FIFA reforms which include the reintroduction of entrance examinations for football agents are "likely to be imposed" by '20. The step comes "just three years after deregulation," which meant any person could act on behalf of a player regardless of previous qualifications. Though no final decision has been made, it is reportedly "likely" that agents who passed exams before the last changes in '15 will be granted immunity in the new system. Recently-established agents "will be given two opportunities over a 12-month period to pass new tests" (London INDEPENDENT, 11/15).
European clubs are "committed to working with UEFA on the future of competitions such as the Champions League," the governing body said on Wednesday "in the wake of reports that a breakaway Super League was back on the agenda." Following a meeting of the Professional Football Strategy Council, UEFA said that "unity" is the key to European football success "at all levels" (REUTERS, 11/14).
UEFA execs will meet this week to "tackle concerns over clubs in the Champions League charging visiting fans up to three times as much as home supporters." Liverpool is among the clubs invited to the meeting, along with Bayern Munich, Paris St. Germain, Sevilla and Porto, as well as the European Clubs' Association (LONDON TIMES, 11/14).
Football-related arrests in England and Wales have "more than halved in the past decade," according to new figures. Arrests have "steadily fallen this century" and were down 6% in '17-18 compared with the previous season. For the third consecutive year, more League Championship side Birmingham City fans were arrested (95) than any other club in England's top five leagues. The Championship had the most arrests (591), up 22% from '16-17, while Premier League clubs had 374 arrests (BBC, 11/15).
