Intermediaries have long been subjected to criticism over the level of commission they earn for advising the public. But what of the role of football agents?
Recently branded 'scum' by the outspoken chairman of Crystal Palace, Simon Jordan, agents seem to be universally disliked by everyone associated with the nation's favourite game. Everyone that is, but agents.
One chairman famously said agents earn "a lot of money for a few phone calls and half an hour's work".
At this time of year, just as the transfer window has closed, the agents seemed to be getting extra criticism. Combined also with the row over the 'tapping-up' of players, which has become known as 'Colegate', when Arsenal leftback Ashley Cole is alleged to have met with senior officials of Premiership rivals Chelsea, without gaining the permission of Arsenal first, with a view to moving to the league leaders.
But what do you as advisers think about agents and their remuneration? Fill in the questionnaire below, and send in your responses using the freepost address. We will collate your answers and findings and report back on your views in future editions of Investment Week. Alternatively you can email you comments and answers to [email protected]
1. Do you think the transfer window system is good or bad?
2. Would you like clubs to be able to buy players all season long?
3. Do you think agents earn too much money?
4. Should agents be paid on a commission or fee basis for arranging a transfer?
5. Should all players be represented by the Professional Footballers' Association and not independent agents?
6. Should there be a salary cap for clubs in the Premier League?
7. Should arranging a £10m transfer of a player be worth the same amount of money as advising on a corporate pension scheme of the same value?
8. Should football clubs be forced to reveal how munch money they spend on agents each season?
9. Should agents be forced to reveal how much commission they earn?
10. Should the salaries of first team squad players be made public?
11. Should clubs be banned from sacking their managers during the season?
12. Is there too much football on TV?
13. Should football agents be forced to take examinations similar to the FPC?
14. Should agents be regulated by the financial authorities, such as the FSA, instead of the football authorities to regulate their behaviour?
15. What should Brian Barwick, the new chief executive of the Football Association, be doing about agents?
Please send your replies to:
FREEPOST NAT20251, LONDON N1 6BR
