The published Agent Regulations set out service fee limits. Their application must be checked for the relevant jurisdiction and transaction. The first question is: Who is your client? Always start with this question.

The published reference table

  • You represent the individual (player or coach) — published cap: 5% of remuneration.
  • You represent the engaging entity (the hiring club)—published cap: 5% of the individual's remuneration.
  • You represent both the engaging entity and the individual (permitted dual representation)—published cap: 10% of the individual's remuneration.
  • You represent the releasing entity (the releasing club)—published cap: 10% of transfer compensation.

The USD 200,000 threshold

Under the published table, the portion of annual remuneration excluding conditional payments above USD 200,000 is subject to a 3% cap for representation of the individual or engaging entity, and 6% for permitted dual representation.

The calculation uses bands. For remuneration of USD 1 million, player representation uses 5% of the first USD 200,000 and 3% of the remaining USD 800,000: USD 34,000, an effective rate of 3.40%. The same effective rate then applies to conditional payments for that year.

The threshold does not reduce the rate on the entire amount: it divides the calculation into two bands.

Two exclusions to remember

The transfer compensation basis excludes compensation for breach of contract and sell-on fees. Other conditional payments may be included as provided by the regulations.

Who pays

Under the published rules, individuals earning no more than USD 200,000 annually may agree to employer payment on their behalf. Such a payment must not be deducted from their remuneration. Check the rules in force before applying this provision.

The prerequisite

A service fee depends on services being specified beforehand in a representation agreement valid at the time they are performed. An accurately calculated cap cannot replace a valid mandate.