Dispute Resolution in Football from the Perspective of Player Agents: Arbitration, Regulation, and the Applicability of Brazilian Law

This thesis analyses dispute resolution in football from the perspective of player agents, focusing on the interaction between FIFA regulations, CAS arbitration, the FIFA Football Tribunal, Brazil’s CNRD and national courts. It examines the legal nature of FIFA and national dispute resolution bodies, the enforceability of arbitration clauses, and the importance of consent, impartiality and due process in sports arbitration. The thesis gives particular attention to Brazilian law, assessing when FIFA or CBF regulations may conflict with principles such as contractual autonomy, freedom of profession, free competition and national public policy.

It concludes that football agents must adopt a strategic approach when drafting jurisdiction and applicable law clauses, especially in cross-border contracts, to ensure that their rights can be effectively protected and enforced both within the sports system and before national courts.