By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a statement signed by leading European basketball agents, they expressed their opposition to the new FIBA regulations regarding agent fees and have sent letters requesting dialogue and amendments.
As stated in their statement, “The change completely forbids players from freely deciding how they prefer to pay their agency fees.”
“In a recent mandate received from FIBA, we were informed about the Federation’s unilateral decision to alter the way clubs, players, coaches, and agents conduct business.
To clarify the confusion created, we must inform the public that the said change completely forbids players from freely deciding how they prefer to pay their agency fees. Until now, players had the option to request that the club pay the agency fee on their behalf if they so wished.
This decision was shocking due to the complete lack of discussion, analysis of its financial implications, and understanding of the needs and rights of the affected parties. Furthermore, it is a regulation that infringes on the freedom of contract between players, agents, and clubs, and could result in a breach of free competition in the basketball market.
The biggest agencies in Europe, representing more than 2,000 professional players, have come together to request that FIBA engage in meaningful dialogue to avoid the significant negative financial impact this change will have on our players. We strongly believe that issues within the basketball ecosystem should be resolved through discussion and with respect for the needs of players and coaches.
The financial burden of such a change for our players and coaches, as well as the increased complexity in how they conduct business, will be significant if this rule is implemented. We expect FIBA to respond positively to the need for dialogue and to avoid making unilateral decisions that affect the business affairs of all parties involved.”