Representing a minor is a distinct regime, with specific prerequisites, prohibitions and sanctions.
An essential prerequisite
Before representing a minor, an agent must complete the FIFA Guardians child-safeguarding module. Certification has a limited validity and requires renewal. Without it, the representation agreement and agent may be exposed to regulatory consequences.
This is more than awareness training: it is a condition of valid representation.
Legal guardians
A minor does not contract alone. Legal representatives must participate. Identify them, verify their status and ensure they understand the commitment, which can require time and careful explanation.
The Article 19 barrier
International transfers of players under 18 are generally prohibited. The source article lists exceptions for parents moving for non-football reasons; certain transfers at ages 16–18 within the EU/EEA or between associations in one country; the 50-kilometre border rule; protected or refugee status; and asylum-seeker or vulnerable-person status.
For minors aged at least ten, the transaction also requires approval by the Players' Status Chamber of the Football Tribunal.
Why this particularly concerns Africa
A 2023 FIFPRO survey of 263 professionals in seven African countries, including Cameroon, DR Congo, Ghana and Kenya, found that over 70% had been approached by someone claiming to be an agent and promising a club move. Most promises were not fulfilled. FIFA noted that these individuals were usually unlicensed, but the harm affects the whole profession.
What compliant agents gain
In an environment of distrust, compliance becomes an advantage. The course's module 6 covers safeguarding, from identifying abuse to reporting procedures.