FIFA has released the guide “Parents’ Education on Football Agents/The Role of Parents in Managing Relationships with Football Agents” a highly important initiative aimed at empowering the parents of young footballers. The purpose of this guide is to help families better understand the role of football agents, identify potential risks, and ensure that the rights and best interests of the child always remain at the forefront.
Within this context, the proposed approach is based on a fundamental principle: parenting centered on the rights of the child when managing relationships with football agents.
Child’s Rights-Based Parenting Approach
Parents play a crucial and multifaceted role in supporting their children in both amateur and professional football. They provide material and financial support, emotional encouragement, care, and protection. In essence, they form a key pillar of the child’s support system throughout their football journey.
The primary objective of parents is to guide and support their child’s development and progression in football, ensuring that the child remains at the center and that their best interests are always served. The child’s development, well-being, and protection must be the top priority. For this reason, it is essential for parents to have a thorough understanding of the role of a football agent, so they can effectively support their child.
This support extends across the following key areas:
PROVISION
Supporting the child’s football development through the appropriate selection of and collaboration with the right football agent.
PROVISION & PROTECTION
Ensuring that both the child and the agent comply not only with applicable laws (such as those concerning child labor and the protection of minors), but also with the regulations of the relevant football governing bodies.
PROTECTION
Safeguarding the child from potential abusive or unlawful practices by agents that could negatively affect both their football career and personal development.
PARTICIPATION
Ensuring that the child’s views are taken into account, in accordance with their age and maturity, in every decision that concerns them. This includes the child’s active involvement in decision-making processes and the provision of appropriate information.
FIFA’s guide is a valuable tool that promotes a safer, more transparent, and child-centered approach to working with football agents.
More information here:
https://inside.fifa.com/legal/news/fifa-launches-parental-handbook-to-support-families-navigating-agent