How to Get Certified As a Major League Soccer Player Representative

The U.S. Soccer Federation does require people wishing to work as soccer players representatives to get certified. The Federation of International Football Associations, which governs world soccer, requires agents to get licensed in their country of origin. To comply with the FIFA directive, the U.S. Soccer Federation issues licenses to prospective agents on an annual basis. Licensed soccer agents help to negotiate new contracts for players. Agents also represent U.S.-based soccer teams in transfer negotiations involving foreign teams.

Instructions

    • 1

      Go to ussoccer.com, the website of the U.S. soccer federation. In the search tool, located on the top right hand side of the homepage, type "Player agent," then press the magnifying glass image. On the next screen under "Site Content," select "Player Agents." At the bottom of the description, of the U.S. soccer agent licensing procedures, select the highlighted words "memorandum," and "application."

    • 2

      Open the memorandum, which will be saved as a .pdf file. Read the memorandum to ensure that you meet the eligibility guidelines.

    • 3

      Print out the application. On the first page of the application, complete your name, address, contact information, Social Security number, date of birth and driver's license number. On the next page you must detail any other names you have used and details of any businesses that you own or have been a principal partner in during the last decade. On the last page you must detail any criminal convictions that you have had, list any affiliations you have with U.S. Soccer or FIFA and sign your name. Sign the supplementary information release form that allows U.S. soccer to perform a background check. Mail the completed application along with a $400 check payable to U.S. Soccer at the address listed on page one of the application.

    • 4

      Take the soccer agents exam in Chicago. The exam occurs twice a year, consists of 20 questions and lasts for up to 90 minutes. You can prepare for the exam by studying the FIFA statutes and bylaws available online at FIFA.com. You must also study U.S. soccer bylaws that are available at ussoccer.com.

    • 5

      Purchase liability insurance. You must submit an insurance declaration page to the U.S. soccer Federation. FIFA requires all agents to have liability insurance of at least 100,000 Swiss Francs, which equals approximately $100,000 in U.S. dollars. Currency exchange rates change daily so check the exchange rate before buying your policy. The insurance protects you from paying claims out of pocket if you are ever sued for breaking FIFA rules.

    • 6

      Sign the U.S. soccer Federation code of conduct. Once you have signed the code of conduct you must comply with business laws in your own state such as registering yourself as a sole-proprietorship. Once you have registered with your state you can begin work as a players' agent.