Turkish Sports Agency: Legal Framework, Licensing, and Representation under Turkish Law
- Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
- Nov 6
- 6 min read
A Turkish Sports Agency is more than just a bridge between athletes and clubs — it’s a regulated professional entity that manages player careers, negotiates contracts, and ensures every deal complies with both FIFA and Turkish Sports Law.
As Turkey’s sports industry continues to globalize, the legal landscape around representation, licensing, and commercial rights has grown increasingly sophisticated. Whether representing a rising footballer, a national team coach, or a foreign athlete entering the Turkish Super League, agents must operate within a clear legal framework defined by national and international rules.
At Kurucuk & Associates, our Istanbul-based sports law team helps clients navigate every layer of this system — from agency formation and licensing to player contracts, sponsorship deals, and dispute resolution. Our mission is simple: to protect your interests while ensuring full legal compliance in Turkey’s evolving sports market.
Understanding the Turkish Sports Agency Framework
Legal Definition and Core Principles under Turkish Sports Law
Under Turkish Law on Sports No. 7405 (Spor Hukuku), a sports agency (Spor Ajansı) is defined as an officially licensed intermediary authorized to represent athletes, coaches, or sports organizations in professional negotiations. The law enforces principles of integrity, fair competition, fiduciary duty, and transparency — echoing FIFA’s global standards.
Key Statutes and Governing Authorities
Sports agencies in Turkey operate within a structured legal environment guided by:
Law No. 7405 on Sports (Spor Hukuku)
General Directorate of Sports Organization (Spor Genel Müdürlüğü)
Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and its Football Agent Regulations
Turkish Olympic Committee (TMOK)
Ministry of Youth and Sports (Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı)
Together, these institutions shape the licensing, supervision, and ethical framework of Turkey’s sports agency system.
Licensing and Regulatory Obligations
FIFA and TFF Football Agent Licensing Rules
To legally act as an agent in Turkish football, professionals must obtain both a FIFA Football Agent License (FFAR) and a TFF Football Agent License. These credentials demonstrate compliance with FIFA’s 2023 Agent Regulations and ensure the agent’s eligibility to represent players and clubs at both domestic and international levels.
Sports Agency Registration in Turkey (Spor Ajansı Kaydı)
All agencies must register with the General Directorate of Sports or the TFF depending on their field. The registration process typically includes proof of qualification, corporate documentation, and fee payments. It ensures that only qualified, accountable entities operate within Turkish sports.
Key Legal Instruments
The Turkish Commercial Code (Türk Ticaret Kanunu) governs the establishment and operation of agency companies, while the Turkish Code of Obligations (Türk Borçlar Kanunu) sets the standards for all contractual relations — including representation agreements, fee arrangements, and termination clauses.
Agent Ethics and Conduct
Agents are bound by both FIFA and TFF ethical codes, which strictly prohibit dual representation, conflicts of interest, unlawful inducements, and third-party ownership (TPO) of player rights.
Contractual & Negotiation Law in Sports Agencies
Representation Agreements & Power of Attorney
A valid Representation Agreement (Sporcu Ajans Sözleşmesi) defines the agent’s scope of authority, fiduciary duties, and commission structure. It’s supported by a Power of Attorney (Vekaletname) that legally authorizes the agent to act on the client’s behalf during negotiations.Kurucuk & Associates ensures every agreement is clear, compliant, and enforceable — protecting both sides from future disputes.
Employment Contracts for Players, Coaches, and Managers
From professional football contracts to coaching and management agreements, Turkish law demands precision. Each contract must comply with TFF’s regulatory framework, labor laws, and ethical guidelines — covering salary, duration, image rights, and termination procedures.
Transfer & Loan Agreements
Transfers, loans, option-to-buy clauses, and sell-on provisions are governed by FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) and TFF rules. Agencies play a vital role in drafting, negotiating, and enforcing these agreements.
Endorsement, Sponsorship & Image Rights Agreements
Sports agencies also manage the commercial side of an athlete’s career — including endorsements, image rights licensing, and social media sponsorships. Protecting these rights is essential to maintaining an athlete’s brand value and reputation.
Financial Regulation and Commission Law
Agent Remuneration & Fee Caps
Under FIFA and TFF rules, agent commissions are typically capped between 3%–5% of the player’s total contract value. This maintains fairness and transparency in negotiations.
Commission Calculations & Payment Schedules
Commissions may be structured as lump sums, percentages, or contingency fees. Payment schedules must align with the player’s earnings and contractual milestones.
Tax Obligations and Compliance
Sports agents are subject to corporate tax, withholding tax, and Value Added Tax (KDV) under Turkish fiscal law. Proper structuring and compliance help avoid costly disputes or audits — an area where Kurucuk & Associates provides hands-on guidance.
Common Disputes — Unpaid Fees & Commission Claims
Typical conflicts involve unpaid agent fees, breach of representation contracts, or jurisdictional disputes. Such matters can escalate to arbitration or court, where having a skilled sports law team becomes essential.
Dispute Resolution & Disciplinary Systems
Internal Forums
Sports-related disputes in Turkey are often handled through internal bodies such as:
TFF Arbitration Committee (TFF Tahkim Kurulu)
Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK)
FIFA Football Tribunal and the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC)
National & International Arbitration
If unresolved, cases may proceed to Turkish Arbitration Courts or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland — recognized as the ultimate authority in global sports arbitration.
Common Legal Disputes
Frequent disputes include breach of contract, unjust dismissal, image rights violations, and defamation arising from public controversies or transfer disputes.
Intellectual Property & Image Rights Protection
Licensing and Royalty Agreements
A player’s image and likeness hold enormous commercial value. Proper image rights licensing and royalty agreements ensure athletes are compensated for every use of their brand.
Athlete Brand Trademarks & Personality Rights
Registering athlete names or logos as trademarks with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office safeguards their identity and prevents unauthorized exploitation.
Unfair Competition & Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized use of an athlete’s image, name, or voice can be challenged under unfair competition laws and the Law on Intellectual and Artistic Works (FSEK).
Immigration & Nationality Aspects for Athletes
Work Permits & Residence for Foreign Players
Foreign players and coaches must hold valid work and residence permits, coordinated through the Ministry of Labor, TFF, and the Immigration Directorate.
Citizenship by Investment or Exception for Athletes
Elite athletes may qualify for exceptional Turkish citizenship due to their achievements or investment contributions under Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law.
Visa and Passport Requirements
Agencies must ensure all documentation — visas, passports, ITCs — complies with Turkish and international transfer regulations to avoid registration delays or sanctions.
Corporate & Taxation of Turkish Sports Agencies
Company Formation under Turkish Law
A sports agency may operate as a Limited (Ltd.) or Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.), depending on its scale and ownership structure. Proper formation ensures compliance with the Turkish Commercial Code and liability protection.
Corporate Tax, VAT, and Financial Reporting
Agencies must maintain accurate accounting records, file tax returns, and adhere to financial reporting obligations. Regular audits and transparency are mandatory under Turkish Revenue Administration oversight.
AML & Data Protection (KVKK/GDPR)
Sports agencies handle sensitive financial and personal data. Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and Data Protection Regulations (KVKK/GDPR) is essential to maintain trust and legal security.
Ethical & Compliance Framework
Conflict of Interest & Dual Representation Rules
Agents must avoid representing multiple parties in the same transaction unless there’s clear written consent. The rule protects all sides from unethical influence and hidden conflicts.
Anti-Bribery, Corruption & Third-Party Ownership Ban
Turkish and FIFA laws strictly ban bribery, corruption, and third-party ownership (TPO) of players’ economic rights. Violations can result in lifetime bans or criminal penalties.
Agent Code of Conduct & Fair Practice Standards
Agencies are expected to act with honesty, diligence, and professionalism, serving the athlete’s best interests at all times — the cornerstone of sports representation ethics.
Why Work with a Turkish Sports Law Expert
Whether you are an established international agency or a newly licensed intermediary, working with an experienced legal team makes all the difference.
At Kurucuk & Associates, our Sports Law Department brings together years of experience advising athletes, clubs, and agents across Europe and the Middle East.
We assist with:
Agency setup and licensing
Contract drafting and negotiation
Tax planning and financial compliance
Dispute resolution before TFF, FIFA, and CAS
Our multilingual team combines a global outlook with deep local expertise — ensuring every deal is secure, compliant, and strategically sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Turkish Sports Agency under law?
It’s a licensed intermediary entity that represents athletes, coaches, or clubs in professional negotiations, governed by Law No. 7405 and TFF Regulations.
How can I register a sports agency in Turkey?
By establishing a company under the Turkish Commercial Code and registering it with the General Directorate of Sports or TFF, depending on the sport.
What licenses are required for football agents in Turkey?
Both FIFA and TFF Football Agent Licenses are mandatory for representing players in Turkey.
What are the common legal disputes involving Turkish sports agencies?
Most disputes involve commission claims, contract breaches, defamation, or unauthorized use of image rights.
Can foreign agents operate in Turkey?
Yes — foreign agents may operate once they obtain a valid FIFA/TFF license and comply with Law No. 7405 registration requirements.
Get Expert Legal Guidance on Turkish Sports Agency Regulations
Kurucuk & Associates, based in Istanbul, provides full-spectrum legal support for sports agency licensing, representation, and dispute resolution under Turkish and FIFA law.
Contact our sports law team today for tailored advice that keeps your agency compliant, competitive, and protected.
