FIFA’s exam for agents has been hit by yet another shambles.
The governing body introduced a test as part of a new licensing system in 2023 aimed at tightening the industry. But they have been plagued by myriad issues, with entrants complaining about technical glitches at various sitting days.
And Mail Sport understands that, in the latest disaster, dozens of agents were left furious when they were unable to even access their test thanks to another software failure.
After chaotic scenes previously at test centres including Wembley Stadium and Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, FIFA permitted representatives to take the exam online from home.
Presumably, the aim was to ensure the process ran more smoothly, with a reduced likelihood of any issues with WiFi connection, which had been a problem in London and Birmingham, along with system crashes.
Those who wanted to take part were asked to download FIFA-approved software and to share the screens with exam invigilators. They were also asked to turn their cameras on so checks could be carried out to ensure that they were not cheating.
FIFA’s exam for agents has been hit by yet another shambles. The governing body introduced a test as part of a new licensing system in 2023
In 2023, agents faced lengthy delays on arrival at the first exam at the London’s ExCel Arena
However, Mail Sport understands that sizable numbers were simply unable to share their screens with the invigilator, through no fault of their own.
And, despite desperately flagging the issue, in many cases no solution could be found. To make matters worse, many of those who could not gain access to the test despite paying £75 for the privilege were subsequently told that their applications for a licence had failed – and that they effectively cannot work on player transfers. Some have also complained that their pleas to FIFA have fallen on deaf ears.
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‘It’s been an absolute nightmare,’ one of those affected, who did not want to be named, explained. ‘Loads of people could not share the screens and so couldn’t access the exam itself. You’ve done everything they asked. You’ve downloaded the software, you’ve downloaded the platform and it’s not your fault but there’s no explanation, and no response when you ask about a resit.
‘This is people’s livelihoods they are playing around with. You spend six months revising and you can’t even sit the thing. A lot of us are now worried we will have to wait another year to resit it, which is a year without being able to work.’
FIFA have been contacted for comment.
The hour-long test features 20, multiple-choice questions. It was introduced to better regulate an industry some had compared to the ‘wild west’.
‘I don’t actually think the tests are a bad idea,’ the source added. ‘But if you are going to bring them in you have to make sure they work. And if they don’t, you have to respond to those who’ve not been able to take the test.’
