Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Almost HALF of football agents taking FIFA’s new exam have FAILED

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Judith Benjamin
Judith Benjaminhttps://dailyobserver.uk
Extensive experience of 15 years in receiving assignments for stories, evaluating leads and pitching compelling story ideas to editors, revising and editing work for editorial approval, and collaborating with other reporters, editors, and production staff. Skilled in gathering information for newsworthy stories through observation, interviews, investigation, and research; building a network of sources for interviews and develop relationships within the community. An admitted sports fanatic, she feeds her addiction to sports by watching games on Sunday afternoons.

The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin

Almost half of those who took FIFA’s new agent exam failed and will have to resit or face being barred from working on transfers, with others unable to even finish it after forgetting their laptops.

A total of 3,800 sat the first test earlier this month at London’s ExCel Arena.

Fears were raised that the hour-long exam was so tough up to 80 per cent would not pass.

While the figure is less than that, just 52 per cent of those who sat the test got the green light, with 48 per cent failing to do so.

Names have not been disclosed, but the 48 per cent who flunked will have to resit on September 20.

Should they fail again, they will be unable to work on transfers, contract negotiations or speak to clubs – unless in the company of a registered agent – from October 1. There are further resits in May and November next year.

Almost half of those who took FIFA’s new agent exam (pictured) failed and will have to resit

Some 3,800 sat the first test earlier in April at London's ExCel Arena, with 48 per cent failing

Some 3,800 sat the first test earlier in April at London’s ExCel Arena, with 48 per cent failing

Should they fail again after a resit, they will be unable to work on transfers, contract negotiations or speak to clubs – unless in the company of a registered agent – from October 1

Should they fail again after a resit, they will be unable to work on transfers, contract negotiations or speak to clubs – unless in the company of a registered agent – from October 1

FIFA announced that 6,586 candidates registered but only 3,800 took the test.

That was down to no-shows and non-payment of the fee – while some did turn up but forgot to bring a laptop.

The exam featured 20 questions pooled from 200. They were generated at random for each candidate, to reduce the chances of collusion and cheating. The pass mark is 15 out of 20 (75 per cent).

The tests have proven to be highly controversial. FIFA say they are intended to improve professional standards while some agents believe they are too tough and unfair.

Some fear they will lose their businesses. There have been tears at various test centres.

One source said questions were more suitable for a football secretary than an agent, citing one which asked what competition a player’s ban would apply for should they be sent off in a Club World Cup game.

Candidates, who include Jude Bellingham’s dad, Mark, will receive their results on Thursday. Agents from 138 member nations took the exam.

Judith Benjamin
Judith Benjaminhttps://dailyobserver.uk
Extensive experience of 15 years in receiving assignments for stories, evaluating leads and pitching compelling story ideas to editors, revising and editing work for editorial approval, and collaborating with other reporters, editors, and production staff. Skilled in gathering information for newsworthy stories through observation, interviews, investigation, and research; building a network of sources for interviews and develop relationships within the community. An admitted sports fanatic, she feeds her addiction to sports by watching games on Sunday afternoons.

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Judith Benjamin
Judith Benjaminhttps://dailyobserver.uk
Extensive experience of 15 years in receiving assignments for stories, evaluating leads and pitching compelling story ideas to editors, revising and editing work for editorial approval, and collaborating with other reporters, editors, and production staff. Skilled in gathering information for newsworthy stories through observation, interviews, investigation, and research; building a network of sources for interviews and develop relationships within the community. An admitted sports fanatic, she feeds her addiction to sports by watching games on Sunday afternoons.