FIFA strengthens protection for young footballers with parents’ handbook

World football governing body FIFA has introduced a new parental handbook aimed at helping families including many across Africa better understand the role of football agents and how to safely manage representation for young players chasing professional careers.

The FIFA Parents’ Education on Football Agents Handbook, developed in collaboration with the Football Agent Working Group and researchers from Loughborough University, is designed to give parents practical knowledge and tools to help them make well-informed decisions about their children’s football futures.

Across Africa and other football-rich regions, many talented youngsters aspire to play professionally.

As these dreams begin to take shape, agents often approach promising minors seeking to represent them. While such opportunities can open doors to professional pathways, they can also expose families to complex regulations and potential risks if not handled carefully.

The newly launched handbook seeks to bridge that knowledge gap by explaining how the player representation system works and outlining the rights and protections available to young players and their guardians.

It offers clear guidance to help parents identify legitimate opportunities while avoiding misleading offers.

In recent years, concerns have been raised globally over individuals posing as agents and targeting families of young players.

These cases have sometimes involved unrealistic promises of trials abroad, requests for unnecessary payments, or services that never materialise. Such situations can put financial strain on families and negatively affect the development and wellbeing of young footballers.

To address these challenges, the handbook provides step-by-step guidance through real-life scenarios that parents may encounter during their child’s football journey.

Each section includes key learning points, practical advice, regulatory explanations and parenting tips to help families navigate the world of player representation responsibly.

According to FIFA’s Head of Agents, Patricio Varela, the resource is meant to give parents confidence when dealing with agents.

“Our aim is to empower families to make informed, child-focused decisions when dealing with football agents,” Varela said, adding that the handbook is built around real-life situations and designed to be useful for parents worldwide.

The handbook is now available online as part of FIFA’s broader educational section dedicated to the protection of minors in football, providing families, academies and stakeholders with a reference point as young talents take their first steps in the global game.