The FIFA Football Tribunal is the body that settles disputes and handles key regulatory decisions in world football.

To become a football agent, you need to know how it works.

Here’s a breakdown to help you.

What is the FIFA Football Tribunal?

It’s FIFA’s legal body that brings together three important chambers:

• Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) – handles contract and training compensation disputes

• Players’ Status Chamber (PSC) – deals with regulatory applications like minor transfers

• Agents Chamber (AC) – handles disputes involving licensed football agents

It started in October 2021 to simplify and speed up football-related decisions.

Why Does It Matter to You as an Agent?

You’ll be working with players, clubs, and other agents. Disputes will happen. Decisions made by the Tribunal can impact transfers, contracts, training rewards, agent commissions, and even player eligibility.

If you don’t understand the process, you risk getting left behind—or worse, costing your client time and money.

Common Cases the Tribunal Handles

• Player vs Club contract disputes

• Training compensation disagreements

• Solidarity mechanism claims

• International minor transfers

• Agent fee disputes

• Eligibility and registration issues

As an agent, you might be involved directly or need to support your client through a case.

How Are Cases Submitted?

• Use the FIFA Legal Portal for general disputes

• Use TMS (Transfer Matching System) for transfer-related applications

Claims must be complete. That includes legal arguments, supporting documents, and sometimes proof of payment for procedural costs.

What About Mediation?

FIFA also offers mediation—a way to settle things quickly and confidentially without a formal ruling. It’s free and often faster. If both sides agree, the outcome becomes binding.

This is a tool smart agents use to protect relationships and get fast results.

What Should You Know Right Now?

• Always collect and store clear documentation

• Understand how to read and use the FIFA Legal Portal and TMS

• Know which types of cases go to each chamber

• Be aware of deadlines—late submissions are often rejected

• Never assume your client’s case is straightforward

Final Word

The FIFA Football Tribunal isn’t just for lawyers. It’s a tool you must understand if you’re serious about being an agent. Whether it’s securing unpaid fees, defending your player in a dispute, or navigating minor transfer rules, it’s part of the business.

Start understanding the system now, before you need it.

You will also need to understand the workings of the FIFA Football Tribunal for the FIFA Football Agent Exam.

Want to go deeper into how FIFA decisions affect real-world football deals?
Join one of our training courses or workshops at Sports Business Education.

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We’ll show you how to apply the rules in practice—and avoid common mistakes.