Operating System. At the time of writing, the Premier League is reported to be considering scrapping this approach and simplifying matters so that a player pays their agent the commission due. FIFA deregulated the industry in March , leaving the task of certifying agents to countries’ respective football federations, according to German newspaper Der Spiegel. It decides how much everything costs: a cup of coffee, a house and even your salary. Agents take a commission generally anywhere up to 10 per cent from the athletes they represent, so someone who acts on behalf of stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi will earn a significant fee. They tend to boast an extensive client profile, which usually includes the biggest stars — and thus earners — in the game.