Home Blog Page 57

Spor Sektörüne Nasıl Girilir?

By
Enes Alan
-
Photo by Nelson Ndongala on Unsplash

Spor sektörü, dinamik yapısı, yüksek rekabeti ve global ölçekleriyle her yıl birçok profesyonelin ilgisini çekiyor. Futbol, basketbol, voleybol gibi büyük spor dallarından e-spora kadar geniş bir yelpazede kariyer fırsatları sunan bu sektör, aynı zamanda tutkularını profesyonel bir alana dönüştürmek isteyenler için büyük bir cazibe oluşturuyor. Ancak bu sektöre girmek, yalnızca spor bilgisi değil, iş dünyasında da sağlam bir altyapı gerektiriyor. İşte spor sektörüne adım atmanın yolları:

  1. Eğitim ve Yetenek Gelişimi

Spor sektörüne girmek isteyenler için eğitim, sektördeki temel bilgi ve becerilerin kazanılmasında çok önemlidir. Spor yönetimi, pazarlama, hukuk, finans gibi alanlarda alınacak eğitimler, sektördeki rolünüzü şekillendirebilir. Ayrıca, spor hukuku gibi daha spesifik konularda da eğitim almak, uzmanlaşma fırsatı yaratabilir. Örneğin, bir spor kulübüyle çalışmayı hedefliyorsanız, spor yöneticiliği ve iş stratejileri üzerine dersler almak kariyeriniz için faydalı olacaktır.

  1. Staj ve Deneyim Kazanma

Spor sektöründe bir pozisyonda çalışmak için genellikle pratik deneyim gereklidir. Stajlar, sektördeki iş dünyasına girebilmek için değerli fırsatlar sunar. Spor organizasyonları, kulüpler ve ajanslar gibi yerlerde staj yaparak sektörün dinamiklerini yakından görebilir, iş süreçlerini öğrenebilir ve profesyonel ağınızı genişletebilirsiniz. Ayrıca, gönüllü olarak yer alacağınız etkinlikler de size değerli tecrübeler kazandıracaktır.

  1. Ağ Kurma ve İletişim Becerileri

Spor sektörü, büyük oranda kişisel ilişkiler ve ağ kurma üzerine şekillenir. Profesyonel ağınızı kurmak için sektördeki etkinliklere katılabilir, spor yöneticileriyle iletişime geçebilir ve sektördeki en önemli oyuncularla tanışma fırsatı yakalayabilirsiniz. Ayrıca, sosyal medya platformları üzerinden sektördeki profesyonellerle bağlantı kurarak, kariyerinizi şekillendirebilirsiniz.

  1. Dijital Pazarlama ve Sosyal Medya Yönetimi

Dijital pazarlama ve sosyal medya yönetimi, günümüz spor sektörünün en önemli unsurlarından biridir. Spor kulüpleri, markalar ve organizasyonlar, taraftarlarıyla etkileşimde bulunmak, marka bilinirliğini artırmak ve sponsorluk anlaşmalarını yönetmek için dijital mecraları aktif bir şekilde kullanmaktadır. Bu alanda yetkinlik kazanmak, spor sektöründe fark yaratmanıza yardımcı olabilir. Özellikle sosyal medya yönetimi ve içerik üretimi gibi alanlarda yetkinlik geliştirmeniz, sizi sektördeki pozisyonlar için cazip kılabilir.

  1. Sponsorluk ve İşbirlikleri Yönetimi

Sponsorluklar, spor sektörünün ekonomisinde önemli bir yer tutar. Spor organizasyonları ve kulüpler, markalarla işbirlikleri kurarak gelir elde eder. Sponsorluk anlaşmalarını anlamak ve yönetmek, spor yöneticiliğinde önemli bir beceridir. Bu alandaki deneyiminizi artırarak, kulüpleri ve sponsorları bir araya getiren işbirliklerinde yer alabilirsiniz.

  1. Finans ve Hukuk Bilgisi

Spor sektörü, yalnızca saha içi faaliyetlerle değil, aynı zamanda finansal ve hukuki yönlerle de şekillenir. Kulüplerin bütçe yönetimi, sponsorluk gelirlerinin takibi ve sözleşme yönetimi gibi işlemler, sektördeki profesyoneller için önemli sorumluluklardır. Eğer hukuk ve finans alanlarında bir geçmişiniz varsa, bu becerileriniz spor sektöründe büyük avantaj sağlayacaktır.

  1. Fan Engagement (Taraftar Etkileşimi)

Spor sektörü, taraftarların tutkusu ve bağlılığı ile şekillenir. Taraftar etkileşimi, kulüplerin markalarını güçlendirmesi ve gelirlerini artırması için kritik öneme sahiptir. Sosyal medya, mobil uygulamalar, etkinlikler ve içerik üretimi gibi araçlarla taraftarların etkileşimi sürekli kılınabilir. Spor profesyonellerinin bu alanda çalışarak, taraftarlarla olan bağları güçlendirmesi ve kulübün popülerliğini artırması gerekmektedir.

  1. E-Spor ve Dijital Dönüşüm

E-spor, son yıllarda spor dünyasında büyük bir yer edinmiştir. Geleneksel sporların dışında, dijital platformlar üzerinden düzenlenen bu yeni spor dalı, genç nesiller arasında oldukça popülerdir. E-spor organizasyonları, takımlar, oyun yayıncıları ve sponsorluk fırsatları sunmaktadır. E-spor endüstrisinde kariyer yapmak isteyenler için, bu dijital dönüşümü anlamak ve e-spor sektöründe deneyim kazanmak büyük fırsatlar sunar.

  1. İçerik Üretimi ve Yayıncılık

Spor içerikleri, sektördeki profesyonellerin ve organizasyonların taraftarlarıyla bağlantı kurmasının temel araçlarından biridir. İçerik üretimi, video yapımcılığı, yazılı içerik, podcast ve blog yazarlığı gibi alanlarda uzmanlaşarak, spor sektöründe etkin bir rol üstlenebilirsiniz. Ayrıca, medya hakları ve yayıncılık sektörü de spor endüstrisinin büyüyen alanlarından biridir.

  1. Uluslararası Fırsatlar ve Global İşbirlikleri

Spor sektörü global bir yapıya sahiptir ve uluslararası kariyer fırsatları sunmaktadır. Dünyanın farklı bölgelerinde faaliyet gösteren kulüpler, organizasyonlar ve sponsorlar, global işbirlikleri ve ortaklıklar arayışındadır. Uluslararası deneyim kazanmak, farklı kültürleri tanımak ve global iş ağı oluşturmak, kariyerinizi zirveye taşıyabilir.

  1. Performans Analizi ve Veri Kullanımı

Spor organizasyonları, oyuncularının ve takımlarının performansını analiz etmek için büyük veri teknolojilerini kullanmaktadır. Veri analizi, takımların stratejilerini geliştirmelerine yardımcı olabilir ve oyuncu sağlığı, fiziksel durumu hakkında bilgi sunar. Bu alanda uzmanlaşarak, sektördeki pek çok kulüp ve organizasyon için önemli bir iş gücü kaynağı olabilir ve kariyerinizi şekillendirebilirsiniz.

  1. Liderlik ve Yönetim Becerileri

Spor sektörü sadece teknik bilgi gerektirmez, aynı zamanda güçlü liderlik ve yönetim becerileri de gerektirir. Takımların yönetimi, kulüplerin stratejik yönlendirilmesi ve organizasyonların büyütülmesi için liderlik yetenekleri önemlidir. Bu becerileri geliştirmek, sektördeki başarılı bir profesyonel olmanızı sağlar.

  1. Sürekli Öğrenme ve Yenilikçi Düşünme

Spor sektörü, teknolojinin ve yenilikçi fikirlerin hızla geliştiği bir alandır. Sürekli öğrenme ve sektördeki yeni trendleri takip etme, rekabetin önünde kalmanıza yardımcı olacaktır. Yenilikçi düşünerek ve sektördeki değişimleri takip ederek, kariyerinizi uzun vadeli başarıya dönüştürebilirsiniz.

Spor sektörü, pek çok fırsat sunuyor ve kariyer yapmak isteyenler için geniş bir alan oluşturuyor. Yukarıda belirtilen adımlar, sektöre adım atarken size güçlü bir temel oluşturacaktır. Her aşamada yenilikçi düşünmek ve sektördeki gelişmeleri takip etmek, başarıya giden yolun anahtarlarıdır.

“I’m Not an Agent, I’m the Manager”

By
Dr. Erkut Sogut
-
Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash

Inside the world of unlicensed caretakers shaping football careers in Africa, Asia, and South America — and why they see themselves above agents in the game’s unspoken hierarchy

By Dr. Erkut Sogut – Founder, International Football Federation of Agents

In many parts of the world, a football player’s career doesn’t begin with a scout, a licensed agent, or a professional academy. It begins with a helping hand.

That hand often belongs to someone the industry doesn’t officially recognize. The so-called “manager,” “caretaker,” or simply a trusted local figure. These are not FIFA-licensed agents. They are not registered intermediaries. But in countries across Africa, Asia, and South America, they play a central and often invisible role in shaping careers.

These caretakers provide boots, food, shelter, and travel money to young players who have the talent to succeed but lack the financial resources to pursue a football career. Some pay for passports. Others feed entire families. And they don’t ask for anything at first.

But when the player succeeds, maybe gets a chance to trial abroad or signs their first professional contract, that is when things become complicated.

The Silent Partners in a Player’s Journey

These so-called managers often step into negotiations as uninvited but emotionally binding participants. They are not licensed to represent the player, but they expect and demand a share of any commission involved in the player’s transfer or contract.

In some cases, they ask to split the agency fee fifty-fifty with the licensed agent. In others, they seek a cut from the player’s salary or even from the transfer fee, although this is far less common.

These deals are usually not official. They are done quietly, on the side, often under the label of a consultancy fee or advisory payment. But in reality, it is a form of unregulated third-party involvement. One that treads a fine line between investment and control.

“I’m Not an Agent, I’m the Manager”

Ask many of these caretakers how they define themselves, and they’ll respond without hesitation: “I’m not the agent. I’m the manager.”

To them, being a manager carries more weight than simply being a registered intermediary. The manager is the one who has been there since day one. He planned the journey, helped the player survive, introduced him to the right people, and kept hope alive when there was none.

In their minds, the licensed agent is someone who shows up at the final chapter to complete the paperwork and collect a commission. But the manager believes he built the story.

This perception creates a power imbalance that agents must carefully navigate. The manager doesn’t just want a cut of the deal. He believes the player belongs to him. Not legally, but emotionally and morally. And that belief can shape, control, or even limit a player’s future.

Even more, these managers often decide which licensed agent the player will work with when it comes time to sign a deal. They are the ones making the calls, doing the introductions, and selecting the agent they believe will serve their own interests. The player rarely makes that decision independently. In this way, the so-called manager becomes a gatekeeper with real influence over who earns what and how the career unfolds.

Embedded in the System

In many cases, when these managers request a portion of the transfer fee, it’s not simply about past support. It often reflects their ties to people inside the club or academy where the player currently plays. These connections are rarely coincidental.

Sometimes, the club president or owner is directly involved with the manager. In other cases, the manager is actually a club official operating in an unofficial role outside the formal structures. This dual positioning allows them to control both the player and the deal-making process.

Because of this access, they are not only able to benefit from a cut of the transfer fee but also secure long-term income through ongoing payments structured as consultancy or agent-like fees. The result is a deeply embedded network that exists largely outside of regulatory oversight and is difficult to challenge, especially for agents who are trying to operate within FIFA’s rules.

“We Invested in Him First”

As someone who has spent time across Africa, Asia, and South America, I have personally witnessed this dynamic in many corners of the football world. I have met these so-called managers in person. Some are coaches. Others are neighbors or local businessmen. Most are simply people trying to help a young talent from their community.

It is important to understand that they do not always start with bad intentions. In many cases, families ask for help. Money for food, boots, travel costs, even medical expenses. The caretaker steps in to support the boy and his dream, often when no one else does.

In rare situations, perhaps only one percent, these individuals do not expect anything in return. But in the remaining ninety-nine percent, they want something back. From their perspective, it is only fair. They were there before the agents, before the clubs, before the contracts. They see themselves as early investors.

This kind of grassroots support can sometimes mean the difference between a player giving up and moving forward. But it also lays the foundation for future complications, especially when the line between loyalty and leverage becomes blurred.

The Legal and Ethical Dilemma for Agents

For licensed agents, this creates a serious dilemma. FIFA regulations prohibit agents from sharing commission fees with unlicensed individuals. Any breach could lead to sanctions or suspension.

Yet in practice, many agents face a difficult choice. Either involve the so-called manager in a side deal or risk losing the player altogether. In some cases, these managers even hold the player’s passport, have power of attorney documents, or control bank accounts. They have total access and therefore total leverage.

So agents create workarounds. They sign consulting agreements or make unofficial payments. Everyone knows it is happening. No one talks about it publicly.

A Grey Zone That Hurts the Player

The ones caught in the middle are the players themselves. Bound by loyalty, pressure, and sometimes fear, many feel they have no say in how their careers are negotiated.

Some continue paying their managers directly from their salaries long after they have signed with professional clubs. Others feel trapped, unable to fully break free from arrangements that were never formalized but carry deep emotional weight.

In rare but real cases, players have been kept from opportunities abroad because their so-called managers refused to cooperate with official agents or demanded an unrealistic cut from the deal.

What Needs to Change?

This system is complex. It is born out of need, nurtured by poverty, and perpetuated by the absence of structured pathways for talent.

There are no easy answers. On one hand, these managers often provide vital support in places where academies and federations fall short. On the other hand, the lack of regulation leaves room for exploitation and long-term control over young athletes’ futures.

If football truly wants to protect its players and professionalize its practices globally, it must confront this grey zone. That may mean creating legal pathways for early supporters to be acknowledged. Or better yet, expanding formal support structures so no thirteen-year-old has to rely on an unlicensed investor for food or boots.

Until then, licensed agents will continue walking a tightrope. Trying to act within the rules while navigating the realities that exist far beyond the reach of FIFA statutes.

FIFAサッカー・エージェント試験の新しい制度

By
Kent Hayashi
-
Photo by Yanhao Fang on Unsplash

FIFAは、2025年3月4日から施行されるサッカーエージェント試験の大幅な構造変更を導入した。この更新は、これまでの会場での対面方式から完全なオンライン方式への移行を意味し、より厳格な監視プロトコルと技術的要件の改訂が行われる。この変更は、公平性、透明性、標準性を高め、場所に関係なく、すべての受験者が一貫性のある厳重に管理された条件のもとで試験を受けられるようにするためのものとなる。

以前の制度では、受験者は各国サッカー協会が提供する指定試験会場で直接受験する必要があった。この方式では、試験環境を管理することは可能だが、技術的なサポートやインターネットへのアクセス、試験会場の設備が異なる協会もあり、試験環境には大きなばらつきがあった。さらに、印刷された学習ノート（個人的に注釈を入れたハードコピーを含む）の持ち込みを許可している協会もあれば、より厳しい制限を課している協会もあり、許可される資料に関する規則にも一貫性がなかった。

現在、FIFAは会場での試験をすべて廃止し、オンラインのみの形式とした。この変更により、受験者は必要な技術、インターネットの安定性、適切なワークスペースを確保する責任を負うことになる。また、新システムでは、受験者のパソコンにカメラとマイクへのアクセスを義務付け、スマートフォン端末による二次監視を行うなど、セキュリティ対策も強化されている。試験官が受験者を直接監視していた従来とは異なり、FIFAはAIを活用した監視ツールで行動を追跡し、不審な行動をリアルタイムで検知する。

もう一つの重要な変更点は、60分間の試験時間中にすべての休憩が廃止されたことである。これまでは、受験者が監視された状況下でトイレ休憩を取ることが許されていたが、今後は許されない。試験が始まったら、受験者はカメラに映ったまま、時間切れまで着席していなければならない。受験者が席を離れたり、長時間目を離したり、インターネット接続が切れたりした場合、その受験は即座に無効となり、将来のセッションに再申請する必要がある。

さらにFIFAは、試験の不正行為に関するより厳しい規則を導入した。以前の制度では、無許可の通信、外部資料へのアクセス、電子機器の使用などの違反があった場合、そのセッションの受験資格を剥奪される可能性があったが、受験者は多くの場合、それ以上の影響を受けることなく、次に受験可能な試験日に再申請することができた。新しい規則では、カンニング、スクリーンショットの撮影、試験内容の外部共有などの重大な違反があった場合、今後の試験への出席停止につながる可能性がある。極端な場合、受験者はFIFAエージェントのライセンス取得を永久に禁止される可能性さえある。

この更新により、FIFAは統一され、厳格に規制された試験プロセスを構築し、試験条件の矛盾をなくし、不公平な優位性を防ぐことを目的としている。受験者は、技術的な準備とルールの理解の両面で、十分な準備をしなければならない。

試験の形式と合格条件

FIFAフットボール・エージェント試験は、これまでの会場での対面式に代わり、すべてオンラインで実施されるようになる。この変更により、受験者は指定された試験会場に出向く必要がなくなり、必要な技術的セットアップと気が散らない環境を確保する責任を負うことになる。試験時間は従来どおり60分で、合格するには75%以上の得点が必要となる。

この試験は、選手の移籍、契約、仲介者の責任、一般的なサッカーガバナンスを含むFIFA規則に関する受験者の知識を評価する多肢選択問題で構成されている。問題は、事実上の知識だけでなく、代理人が選手やクラブを代理する際に遭遇する可能性のある実際のシナリオにFIFAの規則を適用する受験者の能力をテストするように設計されている。

最も大きな規則変更のひとつは、試験中の休憩の厳禁である。これまでは、受験者が監視付きのトイレ休憩を要求することが許されていたが、新制度ではいかなる中断も許されない。つまり、試験が始まったら、受験者は60分が経過するまで着席し、カメラに映り、試験に集中しなければならない。技術的な問題、個人的なニーズ、偶発的な切断など、いかなる理由であれ、セッションを離脱した場合は自動的に失格となり、受験者は次に受験可能な試験日を待って再受験しなければならなくなる。

このように条件が厳しくなっていることから、FIFAは受験者に対し、試験を開始する前に、信頼できるインターネット接続、必要なすべての機器、静かで中断のないスペースを確保し、問題なく試験を完了できるよう、十分に準備することを強く勧めている。

試験環境の技術的側面と設定

試験はすべてオンラインで実施されるため、FIFAは、安全で標準化され、厳重に監視された試験環境を確保するために、厳しい技術要件を導入している。FIFAは試験中のテクニカルサポートを提供しないため、受験者は各自の責任において試験環境を整え、維持する必要がある。

試験を受けるには、受験者は以下のものにアクセスできなければならない：

  • カメラとマイクが完全に機能するノートパソコンまたはデスクトップパソコン。FIFAの監視システムは、受験者の行動を追跡し、不正を検知するためにこれらの機器に依存している。
  • 副次的なモニタリング目的で使用されるスマートフォン。受験者は、ワークスペースを見渡せるような位置にスマートフォンを置くことが求められる場合があります。試験中、スマートフォン自体を他の目的に使用することはできない。
  • 安定した信頼できるインターネット接続。FIFAは、インターネットに障害が発生した場合、その受験は無効となり、試験を再開する機会はないことを明言しています。受験者は、いずれかの時点で接続を失った場合、そのセッションは終了し、次に利用可能な試験日に再申請しなければならない。

このような技術的要件は非常に重要であるため、FIFA は受験者に対し、試験日前に十分な時間 をかけてデバイス、インターネットの速度、ウェブカメラの機能をテストすることを強く推奨する。インターネット接続、ハードウェアの故障、ソフトウェアの不具合など、試験中に技術的な問題が発生した場合、受験者には時間の延長や同じセッションでの再受験は認められません。次の試験日まで待ち、再申請する必要がある。

また、受験者は、フレームから外れたり、視界が悪くなったり、不審な行動をとったりすると、審査や失格のフラグが立てられる可能性があるため、気が散らない静かで明るいワークスペースを確保する必要がある。

試験会場と実施方法

この試験は現在、すべてオンラインで実施されているが、FIFAは受験者に、気が散ったり外部からの援助がない、静かでプライベートな環境で試験を受けることを求めている。試験環境は正式な試験環境に近いものでなければならず、世界中のすべての受験者に公平性と完全性を保証するものでなければならない。これらの基準を実施するため、FIFAはいかなる不正行為や規則違反も検知・防止する厳格な監視手段を導入している。

監視システムには以下のものが含まれる：

  • 受験者のノートパソコンまたはデスクトップ・カメラによるライブ・ビデオ監視。
  • 受験者のワークスペースを見る角度を追加するために、必須のスマートフォン端末を使用した二次監視。これにより、無許可の補助や外部の参考資料なしに試験が完了することが保証される。
  • 不審な動き、過度の視線移動、異常な背景音、または不正行為の可能性のある兆候を検出するAI駆動の行動追跡。システムによってフラグが立てられた場合、受験者のセッションが見直され、失格や今後の試験への出場停止につながる可能性がある。

受験者は 60 分間の試験時間中、着席し、カメラに映り、完全に集中していなければならない。長時間画面から目を離したり、何らかの形でコミュニケーションをとったり、許可されていない資料を使用しようとしたりすると、自動的に違反フラグが立つことがある。頻繁に体勢を変えたり、声を出して話しているように見えたりするような些細な違反でも、さらに精査され、失格となる可能性がある。

不必要な問題を避けるため、FIFAでは受験者が事前に試験環境を整え、良好な照明、中立的な背景、気が散る可能性のない環境を確保することを強く推奨している。部屋に人が入ってきたり、雑音が入ったり、インターネットが中断されるなどの妨害があった場合、自動的に失格となり、受験者は次の試験日に再申請しなければならない。

許可および禁止されている項目

FIFA は、受験者が試験環境に置いてよいもの、置いてはいけないものについて明確なガイドラインを設けています。ワークスペースに許可されていない物品が発見された場合、即座に失格となり、深刻な場合は今後の受験が停止される場合があります。

✔️ 許可項目

候補者には以下のものが認められる：

教材、受験者のノートパソコンまたはデスクトップにデジタル保存されているものに限る。印刷物、手書きのメモ、学習資料の入った外部記憶装置は厳禁。

視力矯正が必要な場合は、処方眼鏡。

試験中のメモ用にペンと白紙1枚。ただし、使用前と使用後にカメラに見せて、あらかじめ書いたメモが入っていないことを確認。

FIFAオンライン試験プラットフォームに組み込まれた内蔵電卓。外部電卓は使用できません。

❌ 禁止事項

試験中、以下のものは厳禁です：

モニター用に必要なものを除く携帯電話。この携帯電話は指示されたとおりに置かなければならず、試験中は他のいかなる機能にも使用できない。

スマートウォッチやヘッドフォンなど、インターネットに接続できるスマートデバイス。

FIFA公式試験プラットフォーム以外の外部ウェブサイトにアクセスすること。インターネットを閲覧しようとしたり、許可されていないタブを開こうとすると、違反としてフラグが立てられる。

印刷された書類、手書きのメモ、物理的な学習資料。印刷された規定を持参することができた以前の試験とは異なり、新システムでは、試験に使用するノートパソコン上のデジタル学習資料のみが許可される。

物理的な計算機。必要な計算はすべて、FIFAプラットフォームに内蔵されている計算機を使って行わなければならない。

FIFAは、許可されていない資料へのアクセス、他者との通信、禁止されている機器の使用を試みることは、重大な違反として扱われることを強調している。これらの規則を破った受験者は、直ちに失格となり、今後の受験が禁止される可能性がある。問題を回避するため、受験者は試験を開始する前に自分のワークスペースを十分にチェックし、許可されたもの、禁止されたものの規定をすべて遵守していることを確認する事を勧める。

試験における不正行為とその結果

FIFAは、試験中の不正行為に関して厳格なゼロトレランス・ポリシーを採用しています。受験者はすべてのガイドラインと規則を遵守することが求められ、これを怠ると、今後の試験の永久禁止を含む厳しい結果を招く可能性がある。以下の行為は固く禁じられている：

  1. 不正行為： 無許可の教材やツールの使用、外部からの援助（他人かデジタルソースかを問わない）など、不当な利益を得ようとする行為は、直ちに懲戒処分の対象となりえる。これには、ノート、書籍、無許可のオンライン資料の使用が含まれるが、これらに限定されず。
  2. 試験内容の録画または共有： 受験者は、スクリーンショットの撮影、録画、試験内容の共有を禁止されている。これには、スクリーンショット、ビデオ、またはあらゆる形式のデジタル通信による情報の配布が含まれる。試験資料の一部または全部を共有することは、FIFAのポリシーに直接違反する行為となる。
  3. 無許可のコミュニケーション 試験中に誰かと話すことは、対面であろうと電子的手段（電話、チャットアプリ、ソーシャルメディアなど）であろうと禁止されている。これには、援助や情報交換を得ようとしていると受け取られる可能性のあるあらゆる形態のコミュニケーションが含まれる。
  4. 許可なく試験を離れること： 受験者は、指定された試験セッションが正式に終了するまで、その場に留まらなければならない。適切な許可なく試験会場やセッションを離れることは、重大な行動違反となる。
  5. なりすまし行為： 他の受験者になりすましたり、受験者に代わって他の受験者に受験させようとする行為は、最高レベルの精査と処罰の対象となる。これには、直接のなりすましと、ある受験者が他の受験者の代理として作品を提出する談合の両方が含まれる。

受験者がこれらの規則のいずれかに違反していることが発覚した場合、FIFAは次回に予定されている試験への参加を停止し、より深刻な場合には、今後のFIFA試験への参加を永久的に禁止する権限を有する。処分の重さは違反の内容によって異なり、違反を繰り返した場合はより厳しい処分が下される。

さらにFIFAは、疑わしい行為を検知するために、AIを活用した高度な監視システムを試験に組み込んでいる。これらのAIツールは、不正行為や不誠実な行為を示唆するパターンを特定することができ、受験者が気づかれずにシステムを迂回することをますます困難にしている。この技術革新は、試験プロセスの完全性を保護し、すべての参加者にとって公平な環境を確保するためのものだ。

受験者は、ややこしい事態を避けるため、試験規則をよく確認し、それに従うことを強くお勧めする。これらのポリシーに違反すると、試験の成功が危ぶまれるだけでなく、FIFA内での評判や将来の機会を得る資格も危うくなる可能性がある。

結果と不服申し立ての手続き

受験者は、試験終了後14日以内にEメールで結果を受け取る。FIFAはまた、受験者が自分の解答を確認し、どこに間違いがあったかを理解することができるレビュープロセスを導入した。ただし、試験結果に対する異議申し立ては認められなくなった。

不合格の場合、受験者は次に受験可能な試験日を待って再試験を受けなければならない。例外はなく、FIFAは個別の再試験は行わない。

最後に

FIFAサッカー・エージェント試験の新しいルールは、より安全で、標準化され、透明性の高い評価プロセスへの大きな転換を意味する。より厳しい監視、休憩の禁止、不正行為への寛容さなど、受験者は試験に臨む前に十分な準備が必要だ。

成功の可能性を高めるために：

  1. ノートパソコン、スマートフォン、インターネット接続がFIFAの要件を満たしていることを確認する。
  2. 許可されたデジタル学習教材を使って規則に慣れること。
  3. 失格を避けるため、すべての行動規則に注意深く従うこと。

これらの最新のガイドラインを理解し遵守することで、受験者は自信を持って新しい試験形式を利用し、FIFAフットボールエージェントライセンスの取得を目指すことができます。

Multisport Commercial Crossovers: How Athletes Transcend Their Sport

By
Jamie Khan
-
Photo by Fonsi Fernández on Unsplash

The Power of Multisport Advertising

For athletes, achieving fame and commercial value within their own sport is a massive challenge. But in today’s sports marketing landscape, the very top athletes have managed to transcend their own disciplines, becoming global icons recognised across multiple sports. A key driver of this crossover appeal? Multisport advertising campaigns.

The concept is simple: bring together stars from football, basketball, tennis, and beyond to create an ad that resonates across multiple fan bases. The execution, however, requires precision, choosing the right mix of athletes, storytelling, and brand alignment to maximise impact. Some of the most memorable sports ads have done exactly that, forging unexpected connections between sports and expanding their reach beyond a single audience.

Nike has mastered this formula. From its legendary “Write the Future” campaign, which featured football icons like Cristiano Ronaldo alongside basketball superstars, to cross-sport collaborations such as LeBron James and Serena Williams, Nike has consistently blurred the lines between sports. The brand’s “The Cage” (2002) campaign was another standout, featuring football greats like Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, and Francesco Totti. More recently, Nike has showcased athletes like Kylian Mbappé, Serena Williams, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in a single campaign, uniting football, tennis, and basketball under one global brand.

Pepsi has also thrived in the multisport space. Its iconic commercials have included everyone from Lionel Messi to Serena Williams, creating an aspirational yet entertaining showcase of elite talent. The 2024 “Thirst for Greatness” campaign brought together Erling Haaland, Messi, NBA star Jayson Tatum, and F1’s Max Verstappen in a single blockbuster ad, reinforcing the brand’s connection to global sports culture.

Red Bull, known for its extreme sports focus, has taken a slightly different approach. Rather than relying on mainstream sports alone, the brand blends niche and traditional athletes in its campaigns. A single Red Bull ad might feature an F1 driver, a mountain biker, and a snowboarder, emphasising the company’s ethos of pushing limits across all sports.

Beyond Sportswear and Beverages

Tech companies like Apple and Samsung are prime examples. Apple’s recent Apple Watch campaign featured marathon champions, NBA stars, and even professional surfers, highlighting the product’s versatility across different sports and lifestyles. Samsung, on the other hand, used a mix of esports athletes, cyclists, and footballers in its Galaxy smartphone ads, emphasising how technology connects athletes of all disciplines.

Luxury brands have also embraced this trend. Gucci, for instance, has positioned itself at the intersection of sport and fashion, working with footballers like Jack Grealish, partnering with NBA stars, and featuring tennis icons in its campaigns. Louis Vuitton’s long-running strategy includes collaborations with legends like Roger Federer, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, reinforcing its image as a universal symbol of excellence. Similarly, Rolex’s roster of ambassadors spans tennis, golf, F1, and even yachting, appealing to a high-net-worth, multisport audience.

Automotive brands are another major player in this space. Mercedes-Benz has enlisted F1 champions like Lewis Hamilton alongside footballers and Olympic sprinters, showcasing the brand’s speed and precision across multiple sports. BMW, meanwhile, has featured a blend of elite athletes, pairing motorsport drivers with global football and rugby stars, to highlight the performance and prestige of its vehicles. Even Tesla has joined the trend, using high-profile athletes from different backgrounds to promote its sustainable vision.

As more industries recognise that sports fandom isn’t confined to a single game, expect to see even more brands blurring the lines between disciplines, leveraging multisport appeal to engage broader audiences.

When Athletes Crossover into Other Sports

Beyond advertising, some athletes have actively engaged with other sports, further boosting their crossover appeal. These interactions not only increase their commercial value but also introduce them to entirely new audiences. Whether through collaborations, ownership stakes, or direct participation, these crossovers enhance an athlete’s marketability while strengthening their personal brand across multiple sports.

Take Jamal Musiala and Jimmy Butler, for example. When the Bayern Munich star linked up with the former Miami Heat forward in December 2024, their meeting sparked a wave of interest across fan bases. Basketball fans started following Musiala, while German football supporters became more aware of Butler. Their interaction was a mutually beneficial moment that expanded their influence across sports and continents.

NFL players have been making waves in football (soccer!), too. Tom Brady’s investment in Birmingham City and JJ Watt’s stake in Burnley have significantly increased their visibility in the UK. Once known almost exclusively within American football circles, these players are now regularly mentioned in European sports media, appearing at matches and engaging with football culture. Brady’s involvement with Birmingham City led to immediate commercial traction, with the club gaining media coverage in the U.S., while Watt’s presence at Burnley games has introduced the club to an entirely new segment of American sports fans. These moves have not only strengthened their personal brands but have also opened the door for European sponsorship deals that wouldn’t have been available to them before.

Similarly, LeBron James has leveraged his crossover appeal in football. As a part-owner of Liverpool FC, his ties to the club have led to Nike creating special-edition LeBron x Liverpool sneakers, merging basketball and football fandoms. His presence at Anfield and occasional social media posts about the club keep him relevant in football conversations, expanding his influence well beyond the NBA.

Even golf has become a crossover destination. Gareth Bale, after retiring from football, has actively participated in professional-level golf tournaments, gaining sponsorship interest from golf brands. Similarly, NBA stars like Steph Curry and Tony Romo have competed in golf pro-ams, showcasing their skills in a different sport and expanding their brand appeal to golf audiences.

Athlete crossovers aren’t just about personal interest, they are strategic moves that expand fan bases, attract new sponsorships, and enhance long-term brand value. As sports continue to globalise, expect to see even more stars leveraging their fame across multiple disciplines, creating new commercial opportunities in the process.

The Future of Multisport Marketing for Footballers

As global sports culture becomes more interconnected, footballers who actively engage with other sports will gain a significant commercial edge. Whether through advertising campaigns, social media collaborations, or direct involvement in different disciplines, expanding beyond football can open up new revenue streams, sponsorship deals, and fan bases. The most marketable players will be those who position themselves not just as football stars, but as global sports icons.

For brands, the message is clear: the future of sports marketing isn’t confined to a single game. Fans follow personalities, rivalries, and moments that transcend individual sports. Footballers who embrace this shift, by connecting with athletes from other sports, investing in new ventures, or even participating in crossover events, will maximise their commercial value and remain relevant long after their playing careers end.

 

Mundial de Clubes 2025: ¿Quién se suma al Grupo D junto a Chelsea y Flamengo?

By
Luis Fernando Espejo
-

Por Luis Fernando Espejo y Emiliano Hernández

La decisión de la FIFA de excluir al Club León del Mundial de Clubes 2025 marca un momento crucial en la regulación de la multipropiedad en el fútbol (MCO, por sus siglas en inglés). Si bien la propiedad de múltiples equipos por parte de grupos económicos se ha convertido en un modelo común en el fútbol moderno, las crecientes preocupaciones sobre la integridad competitiva están impulsando una supervisión regulatoria más estricta. La exclusión de León subraya la postura cada vez más estricta de la FIFA respecto a las estructuras de propiedad y plantea preguntas clave sobre cómo responderá el fútbol mundial ante estos cambios normativos.

La Decisión de FIFA y el Recurso Legal de León

El reglamento del Mundial de Clubes de la FIFA prohíbe que participen en el mismo torneo clubes que pertenezcan a un mismo propietario o que estén bajo una influencia significativa común. León, propiedad del Grupo Pachuca—que también controla al CF Pachuca, equipo ya clasificado—fue considerado inelegible. Sin embargo, León ha apelado esta decisión ante el Tribunal de Arbitraje Deportivo (TAS), argumentando lo siguiente:

  • Principio de Taxatividad y No Retroactividad: La FIFA no puede aplicar restricciones nuevas de manera retroactiva para descalificar a León luego de haber asegurado su clasificación. Las reglas y sanciones deben ser claras, específicas y establecidas con anterioridad para garantizar la equidad, la certeza jurídica y la previsibilidad en la toma de decisiones.
  • Mérito Deportivo y Justicia: El club se ganó su lugar al conquistar la Liga de Campeones de Concacaf 2023; su exclusión socava la integridad de la competencia.
  • Cumplimiento Normativo: León ha cooperado plenamente con la FIFA, sin que existan violaciones que justifiquen su exclusión.
  • Independencia Administrativa: Un fideicomiso garantiza la separación financiera y operativa de León respecto al Grupo Pachuca.
  • Precedentes: FIFA y UEFA han permitido que clubes como RB Leipzig y RB Salzburg, o Girona y Manchester City, compitan bajo medidas de cumplimiento específicas.
La Disputa Legal de Alajuelense

Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (LDA) de Costa Rica ha presentado una queja por separado ante el TAS, argumentando que la multipropiedad entre León y Pachuca infringe los principios de competencia justa. LDA sostiene que ningún equipo tiene un derecho superior al suyo para participar en el próximo Mundial de Clubes. Esta disputa legal podría influir en futuras decisiones sobre gobernanza en cuanto a la elegibilidad de los clubes y la regulación de las estructuras de propiedad a nivel mundial, avivando aún más el debate sobre el enfoque de la FIFA hacia la multipropiedad.

Posibles Escenarios y el Futuro de la Regulación MCO

La resolución del caso de León podría sentar un precedente sobre cómo se regula la multipropiedad en el fútbol global y específicamente en México. Entre los posibles escenarios se encuentran:

  • El TAS revoca la decisión de la FIFA y permite competir a León.
  • Alajuelense clasifica según el ranking FIFA si se limita a dos equipos por país entre Liga MX y MLS.
  • Club América clasifica por ranking de Concacaf.
  • Philadelphia Union clasifica según su ranking Concacaf, salvo que aplique la regla de máximo tres clubes por país.
  • LAFC clasifica como subcampeón de la Concacaf Champions League 2023.
  • Columbus Crew clasifica como subcampeón de la Concachampions 2024.
  • Tigres clasifica como último campeón de Concacaf.
  • Recientemente se propone un partido entre LA FC vs America para definir el lugar  mencionado.

El club que sustituya a León se unirá al Grupo D del Mundial de Clubes, donde enfrentará a Flamengo, Chelsea y Espérance de Tunis. Habrá que esperar el fallo del TAS antes del inicio de la competencia, previsto para el 14 de junio de 2025.

El Impacto Financiero para el Club León

Más allá de las implicaciones deportivas y legales, León enfrenta una pérdida financiera significativa debido a su exclusión. A menos que el TAS falle a su favor, el club dejaría de percibir 9.55 millones de dólares, el ingreso estimado por su participación en el Mundial de Clubes. Además, de haber avanzado de fase, León habría podido acceder a premios aún mayores:

  • Octavos de final: + 7.5 millones USD
  • Cuartos de final: + 13.125 millones USD
  • Semifinales: + 21 millones USD
  • Subcampeón: + 30 millones USD
  • Campeón: + 40 millones USD

Dada la magnitud de estos incentivos económicos y la exposición global del torneo, varios clubes podrían considerar legítima su candidatura para reemplazar a León. La falta de claridad en los criterios de selección podría desencadenar ciertos escernarios.

El Debate Permanente sobre la Multipropiedad

El debate en torno a la multipropiedad no es nuevo en el fútbol. Sin embargo, los casos anteriores han demostrado que el verdadero problema no es la propiedad en sí, sino la independencia en la gestión y toma de decisiones entre clubes. Si el Club León logra demostrar esta separación ante el TAS, podría sentar un precedente clave en la jurisprudencia del derecho deportivo, aportando claridad para futuros casos.

Implicaciones para el futuro en la Multipropiedad

El desenlace de este caso también podría generar cambios significativos en los dueños del fútbol mexicano. Clubes como Tijuana, Querétaro, León, Pachuca, Mazatlán y Puebla—todos bajo estructuras de multipropiedad—podrían enfrentar reconfiguraciones en sus esquemas de propiedad. Además, si FIFA y Concacaf refuerzan sus regulaciones, la liga podría verse obligada a exigir que los grupos de propietarios con varios equipos vendan alguno de ellos para cumplir con los requisitos para torneos internacionles.

Una Nueva Era de Supervisión Regulatoria

Más allá de este caso particular, la decisión de la FIFA marca el inicio de una nueva era de regulaciones sobre la multipropiedad en el fútbol global. Los clubes, inversionistas y organismos rectores deberán adaptarse a un escenario donde el poder financiero ya no será suficiente por sí solo.

Ramadan dan Sepak Bola Wanita: Menavigasi Iman dan Performa Tinggi

By
Fabian Suprayogi
-
Photo by Dimas Wardana on Unsplash

Saat ini, kita berada di bulan suci Ramadan, yang berlangsung dari 1 Maret hingga 29 Maret 2025. Hari ini menandai hari ke-16 dari periode sakral ini.

Ramadan, bulan kesembilan dalam kalender Islam, adalah masa refleksi, spiritualitas, dan kebersamaan bagi umat Muslim di seluruh dunia. Selama bulan ini, umat Muslim yang menjalankan ibadah puasa menahan diri dari makan, minum, dan kesenangan fisik lainnya dari terbit fajar hingga matahari terbenam. Puasa kemudian dibatalkan dengan Iftar setelah matahari terbenam, sementara makanan sebelum fajar, Suhoor, membantu menjaga energi untuk aktivitas sepanjang hari.

Bagi pesepak bola Muslim, menyeimbangkan tuntutan olahraga profesional dengan kewajiban keagamaan selama Ramadan membutuhkan ketahanan fisik, kekuatan mental, serta dukungan yang semakin meningkat dari klub dan liga.

Tantangan bagi Pesepak Bola Selama Ramadan

Bagi atlet elit, puasa menghadirkan tantangan fisiologis yang unik. Dengan jadwal latihan dan pertandingan yang berlangsung sepanjang hari, tidak mengonsumsi makanan, air, atau sumber energi dalam waktu yang lama dapat menyebabkan kelelahan, dehidrasi, serta penurunan daya tahan—semua faktor ini dapat memengaruhi performa dan pemulihan atlet.

Namun, bagi banyak pesepak bola Muslim, Ramadan bukan hanya ujian ketahanan fisik, tetapi juga waktu untuk penguatan mental dan emosional. Banyak yang menggambarkan puasa sebagai sumber kekuatan spiritual dan disiplin, membantu mereka mempertahankan fokus, komitmen, dan rasa kebersamaan baik di dalam maupun di luar lapangan.

Cara Pemain dan Klub Beradaptasi Selama Ramadan

Untuk membantu pemain mempertahankan performa mereka, klub dan tim medis menerapkan berbagai strategi khusus, termasuk:

  • Rencana Nutrisi yang Dioptimalkan: Makanan sebelum dan setelah waktu puasa dirancang dengan cermat untuk memastikan asupan energi dan hidrasi yang seimbang. Ilmuwan olahraga menyarankan agar pemain menghindari konsumsi cairan dalam jumlah besar sekaligus, dan lebih baik mendistribusikan asupan hidrasi secara merata selama jam non-puasa.
  • Penyesuaian Jadwal Latihan: Jika memungkinkan, sesi latihan dipindahkan ke malam hari guna mengurangi aktivitas fisik selama jam puasa. Beberapa pemain juga menyesuaikan rutinitas mereka agar dapat menjalankan kewajiban keagamaan tanpa mengorbankan performa.
  • Pemantauan Medis dan Performa: Ilmuwan olahraga dan staf medis klub bekerja sama dengan pemain yang berpuasa untuk memantau tingkat hidrasi, mencegah kelelahan otot, serta memastikan kondisi fisik tetap optimal.
  • Panduan dari Federasi Sepak Bola: Federasi Sepak Bola Jerman (DFB) menyediakan rekomendasi pelatihan dan panduan nutrisi bagi pemain Muslim selama Ramadan. Divisi ilmu olahraga resmi mereka menekankan pentingnya hidrasi bertahap dan asupan makanan seimbang untuk mendukung performa yang stabil. DFB juga mengakui bahwa pelatih dan rekan setim memiliki peran penting dalam mendukung pemain yang berpuasa agar mereka tidak merasa terisolasi atau dirugikan.
  • Keputusan Pribadi tentang Puasa: Beberapa pemain memilih untuk tetap berpuasa pada hari pertandingan, sementara yang lain memilih untuk menundanya—sebuah praktik yang diperbolehkan dalam Islam bagi mereka yang memiliki tanggung jawab fisik yang berat.
Dukungan Liga dan Klub untuk Pemain Muslim

Dengan meningkatnya kesadaran akan pentingnya Ramadan, liga dan klub telah memperkenalkan kebijakan untuk mengakomodasi pemain yang berpuasa, mulai dari penyesuaian jadwal latihan hingga jeda pertandingan untuk berbuka puasa pada malam hari. Namun, dukungan ini masih belum merata, terutama di sepak bola wanita.

Sepak Bola Wanita dan Ramadan: Peluang untuk Inklusi yang Lebih Besar

Meskipun sepak bola pria telah memperkenalkan kebijakan progresif untuk mengakomodasi pemain yang berpuasa, sepak bola wanita masih tertinggal dalam hal dukungan terstruktur. Berbeda dengan rekan-rekan pria mereka, banyak tim profesional wanita yang belum memiliki protokol resmi untuk Ramadan, sehingga para pemain harus menavigasi tantangan puasa secara mandiri.

Namun, peluang untuk meningkatkan inklusivitas dalam sepak bola wanita sangat besar. Seiring berkembangnya olahraga ini secara global, klub dan federasi memiliki kesempatan untuk memimpin dalam hal inklusivitas budaya dan agama, menetapkan preseden bagi tim pria untuk diikuti. Pendekatan yang lebih sistematis, termasuk panduan nutrisi, penyesuaian jadwal latihan, dan kebijakan pertandingan resmi, dapat memastikan bahwa pesepak bola wanita Muslim tidak perlu memilih antara iman dan karier mereka.

Pada tahun 2022, pemain SC Freiburg, Ereleta Memeti dan Hasret Kayıkçı, berbagi pengalaman mereka dalam berpuasa sambil berkompetisi di level tertinggi. Dalam wawancara dengan SWR, Kayıkçı menekankan bahwa puasa adalah bagian integral dari imannya, dan ia tetap mampu tampil di level elit selama Ramadan. Ia juga menyoroti dukungan dari pelatih serta rekan setimnya, yang menghormati komitmennya terhadap agama dan olahraga.

Premier League dan Bundesliga: Menjadi Pelopor

Sejak 2021, Premier League di Inggris telah mengizinkan wasit untuk menghentikan pertandingan saat matahari terbenam agar pemain Muslim dapat berbuka puasa. Pendekatan inklusif ini disambut baik oleh banyak pihak.

Demikian pula, pada tahun 2022, Bundesliga Jerman memperkenalkan jeda pertandingan bagi pemain yang berpuasa, dengan bek Mainz, Moussa Niakhaté, menjadi salah satu pemain pertama yang mendapatkan izin resmi untuk jeda hidrasi setelah matahari terbenam.

Sikap Kontroversial Ligue 1 terhadap Ramadan

Di sisi lain, Ligue 1 Prancis mengambil pendekatan yang berbeda. Federasi Sepak Bola Prancis (FFF) melarang penghentian pertandingan bagi pemain yang berpuasa, dengan alasan kebijakan sekularisme yang ketat di negara tersebut.

Salah satu kasus paling terkenal terjadi pada April 2023, ketika bek FC Nantes, Jaouen Hadjam, dikeluarkan dari skuad setelah menolak untuk membatalkan puasanya pada hari pertandingan. Pelatih Antoine Kombouaré menyatakan bahwa meskipun ia menghormati keyakinan agama Hadjam, ia tidak akan memasukkannya dalam skuad selama Ramadan.

Masa Depan Ramadan dalam Sepak Bola Wanita

Sementara sepak bola pria telah mengambil langkah-langkah signifikan untuk mengakomodasi pemain yang berpuasa, sepak bola wanita masih berada dalam tahap awal penerapan sistem dukungan yang terstruktur. Seiring dengan semakin banyaknya wanita Muslim yang memasuki dunia sepak bola profesional, klub dan federasi harus menyadari peluang untuk perubahan yang lebih proaktif.

Memperluas program nutrisi, mengembangkan pedoman latihan yang jelas, dan memastikan kebijakan pertandingan yang fleksibel dapat menetapkan standar baru bagi inklusivitas agama dalam olahraga ini.

Seiring globalisasi sepak bola, kebijakan Ramadan dalam sepak bola wanita dapat menjadi tolok ukur inklusivitas, memastikan bahwa tidak ada pemain yang harus mengorbankan iman demi profesi mereka.

Poin Penting:
  • DFB telah mengembangkan pedoman pelatihan dan nutrisi resmi bagi pemain yang berpuasa selama Ramadan.
  • Sepak bola wanita memiliki potensi besar untuk memimpin dalam inklusivitas budaya dan agama.
  • Sementara Premier League dan Bundesliga mendukung pemain yang berpuasa, Ligue 1 tetap mempertahankan kebijakan sekularisme yang ketat.
  • Klub dan federasi harus memperluas kebijakan untuk memastikan pesepak bola wanita Muslim mendapatkan dukungan penuh selama Ramadan.

FIFA vs. Multi-Club Ownership: The Case of Club León and Its Impact on Football Governance

By
Emiliano Hernandez Sotelo
-
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels

By Luis Fernando Espejo & Emiliano Hernández

A Turning Point for Football Governance

FIFA’s decision to exclude Club León from the 2025 Club World Cup marks a pivotal moment in the regulation of multi-club ownership (MCO). While economic groups owning multiple teams have become a widespread model in modern football, concerns over competitive integrity are increasingly driving stricter regulatory oversight. León’s exclusion underscores FIFA’s evolving stance on ownership structures and raises critical questions about how global football will respond to these regulatory changes.

FIFA’s Decision and León’s Legal Challenge

FIFA Club World Cup regulations prohibit clubs under the same ownership or significant influence from competing in the same tournament. León, owned by Grupo Pachuca—which also owns CF Pachuca, a team that has already qualified—was deemed ineligible. However, León is currently appealing this decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), on the grounds of:

  • Principle of Taxativity and Non-Retroactivity: FIFA cannot apply new restrictions retroactively to disqualify León after it had already secured its spot in the tournament. Rules and sanctions must be clear, specific, and established in advance to ensure fairness, legal certainty, and predictability in decision-making.
  • Sporting Merit & Fairness: The club earned its place by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions League; exclusion undermines competition integrity.
  • Regulatory Compliance: León has fully cooperated with FIFA, with no violations justifying
    exclusion.
  • Administrative Independence: A trust ensures León’s financial and operational separation from Grupo Pachuca.
  • Precedents: FIFA and UEFA have allowed clubs like RB Leipzig & RB Salzburg or Girona & Manchester City to compete under compliance measures.
Alajuelense’s Legal Dispute

Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (LDA) of Costa Rica has filed a separate complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing that the multi-club ownership between León and Pachuca violates fair competition principles. LDA contends that no team has a superior right over them to participate in the upcoming Club World Cup. This legal dispute could influence future governance decisions regarding club eligibility and the regulation of ownership structures worldwide, further fueling the debate on FIFA’s approach to multi-club ownership (MCOs).

Possible Outcomes and the Future of MCO Regulation

The resolution of León’s case could set a lasting precedent for how multi-club ownerships are regulated in global football. Potential outcomes include:

  • CAS overturns FIFA’s decision, allowing León to compete.
  • Alajuelense qualifies based on FIFA ranking if FIFA limits Liga MX and MLS clubs to two teams each.
  • Club América qualifies based on Concacaf ranking.
  • Philadelphia Union qualifies based on their Concacaf ranking, unless limited by the three-club-per-country rule.
  • LAFC qualifies as the 2023 Concacaf Champions League runner-up.
  • Columbus Crew qualifies as the 2024 Concacaf Champions League runner-up.
  • Tigres qualifies as the last Concacaf Champions League winner.

The club selected to replace León will join Group D of the Club World Cup, where it will face Flamengo, Chelsea and Espérance de Tunis. We will have to await the CAS ruling before the competition begins on June 14, 2025.

The Financial Impact on Club León

Beyond the sporting and legal implications, León faces a significant financial setback due to its exclusion. Unless CAS rules in its favor, the club stands to lose $9.55 million USD, the estimated earnings from participating in the Club World Cup. Moreover, had León advanced beyond the group stage, it could have accessed even greater prize money:

  • Round of 16: + $7.5 million USD
  • Quarter-finals: + $13.125 million USD
  • Semi-finals: + $21 million USD
  • Runner-up: + $30 million USD
  • Champion: + $40 million USD

Given these substantial financial incentives and the global exposure that comes with competing in this tournament, several clubs may view the opportunity as a rightful claim. With the selection criteria for León’s potential replacement remaining unclear, multiple teams could argue that they deserve the spot, potentially leading to further disputes over the allocation of this highly valuable position.

The Growing Scrutiny of Multi-Club Ownership

León’s exclusion is part of a broader trend toward stricter regulation of MCOs in football. While proponents argue that multi-club ownership fosters investment, talent development, and long-term stability, critics warn of the potential risks such as match-fixing, competitive imbalances, and conflicts of interest. In Mexico, multi-club ownership has long been tolerated, but FIFA’s ruling may compel Liga MX to reassess its stance on the issue. Internationally, this decision signals a shift toward limiting the power of corporate conglomerates in football. With UEFA already tightening its regulations, FIFA is sending a clear message about its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.

The Ongoing Debate on Multi-Club Ownership

The debate surrounding multi-club ownership is not new in football. However, previous cases have shown that the core issue is not ownership itself but the independence in the management and decision-making between clubs. If Club León can prove this separation before the CAS, it could set a groundbreaking precedent in sports law jurisprudence, providing clarity for future cases.

Implications for Mexican Football Governance and MCOs

The outcome of this case could also lead to significant changes in the governance of Mexican football. Clubs like Tijuana, Querétaro, León, Pachuca, Mazatlán, and Puebla—all part of multi-club ownership structures—may face ownership changes, potentially reshaping the landscape of Liga MX. Moreover, if FIFA and Concacaf tighten the regulations on multi-club ownership, the league may be forced to push ownership groups with multiple teams to sell some of their clubs in order to comply with eligibility requirements.

A New Era of Regulatory Oversight

Beyond this specific case, FIFA’s decision signals the start of a new era of regulatory scrutiny over MCOs in global football. Clubs, investors, and governing bodies will need to adapt to a football landscape where financial power alone is no longer sufficient. Compliance with evolving regulations will be crucial for ensuring competitive integrity in the sport, marking a significant shift in the governance of international football.

Eine neue Ära für U19- & U17-Talente in Deutschland – Reform der „Nachwuchsliga“

By
Ersel Aybasti
-

Mit Beginn der Saison 2024/25 hat der Deutsche Fußball-Bund (DFB) seine höchsten Jugendspielklassen grundlegend reformiert. Das neue System ersetzt die bisherige A-Junioren-Bundesliga und B-Junioren-Bundesliga für die Altersklassen U19 und U17. Ziel der Reform ist es, die Spielerentwicklung zu verbessern, einen ausgeglicheneren Wettbewerb zu gewährleisten und unnötige Reisebelastungen für junge Athleten zu reduzieren. Beide Altersklassen folgen einem ähnlichen zweiphasigen Format, wobei kleinere Unterschiede die spezifischen Bedürfnisse und Strukturen jeder Altersgruppe berücksichtigen.

Phase Eins: Vorrunde

Struktur:

  • Regionale Gruppen:
    • Alle 64 Mannschaften jeder Altersklasse werden in acht regionale Gruppen eingeteilt.
    • Jede Gruppe besteht aus bis zu acht Teams.

Ziele und Format:

  • Geografische und leistungsbasierte Einteilung:
    • Die Zuteilung erfolgt so, dass Reisewege möglichst kurz bleiben und Mannschaften gegen regionale Gegner antreten.
    • Teams werden basierend auf einem mehrjährigen Bewertungssystem eingeteilt, anstatt strikt nach Bundesländern oder geografischen Grenzen.
  • Spielmodus:
    • Jede Mannschaft bestreitet ein Hin- und Rückspiel gegen die Gegner der eigenen Gruppe (insgesamt 14 Spieltage).
    • Die Ergebnisse dieser 14 Spiele bestimmen die Platzierungen innerhalb der Gruppe.

Die regionalen Gruppen der Saison 2024/25 wurden geografisch wie folgt erstellt:

Phase Zwei: Hauptrunde

Nach der Vorrunde werden die Teams anhand ihrer Platzierungen in zwei separate Ligen aufgeteilt:

Liga A:

  • Qualifikation:
    • Die besten drei Teams jeder Vorrundengruppe qualifizieren sich für Liga A.
    • Dadurch entsteht ein Teilnehmerfeld von 24 Mannschaften (beispielsweise die Erst- und Zweitplatzierten jeder Gruppe sowie die sechs besten Drittplatzierten).
  • Gruppeneinteilung und Spielmodus:
    • Diese 24 Mannschaften werden in vier Gruppen mit je sechs Teams unterteilt.
    • Es folgt eine weitere Gruppenphase im Rundenturniermodus mit zehn Spieltagen zur Verfeinerung der Ranglisten.
  • Ziel am Ende der Hauptrunde:
    • Die besten Teams aus Liga A qualifizieren sich für die K.O.-Phase (Playoffs), in der der Deutsche Jugendmeister der jeweiligen Altersklasse ermittelt wird.

Liga B:

  • Qualifikation:
    • Alle verbleibenden Teams aus der Vorrunde werden in Liga B eingeteilt.
    • Zusätzlich qualifizieren sich bis zu 11 weitere Amateurvereine (die keine offizielle Jugendakademie besitzen) über ihre Leistungen in den unteren Jugendklassen.
  • Gruppeneinteilung und Spielmodus:
    • Liga B wird in Gruppen mit bis zu acht Teams organisiert.
    • Der Modus bleibt ein Hin- und Rückspiel über 14 Spieltage.
  • Zweck:
    • Liga B stellt sicher, dass auch Mannschaften außerhalb der Top-Gruppe eine wettbewerbsfähige Plattform erhalten und trägt zu einer breiteren sportlichen Balance bei.
Finalphase: Playoffs (Meisterschaftsphase)

U19 Liga A:

  • O.-Runden:
    • Nach Abschluss der Hauptrunde erreichen die besten 16 Teams aus Liga A die K.O.-Phase.
    • Dieses Turnier wird im klassischen K.O.-System ausgetragen, beginnend mit dem Achtelfinale.
  • Ermittlung des Meisters:
    • Der Sieger der K.O.-Runde wird zum Deutschen Jugendmeister der jeweiligen Altersklasse gekürt.

Hinweis: Die U17-Nachwuchsliga folgt einem ähnlichen Format mit leichten Anpassungen bei der Qualifikation und Gruppeneinteilung, um den Entwicklungsbedarf der jüngeren Spieler zu berücksichtigen.

U19 Liga B:

  • Qualifikation für zukünftige Saisons:
    • Vereine mit einem Nachwuchsleistungszentrum (NLZ) sichern sich durch eine Platzierung in Liga B in der Regel automatisch die Teilnahme an der nächsten Saison der U19-Nachwuchsliga.
    • Amateurvereine (ohne NLZ) müssen unter den besten vier Mannschaften ihrer Liga-B-Gruppe landen, um sich für die nächste Saison zu qualifizieren. Dieses System bietet eine Aufstiegsmöglichkeit für Vereine ohne Jugendakademie.
  • Teilnahme am DFB-Junioren-Pokal:

Zusätzlich qualifizieren sich die bestplatzierten Teams der Liga B für den DFB-Junioren-Pokal und erhalten so weitere Wettbewerbserfahrung.

Praktische Erfahrungen mit der neuen Nachwuchsliga

Die ersten Rückmeldungen der Vereine zeigen bereits positive Effekte der Reform. Ismail Gülec, Trainer der U17-Mannschaft des SSV Ulm 1846 Fußball, zieht nach etwa 60 % der Saison ein positives Fazit:

“Woche für Woche messen wir uns mit den Besten, was unsere Spieler an ihre Grenzen bringt. Die individuelle Entwicklung bleibt zwar oberste Priorität, aber Fußball ist dennoch ein ergebnisorientierter Sport. Ohne Abstiegsdruck können wir effektiver planen, jüngeren Spielern mehr Einsatzzeit geben und sie auf die kommende Saison vorbereiten. Gleichzeitig haben nicht-professionelle Teams die Möglichkeit, sich zu beweisen und sich für die Liga zu qualifizieren. Natürlich stellen die zusätzlichen Reisen und logistischen Anforderungen eine Herausforderung dar aber sie dienen als wertvolle Vorbereitung auf eine mögliche Karriere im Profifußball.”

Diese Kombination aus hochklassigem Jugendwettbewerb, Planbarkeit und strukturierter Spielerentwicklung unterstreicht die langfristige Vision des neuen Systems.

Innovationen und Ziele der Reform
  • Entwicklungsfokus: Durch den Verzicht auf feste Auf- und Abstiegsregelungen für NLZ-Vereine liegt der Schwerpunkt auf der langfristigen Spielerförderung.
  • Ausgewogener Wettbewerb: Die regionale Gruppierung in der Vorrunde und die leistungsbasierte Zuteilung in der Hauptrunde sorgen für ein faires und herausforderndes Wettbewerbsumfeld.
  • Einbindung von Amateurvereinen: Bis zu 11 zusätzliche Amateurteams erhalten die Möglichkeit, in Liga B mitzuwirken.
  • Effizientes Reise- und Belastungsmanagement: Die geographische Gruppeneinteilung reduziert Reisezeiten und fördert eine bessere Balance zwischen Fußball, Schule und Ausbildung.
  • Mehr Einsatzzeit: Jede Mannschaft kann pro Spiel bis zu sieben Spieler wechseln, sodass alle 18 Akteure eines Spieltagskaders zum Einsatz kommen können.
Wie erfolgreich ist das deutsche Nachwuchssystem für den Weg in den Profifußball?

Zahlen hierzu sind schwer zu ermitteln, aber ein klarer Trend zeigt sich: Viele Profiteams setzen stark auf eigene Nachwuchsspieler. In der Bundesliga stellen diese oft 30% bis 50% des Kaders. Besonders Bayern München, Borussia Dortmund und Schalke 04 sind bekannte Beispiele für erfolgreiche Nachwuchsarbeit.

Hier sind die drei Vereine pro Profispielklasse mit den meisten eigenen Akademiespielern im Profikader:

Bundesliga:

  1. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim – 9 Spieler aus der eigenen Akademie (~32 Mio. € Marktwert)
  2. SC Freiburg – 8 Spieler aus der eigenen Akademie (~30 Mio. € Marktwert)
  3. Borussia Dortmund – 7 Spieler aus der eigenen Akademie (~67 Mio. € Marktwert)
  1. Bundesliga:
  1. Hertha BSC – 15 Spieler aus der eigenen Akademie (~28 Mio. € Marktwert)
  2. 1.FC Köln – 11 Spieler aus der eigenen Akademie (~21 Mio. € Marktwert)
  3. FC Schalke 04 – 8 Spieler aus der eigenen Akademie (~5 Mio. € Marktwert)
  1. Liga:
  2. VfB Stuttgart II – 22 Spieler aus der eigenen Akademie (~8 Mio. € Marktwert)
  3. SpVgg Unterhaching – 13 Spieler aus der eigenen Akademie (~3 Mio. € Marktwert)
  4. Hannover 96 II – 13 Spieler aus der eigenen Akademie (~2 Mio. € Marktwert)
Ein Meilenstein für die Zukunft des deutschen Fußballs

Deutschland ist seit Langem für seine starke Nachwuchsförderung bekannt, und die U19- und U17-DFB-Nachwuchsliga stellt eine strategische Neuausrichtung dar, um die Spielerentwicklung weiter zu optimieren. Durch die Fokussierung auf Wettbewerb, individuelle Förderung und Nachhaltigkeit soll das neue System junge Talente besser auf die Herausforderungen des Profifußballs vorbereiten. Mit dem Start der ersten Saison 2024/25 markiert diese Umstrukturierung einen bedeutenden Schritt, um Deutschlands Ruf als führende Nation in der Nachwuchsfußballförderung zu wahren. Werden andere Märkte diesem Ansatz folgen?

Weitere Informationen gibt es unter den folgenden Links:

CAS & Football Annual Report 2024: Key Insights and Developments

By
Enes Alan
-
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
Introduction

The CAS & Football Annual Report 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the year’s arbitration activities in global football. Covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2024, the report highlights the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) role in handling disputes involving FIFA, football clubs, players, coaches, and agents. The report presents key case statistics, decision trends, and procedural efficiency, with a special focus on appeals against FIFA rulings, football-related cases outside FIFA, and landmark legal decisions shaping the sport. Additionally, it examines the impact of the Olympic Games on CAS proceedings, as 2024 marked the fi rst time football-related cases were heard by the CAS Ad Hoc Division during the Olympics.

1. Volume and Trends in Appeals

Total Appeals and FIFA’s Involvement

In 2024, CAS registered 326 appeals against FIFA decisions, a 24% decrease from 2023, reflecting a drop in contentious cases. Of these appeals, 117 (36%) involved FIFA directly, while 209 (64%) did not require FIFA’s involvement (either because FIFA was not a respondent or successfully withdrew). FIFA issued over 33,000 decisions in 2024, meaning only 1% of these decisions were appealed to CAS.

Appeal Outcomes

78 CAS rulings were issued on the merits of cases involving FIFA, with the following outcomes: 58 cases (74%) upheld FIFA’s original decision, 15 cases (19%) annulled FIFA’s decision or referred it back to a FIFA body for reassessment, and 5 cases (7%) were deemed inadmissible.

Global CAS Caseload

CAS registered a total of 916 cases across all sports in 2024, a 2.8% decrease from 2023. Football-related cases made up 72% of CAS’s total caseload (657 cases), a slight decline from 82% in 2023. Among football-related cases, 476 (72%) were appeal procedures challenging decisions by FIFA, confederations, or national federations, while 181 (28%) were fi rst-instance arbitration cases.

2. Notable Cases and Legal Trends

FIFA Tribunal and Disciplinary Cases

The FIFA Football Tribunal (PSC & DRC) remained the most frequent subject of appeals in 2024, handling 74 cases (63%) of FIFA-related CAS disputes. Significant cases included employment-related disputes (e.g., termination without just cause, overdue payables), disciplinary sanctions, including doping violations, breaches of fi nancial fair play, and fan behavior incidents, and transfer-related issues, such as disputes over training compensation and solidarity contributions.

First Football-Related CAS Cases at the Olympics

For the first time, the CAS Ad Hoc Division heard three football-related disputes at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Key cases included: Israel FA & Roy Revivo v. FIFA, addressing the eligibility of a suspended player during the tournament; Canada Soccer v. FIFA & Others, contesting a six-point deduction for breaching fair play regulations due to alleged spying; Marta Vieira da Silva (Brazil) v. FIFA, challenging a two-match suspension for a red card incident. These cases highlight CAS’s growing role in Olympic football governance.

Swiss Federal Tribunal Appeals

126 appeals were fi led before the Swiss Federal Tribunal (SFT) against CAS football rulings in 2024. However, only a small number were overturned, reinforcing CAS’s legal authority and credibility.

3. CAS Procedural Effi ciency and Case Management

Hearing Trends

72 CAS hearings involved FIFA in 2024, double the number from 2023 (36 hearings). The majority of hearings (65%) were held via videoconference, refl ecting the shift toward digital case management. The relocation of FIFA’s Legal & Compliance Division to Miami in August 2024 contributed to the increase in virtual hearings.

Case Duration

The average duration of CAS cases in 2024 was 430 days. The evidentiary phase lasted 203 days, while the fi nal resolution phase took 227 days. Cases with in-person hearings lasted longer (444 days on average) compared to those decided on written submissions (360 days).

Legal Aid and Transparency Initiatives

The FIFA-CAS Football Legal Aid Fund (FLAF), which began in 2023, continued to support fi nancially disadvantaged clubs, players, and offi cials. FIFA published an updated list of arbitrators involved in CAS proceedings, reinforcing its commitment to transparency.

4. Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

Key Takeaways

Decrease in appeals: The 24% decline in CAS appeals against FIFA decisions suggests greater regulatory stability. Consistency in rulings: With 74% of cases upholding FIFA decisions, CAS continues to reinforce the legitimacy of FIFA’s disciplinary and regulatory framework. Digital transformation: The shift toward virtual hearings and digital case management is streamlining CAS operations. Olympic involvement: CAS’s fi rst-ever football cases at the Olympics demonstrate its expanding jurisdiction.

Challenges and Future Directions

Regulatory Adaptation – With evolving FIFA rules and increasing complexity in disputes, CAS must continue to refi ne its procedures. Technology & VAR-related Disputes – The growing use of VAR, digital evidence, and AI-driven analytics in football decision-making could lead to new legal challenges. Increased Case Volume Outside FIFA – The 32% increase in appeals from national federations and confederations signals a shift in football’s legal landscape beyond FIFA.

By maintaining its commitment to effi ciency, fairness, and transparency, CAS will continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of football.

Conclusion

The CAS & Football Annual Report 2024 provides an insightful look into the legal mechanisms that govern football worldwide. With a notable decline in FIFA-related

appeals, growing case diversity, and increasing reliance on digital arbitration, CAS remains at the forefront of sports dispute resolution.

For legal practitioners, football stakeholders, and fans interested in the intersection of sports law and governance, the report serves as a valuable resource in understanding the evolving legal landscape of global football.

It’s All in Your Mind – The Agent’s Mindset That Builds Success

By
Dr. Erkut Sogut
-
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

A few days ago, I found myself in Los Angeles at the Marriott Marina del Rey. I had a meeting at the hotel, just a regular business catch-up. But as I walked in, I realized something else was happening: a two-day football business conference. I hadn’t heard about it beforehand, but I noticed a few familiar faces. So I started talking to people.

I asked around to see if I could join the second day. “It would be great to meet more people,” I thought, “and to learn something new.” But it turned out to be an invitation-only event, and despite a few friends trying to help, it didn’t work out.

But instead of leaving it there, I made a decision: I’d come back the next day.

So I did. On the second day of the conference, I arrived with my laptop, ordered my coffee and water, and found a spot in the lobby. I decided I’d work from there and talk to anyone I could, people walking in and out, old contacts, new faces. And sure enough, I ended up meeting great people, reconnecting with others, and having meaningful conversations.

And while I sat there, quietly observing the flow of the event from the lobby, I was reminded of how it all started 25 years ago.

Back then, I was a shy young man, going to youth football games and trying to gather the courage to speak to a player’s father. I’d promise myself: “Today is the day. Just go say hi before the match.” But I couldn’t. Then I’d tell myself, “Okay, at halftime just go introduce yourself.” Still nothing. Even after the game, I would walk past them without saying a word.

But I didn’t give up. I kept showing up. I kept trying. And eventually, I did speak. I did connect. And that quiet, uncertain boy grew into someone who now teaches and mentors agents around the world.

That experience of sitting in the lobby at the Marina del Rey hotel, reminded me of how far I’ve come. And it made me think of every aspiring agent out there who doubts themselves.

Many young or new agents ask me: “How can I compete with the big agents?” “How will I ever make it in such a crowded market?”

Here’s the truth: Those so-called “big” agents only seem big because you’ve made them big in your mind.

They’re not superheroes. They’re just people. They started from somewhere, just like you. They also had their first awkward conversations. Their first rejections. Their first deals. The only difference is that they believed they belonged.

If you want to succeed in this business, it starts with your mindset. Not with contacts. Not with deals. Not with fame.

It starts with belief.

Belief that you are enough.
Belief that you will grow.
Belief that every small step counts.

You don’t need to be invited to the room to start your journey. Sometimes, sitting in the lobby with a laptop, a coffee, and a committed mindset is more powerful than any conference badge.

Over the years, I’ve seen this again and again. The agents who succeed are the ones who believe in themselves, trust the process, and never stop learning. The ones who don’t make it? They’re often the ones who keep doubting themselves, always waiting for the “right moment” to begin.

So don’t wait.
Don’t doubt.
Just start.

Believe. Act. Persist.

Your journey as a football agent doesn’t begin when someone gives you a chance, it begins the moment you give yourself permission to dream big and move forward.

1...565758...90Page 57 of 90