How are agents held accountable for their conduct?

Agents are held accountable for their conduct primarily through FIFA's disciplinary procedures. This framework is designed to maintain integrity within the sport and ensure that agents adhere to established rules and standards of professionalism. FIFA has the authority to investigate breaches of its regulations and impose sanctions when necessary, which can include fines, suspensions, or even bans from practicing as an agent. The disciplinary procedures are structured to address misconduct systematically, providing a formal avenue for accountability that is recognized within the football community worldwide.

The other methods of accountability, such as internal agency reviews, peer voting, or legal actions by clients, do not offer the same level of structured oversight and enforcement as FIFA’s disciplinary procedures. Internal agency reviews might help in managing conduct within a specific agency, but they lack the broader regulatory power to enforce compliance across all agents. Peer voting is not a formal mechanism in this context and does not provide an official standard for accountability. Legal actions by clients can address specific disputes but do not encompass the comprehensive framework necessary for ensuring ethical behavior among all agents in the sport.