Germany asks European Court of Justice for ruling on players agents

Germany's Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has asked the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for a ruling on whether German football player agent regulations violate European antitrust law, reported dpa.

The BGH said on Tuesday it was suspending its case until an ECJ ruling has been reached.

The case started by agent Roger Wittmann is around rules by the German Football Federation (DFB) which since 2015 only allow clubs and players to be represented by agents registered by the DFB.

Wittmann believes that the DFB rules violate antitrust law.

The ECJ has also been asked for a preliminary ruling in a law suit against football governing body FIFA and its new regulations for agents in the sport.

The ECJ said in April that the case from a German regional court in Mainz was pending.

New FIFA regulations came into force in January to establish a fairer and more transparent football transfer system, including a mandatory FIFA license for agents, the prohibition of multiple representation to avoid conflicts of interest, and the introduction of a cap on agent fees.

After a transition period until October 1, only licensed agents are allowed to work in the football industry.

The ECJ is also handling a legal battle between Super League founders Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus and European football ruling body UEFA.

The clubs accuse the federation of operating a monopoly and a formal ruling is expected within the next months.

A first Super League proposal from 12 English, Spanish and Italian clubs which included permanent members collapsed spectacularly in 2021 after wide-ranging protests, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are still pursuing the idea, with the A22 company set up to help create such a league.