionals occupying executive/managerial positions in club football and in house legal counsel with the latest industry know-how and insights in relation to football contracts, covering key areas from a regulatory and financial standpoint.”