The issue of Zirkzee and the commissions requested by his agent, Kia Joorabchian, for his transfer are the main topics in Milan's transfer market. 15 million euros, which equals 37.5% of the transfer fee: an enormous amount. But is all this possible? To shed light on the issue related to transfers and the relationships between clubs, players, and agents, Milan News spoke with lawyer Felice Raimondo, who specializes in sports law and has authored four books on football and the rules that govern it.
He closely follows Milan's affairs, where he runs a blog focused on the legal/economic aspects of the Rossoneri.
In the market narrative, the "bad wolf" role is currently being played by the agent, who is effectively hindering the transfer. But is this legally possible? Or does the player need to be aware of and approve this fee?
"It is not possible for an agent to prevent the conclusion of a transfer deal. The player always has the final say and, therefore, approves and tolerates the manner in which he is represented. Otherwise, the fiduciary relationship underlying the mandate would be lost, leading to its revocation."
From 2025, we read that the situation will change with caps set on commissions. What will change in practice in the relationships between clubs, agents, and players?
"If the European Court of Justice deems the regulations established by FIFA to be legitimate, from 2025 the old mandates renewed by 1/10/23 will expire, and the new commission caps will be definitively applied. That is, 3% of the gross salary without bonuses (only base salary) in cases where the mandate is given solely to the player or solely to the buying club; 6% of the gross salary without bonuses (only base salary) in cases where the mandate is given to both the player and the buying club; 10% of the transfer fee in cases where the mandate is given to the selling club."
