Isaac Felizardo

Many Manchester United fans have waited eagerly for a change, and Rúben Amorim, a young coach from Portugal, may be the answer. Amorim made his mark by transforming Sporting CP into champions through his tactics and focus on youth. At Sporting, he trusted young players and encouraged them to grow, which could bring fresh energy to United’s squad. Amorim is known for his 3-4-2-1 setup, which values possession and quick, tactical moves up the pitch. This setup could be a shift for United, who have struggled to control matches recently. If Amorim continues with this style, we may see players like Lisandro Martínez and Bruno Fernandes in roles that highlight their skills to control the ball and create plays. Amorim isn’t just about tactics—he builds a culture. By giving young players chances and building teamwork, he might bring out the best in United’s rising stars like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. His arrival hints at a new direction, where talent and dedication matter, and the team works as one. So, will Amorim be the one to finally bring back United’s winning ways? Only time will tell, but fans have reasons to hope.

Football clubs invest heavily in their scouting departments. They employ large teams of scouts and invest in expensive software with premium data APIs. Yet, despite these investments, many clubs are still wasting a significant portion of their scouting budget. I talk to several scouts every week, and the same issues come up repeatedly. It’s not the scouts themselves that are the problem—it’s the systems in place that aren’t delivering the best return on investment. Here’s why: 1. No Clear, Concise, and Realistic Scouting Strategy A well-defined strategy is crucial. Many clubs fall into the trap of looking for too many positive attributes in every player they scout. This approach is unrealistic and makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly what the team needs. A good scouting strategy is one that’s specific, focuses on real needs, and avoids the “perfect player” mindset, which often leads to wasted effort and unfocused scouting. 2. Ineffective Data Filtering While it’s great to have hundreds of scout reports on hand, the real challenge is sifting through them efficiently. Imagine having a pile of reports for the next transfer window but no way to filter them down to meet the club’s specific requirements. For instance, if you need a 190cm+ center-back with excellent passing skills, can you identify the right players with just a few clicks? Without an efficient data filtering system, scouting becomes an overwhelming, unfocused task. 3. Data Sources Misaligned with Club’s Playing Style Many clubs rely on the same data points that other clubs use, which doesn’t always align with their specific playing style or tactical needs. If everyone is scouting players using the same parameters, how do you know if those players fit your club’s system? Tailoring data sources to the team’s specific tactical requirements is critical for scouting success. The Bottom Line Most clubs see their scouting department as a cost, not as an investment. This leads to a mindset of “the bigger, the better”—adding more scouts and tools in the hope of finding better players. But without a focused strategy, proper data filtering, and an alignment with the club’s playing style, much of this investment is wasted. By implementing the right systems and approaches, clubs can maximize the value of their scouting departments and get the best possible return on their investment. If you are looking for a software to tackle these problems, then I highly recommend you check ScoutDecision here: Football Scouting Software

Football fans are buzzing about Thomas Tuchel becoming the new England manager. Tuchel, known for his success at clubs like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, has taken on one of the biggest roles in international football. But what can we expect from him? Let’s take a look at how he might shape England’s future. 1. Who is Thomas Tuchel? Thomas Tuchel is a German coach with a reputation for smart tactics and making teams hard to beat. He led Chelsea to win the Champions League in 2021 and has managed some of Europe’s top clubs. His teams usually play with a solid defence and sharp attack, which has made him stand out in world football. 2. What style will Tuchel bring to England? Tuchel likes to switch between different formations based on the opposition. He often uses a 3-4-3 system, which allows his teams to be strong defensively but also dangerous going forward. This could suit England’s attacking stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka. Expect Tuchel to bring structure while making full use of England’s attacking talent. 3. Will England’s attack improve too? Tuchel is also known for pressing high up the pitch, meaning his teams try to win the ball back quickly when they lose it. This style of play could benefit England’s fast attackers like Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden, giving them more chances to create and score goals. His approach could help England control games better and make their attack more effective. 4. What about younger players? Tuchel has a strong record of helping young players develop. During his time at Chelsea, he gave chances to players like Mason Mount and Reece James, who became key figures under his leadership. In the England squad, there are exciting young players like Levi Colwill and Eberechi Eze, who could benefit from Tuchel’s coaching and grow into important roles. 5. Can Tuchel lead England to win trophies? England has been close to winning trophies in recent years but has always fallen short. Tuchel knows how to succeed in big competitions, having led Chelsea to Champions League glory. He understands how to prepare for high-pressure games and could help England go one step further and finally lift a major trophy. Final Thoughts Thomas Tuchel’s arrival as England’s coach brings fresh hope for fans. His tactical expertise, focus on defence, and ability to bring the best out of young players could help England reach new heights. With Tuchel in charge, the future looks promising for England’s national team.

Hugo Viana, who used to be the Sporting Director of Sporting CP, has now taken on a new role at Manchester City. This news has many City fans excited, as Viana brings plenty of experience and has a good record for discovering talented players. But what might this mean for City’s scouting approach, and how could things change with him in charge? Focus on Youth Players Viana’s time at Sporting CP, a club famous for its youth academy, suggests that Manchester City could put more attention on finding and developing young players. Sporting CP has produced many top footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, thanks to their excellent scouting system. With Viana at City, the club might look for young players with potential, particularly in Portugal and other regions he is familiar with. This could help City find talent before they become widely known, ensuring they stay competitive for years to come. Widening the Search for Talent Viana’s new role might see City looking at more places to find players. Sporting CP was known for scouting players from all over, including South America, Africa, and Europe. Viana’s experience in these regions could help Manchester City find players in areas where other clubs might not be looking as closely. This could mean City will target players from countries like Brazil and Portugal, which have produced many exciting players lately. His connections in these regions could give City a better chance at finding future stars before other clubs do. A Strategic Approach to Building the Team One of Viana’s strengths is his knowledge of tactics and building squads that suit the manager’s style. With Pep Guardiola as manager, Viana is likely to focus on finding players who can fit into City’s style of play, which is based on keeping possession and moving the ball quickly. City could take a more careful approach to scouting, looking for players who not only have the skill but can adapt to Guardiola’s game plan. This might mean going after players who can play in multiple positions or understand the game on a deeper level. Strong Focus on Skill Viana has always liked players with good technical skills. At Sporting CP, he helped bring in players like Pedro Gonçalves, a smart midfielder who can score goals. At Manchester City, Viana might focus on scouting players who are great with the ball, can handle pressure, and can see opportunities that others miss. This could lead to City continuing to build a squad full of clever, creative players, making them even more dangerous on the pitch. This fits well with Guardiola’s style, which relies heavily on technical quality. What This Means for City Fans For fans of Manchester City, Hugo Viana’s arrival could bring some exciting changes. With his background in spotting and developing young players, City could continue to bring in top talent to compete at the highest level. Fans might also see the club looking further afield for new signings, as Viana’s experience and contacts could open doors to new talent from different parts of the world. His understanding of tactics and team building will help ensure City keeps winning trophies both in England and in Europe. Hugo Viana taking on the role of Sporting Director at Manchester City is likely to bring some positive changes to the club’s scouting system. With his knowledge, experience, and eye for young talent, City may stay one of the top clubs for years to come. If you are looking for a scouting software to build your player lists and reports, then I highly recommend you check ScoutDecision here: Football Scouting Software

The Lassana Diarra case is shaking up football. Diarra, a former football player from France, took FIFA to court because of some of its transfer rules. This case ended up in the European Union's (EU) highest court, which made a big decision that could change the way clubs and agents work with players in the future. What Happened with Diarra? Lassana Diarra played for several top football clubs, including Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Arsenal. But the real issue started when he had a contract dispute with a Russian club. In 2014, FIFA banned Diarra from playing football for 15 months because he refused to pay money to the Russian club after breaking his contract early. Diarra felt this punishment was unfair and decided to take legal action. His case reached the EU’s highest court, which looked at whether FIFA’s rules about transfers and contracts followed EU law. The court ruled that some of FIFA's rules might not fit with EU laws, especially around workers' rights. This decision has caused quite a stir in football, making clubs and agents worry about what might happen next. What Does This Mean for Clubs? Clubs usually rely on FIFA’s transfer rules to protect them when players break contracts. FIFA’s rules help clubs get compensation if a player leaves without completing their contract. But the court's ruling suggests that these rules may be unfair under EU law. If the rules change, clubs might struggle to hold players to their contracts or get the money they’re owed if players leave early. This could lead to more freedom for players to move between teams, but clubs might have to rethink how they sign players and what they do to protect themselves. It could also mean that clubs spend more time and money on legal agreements to make sure their contracts are strong enough under EU laws. How Will Agents Be Affected? Football agents play a big role in helping players move between clubs. The court’s decision could change how agents negotiate contracts and transfers. Agents might have to work harder to understand new rules and make sure they are protecting their clients, both players and clubs. Agents could also face more competition, as players may have more options to leave clubs without as many restrictions. This might make the transfer market even busier, and agents will need to be ready for that. The Future of Football Transfers The Diarra case shows that the rules around football transfers are changing. Clubs and agents will need to pay close attention to how EU laws affect their deals in the future. While this may give players more freedom, it could also create more challenges for clubs and agents. The football world will be watching to see how FIFA reacts and whether it will change its rules to fit EU laws. For now, everyone involved in football transfers needs to prepare for big changes ahead.

5 easy steps to network effectively in football (The 4th step is the MOST powerful) 1. Find your niche (and get really good at it) → It might be youth scouting, youth coaching, or strength & conditioning of ageing players, but you need to have your microcosmos of expertise. → If you want to network, it means you want to learn from others and share value with others, hence you need to know what they don't - that's your niche. 2. Build an authentic online presence → Don't try to "fake it until you make it" in your profile → Share your learnings, your mistakes and your achievements as you go → Post extensively about your niche. Truly inspire others to want to know more about it 3. Network In-Person → Online is great. Most of the great people I've met in football, I've met them online. → But there is something about going the extra mile to meet someone in person that will make the difference in the relationship 4. Introduce mutual connections → If you know A and B, and think they could benefit from knowing each other, then BY ALL MEANS, introduce them to each other and watch as their relationship grows as well as their appreciation for your gesture → This is one of the most underrated gestures regarding relationship building. 5. Join ScoutDecision Whatsapp Communities → We built communities for Scouts & Analysts, Coaches and Agents. It's amazing to see how everyone gets along, shares their experiences and posts job opportunities. Just click one of the links below.

Scouts are often tasked with finding hidden youth gems. To do that, it pays off to know where to find them. The study by CIES Football Observatory looks at how much playing time clubs give to players under 21 years old across 58 leagues around the world. Data is collected from matches in domestic competitions, focusing on which clubs prioritize youth development by offering the most minutes to young players. The data was collected from 09/09/2021 to 09/09/2024. Here are the top five teams that focus the most on youth: Rukh Lviv (Ukraine) – 41.1% of match time goes to under-21 players FC Nordsjælland (Denmark) – 40.7% FC Olympic (Uzbekistan) – 39.9% MŠK Žilina (Slovakia) – 39.7% RB Salzburg (Austria) – 37.4% Do you notice the lack of Big-5 clubs (teams that play in one of the top five football leagues in Europe) in the Top 5. Even in the Top 10! FC Barcelona is the leading team considering only Big-5 leagues, but it is only placed in 17th on the overall table. For more details, you can visit the original source here

FC Porto has launched a Transparency Portal, and there are a few things other football clubs can learn from it. This new platform is a big step forward for the club, aiming to make its operations more open to the public. Here are four lessons other clubs can take away from FC Porto’s new initiative. 1. Clear Communication Builds Trust One of the main features of FC Porto’s portal is that it provides straightforward information about the club’s financial activities. Many clubs keep this sort of information hidden or make it difficult to find. By being open, FC Porto shows that they have nothing to hide, which helps build trust with their fans and the public. This kind of clear communication can make a club’s supporters feel more connected and confident in the way their favourite club is run. 2. Transparency is More Than Just Numbers The portal doesn’t only cover financial data. It includes information about the club’s structure, ownership, and decision-making processes. This gives a more complete picture of how the club operates. Other clubs can follow this example by sharing more than just the basics, offering insights into how decisions are made and who is responsible. This level of openness can encourage more engagement and support from fans, as they feel more involved and informed. 3. Embrace Technology for Better Engagement FC Porto’s portal is easy to use and available online, making it accessible to everyone. It’s a good example of how technology can help clubs communicate better with their fans. Other clubs can learn from this by making use of similar digital tools to share important information in a simple and engaging way. This can include regular updates, easy-to-navigate sections, and a design that works well on both computers and mobile devices. 4. Set a Standard for Others to Follow By creating this portal, FC Porto has set a standard for transparency in football. Other clubs can look at this as a benchmark and think about how they can improve their own openness. Being more transparent is good for the club’s image and can lead to better relationships with fans, sponsors, and the wider community. FC Porto’s Transparency Portal is a great step towards making football clubs more open and accountable. Other clubs can learn a lot from this example, whether it’s about clear communication, using technology, or setting new standards. Being transparent is not just about following the rules – it’s about creating a culture of openness and trust.

When you think about spotting football talent, you might imagine a person with a great eye for the game, someone who can find hidden gems long before anyone else does. That’s exactly what Steve Walsh is known for. He’s the man behind some of the biggest football success stories, like N’Golo Kanté, Jamie Vardy, and Riyad Mahrez. But who is Steve Walsh, and what makes him the ideal example of what a football scout should be? Steve Walsh has had a long career in football, working with clubs like Leicester City and Chelsea. He didn’t become famous by accident. His success came from years of hard work, dedication, and knowing exactly what to look for in a player. It wasn’t just about finding the best players on the pitch; it was about finding the right players for the team. Take Jamie Vardy, for example. Vardy was playing in the lower leagues, far from the glamour of the Premier League. Most people hadn’t heard of him. But Walsh saw something special. He noticed Vardy’s speed, work rate, and attitude. Those are things that don’t always show up in statistics but can make a huge difference on the field. Vardy joined Leicester City, and the rest is history. He helped the team win the Premier League title in 2016, a story that still feels like a fairy tale. Then there’s N’Golo Kanté. When Walsh spotted him, Kanté was playing in France for a team that wasn’t very well-known. But Walsh saw his incredible stamina, ability to win back the ball, and his humble character. Kanté became a key player for Leicester and later for Chelsea, winning trophies wherever he went. Again, Walsh didn’t just see a good player; he saw a perfect fit for the team. Walsh’s method isn’t about looking for the flashiest or most famous players. It’s about understanding what makes a team work well and finding players who can add something special to that mix. He’s also known for trusting his instincts. In a world where everyone looks at statistics and numbers, Walsh believes in seeing a player with his own eyes and judging them on what they can do on the pitch. Being a scout like Steve Walsh isn’t easy. It means travelling to all sorts of places, watching countless games, and sometimes taking risks on players that others might overlook. But when it works out, as it did with Vardy and Kanté, the rewards are enormous. So, what can we learn from Steve Walsh? Well, it’s clear that a good scout needs more than just football knowledge. You need to understand people, see potential others might miss, and be brave enough to make bold decisions. It’s not just about the obvious stars but the ones who might be shining below the surface, waiting for their chance to prove themselves. Steve Walsh shows us what being a football scout is truly about. It’s about passion, hard work, and sometimes a bit of luck. He’s found success by staying true to these principles, and that’s why he’s respected throughout football. Whether you’re a fan of the game or dream of being a scout yourself, there’s a lot to admire in the way Steve Walsh has done his job. He’s more than just a scout; he’s a talent finder who knows exactly what a team needs and how to get it. If you are looking for a software to up your scouting, then I highly recommend you check ScoutDecision here: Football Scouting Software

In the Brazilian football world, it's common to hear of such profession. In Brazil, the "Executivo de Futebol" (Football Executive) is a key professional responsible for overseeing the football department. In Brazilian football, the "Executivo de Futebol" is a key figure responsible for managing the football department of a club. Their duties typically involve: 1. Strategic planning: Setting the club's football strategy, goals, and developing plans to achieve them. 2. Team management: Overseeing the first team, youth teams, and other football-related departments to align with the club's strategy. 3. Player recruitment and scouting: Identifying, evaluating, and signing new players, along with managing the scouting network. 4. Player development: Coordinating training programs, youth development, and talent identification. 5. Coach and staff management: Supporting the coaching staff and ensuring they have the resources to perform their duties. 6. Budgeting and financial management: Managing the department’s budget, including player salaries and transfers. 7. Relationship building: Maintaining connections with other clubs, agents, and stakeholders for transfers and partnerships. 8. Compliance and regulations: Ensuring the club follows regulations concerning player registration, transfers, and competition rules. In European clubs, similar roles may include: 1. Sporting Director: Oversees the football department, including recruitment and youth development. 2. Technical Director: Focuses on technical aspects such as player development and coaching. 3. Director of Football: Manages strategy, recruitment, and budgeting for the football department. 4. Head of Football Operations: Handles day-to-day management, logistics, and planning of football operations. While the titles may differ, the core functions of these roles are comparable to that of the "Executivo de Futebol" in Brazil.

Larne FC - a ScoutDecision strategic scouting partner - has achieved something historic by becoming the first team from the Irish League to reach the group stages of a European competition. This remarkable feat occurred when Larne advanced to the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League, a tournament that brings together clubs from across Europe. In this article, we’ll explore how Larne FC made it to this point, the challenges they faced, and what this achievement means for the club and Northern Irish football. A Brief History of Larne FC Established in 1889, Larne FC has been an important part of Northern Ireland’s football scene. Despite being well-known locally, the club hadn’t seen major success on a European stage until recently. Things began to shift as Larne FC started to compete more seriously in both the Danske Bank Premiership (Northern Ireland’s top league) and in European tournaments. Their recent success in the UEFA Conference League is a turning point for the club and football in Northern Ireland. What is the UEFA Conference League? The UEFA Europa Conference League was created as a new tournament, aimed at giving clubs from smaller footballing countries a chance to play at a European level. While not as high-profile as the UEFA Champions League or Europa League, it gives clubs from nations like Northern Ireland the opportunity to compete on a bigger stage. For Larne FC, making it to the group stages is a significant achievement. It gives them the chance to play against other European clubs, gain experience, and build their reputation internationally. Larne FC’s Route to the Group Stages To reach the Conference League group stages, Larne played through several qualifying rounds. They faced difficult opponents, such as Lincoln Red Imps from Gibraltar, a team with European experience. After a 3-1 victory at Inver Park, Larne secured their place in the next stage. Key Matches Larne vs Lincoln Red Imps: In this crucial game, Larne showed resilience and strategy, ultimately winning 3-1 and earning a spot in the Conference League group stages. Earlier Qualifying Rounds: Before facing the Red Imps, Larne won several matches, proving their strength and determination early on. Challenges Along the Way Larne FC’s progress in Europe wasn’t easy. Competing against teams with larger budgets and more experience required careful planning and teamwork. Despite being a smaller club, Larne relied on strong leadership, effective tactics, and the loyalty of their fans. Off the field, Larne FC had to manage travel, scheduling, and the different styles of play they encountered. These challenges tested their adaptability and determination. Impact on Football in Northern Ireland Larne FC’s success isn’t just a victory for them—it’s a positive moment for Northern Irish football. Historically, teams from Northern Ireland haven’t seen much success in European competitions. By reaching the group stages of the UEFA Conference League, Larne has raised the bar for what is possible for Irish League clubs. This accomplishment can encourage other teams from Northern Ireland to push for similar results. It also highlights the quality of local football, which often doesn’t get the same level of attention as leagues from larger countries. Financial and Commercial Impact Making it to the Conference League group stages comes with financial benefits. Larne FC will earn prize money from UEFA, alongside increased ticket sales, sponsorships, and media exposure. These funds will be valuable for improving the club, such as strengthening their squad and upgrading facilities. Larne FC’s Role in the Community Larne FC isn’t just a football club; it plays an important role in the local community. Their success in Europe has brought pride to the town of Larne, with more fans attending matches and greater enthusiasm for the sport locally. Young players are especially inspired, now seeing that a small team from Northern Ireland can make a mark on the European stage. Looking Ahead With their spot in the UEFA Conference League group stages secured, Larne FC now faces the challenge of playing against some of Europe’s well-established clubs. These games will be valuable opportunities to improve and compete at a higher level. As Larne continues to grow, this experience will help them solidify their position as a team to watch in both domestic and European football.

Whether you are on vacation, or back to work in the stadium, we both know you will watch all the EURO matches back-to-back. Why not use this effort productively and boost your personal brand and career? 1. Expand Database - Expand your personal scouted players database - Enrich it with underdog players you see playing in this EURO edition 2. Showcase your Player and Match Analysis - Use social media to show your player scouting skills - Use livestream videos to edit your own match analysis knowledge 3. Stay Updated - Learn from other experts' analyses and reports - Follow the "Mind Games" blog posts of Rodrigo Ferreira in ScoutDecision blog with a Sport Psychology analysis 4. Experiment with technologies - There are a lot of software tools and data sources that you haven't tried yet - If you were looking to have a free trial of ScoutDecision, now might be a good time to have a go 5. BONUS: Live Networking - If you can make it to Germany, definitely hit people up - Be it Linkedin or Instagram, pull up a friendly "Hello! I'd love to connect with you" and make new friends through football

FIFA conducted a football agent exam on 22 May 2024. Which raises the question: How? How does one become a FIFA-licenced Football Agent in 2024? To become a FIFA-licensed football agent in 2024, you must follow these steps: 1. Eligibility Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements set by FIFA, such as: - Clean Record: You must not have been found delivering Football Agent Services without the required license or registration as an intermediary in the 24 months before applying. - No Suspension: You must not have been suspended (for 2 years or more), disqualified, or struck off by a regulatory authority or sports governing body. - Exam and CPD: You must pass the licensing exam and comply with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. - Application Fee: Payment of a fee is required as part of the application process. 2. Application If you are eligible, you should then apply via the FIFA Agent Platform. Beware of deadlines, though! For example, the application period for this May's exam was from 9 January 2024 to 31 March 2024. 3. Examination If your application is successful, you will be invited to sit the FIFA Football Agent Exam. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of FIFA regulations and the football transfer system. 4. Exam Details The exam lasts 60 minutes and comprises twenty multiple-choice questions. The pass mark is 75%. You must bring your own laptop and provide your own internet connection to take the exam. 5. Pay the annual fee For your FIFA licence to remain active, you must pay the annual fee of USD 600! While USD 600 might not seem too much in the USA and some parts of Europe, agents from other parts of the world with weaker currencies have a hard time getting all the necessary funds. 6. CPD to represent minors (Optional) Agents who want to represent minors or clubs in transactions involving minors must first complete a CPD course on minors If you are interested in representing minors, please be aware of further regulations on approaching a minor directly, having the consent of the legal guardians and always complying with national laws. Lastly, a disclaimer: this information can change so please always verify FIFA's official website for up-to-date information.

Before getting into football, I was an engineering A-student. Yep, a nerd. A 100% certified one. Let me give you my 2 cents on how to pass your FIFA Agents licence examination and share with you some tips for studying for it. 1. Post-its You'd go crazy if you saw my walls full of post-its before exams. It turns out that creating a visual summary representation helps you learn better. 2. Open-book test Open-book exams require different studying strategies. Instead of trying to memorize everything, try to memorize where each bit of information lies, and understand the logic behind it. Understanding beats Memorizing. Every single time. 3. Practice mock-up exams There are a few mock-up exams available online. Practice doing those as realistically as possible - make them time-bound and try to emulate the environment of your exam. 4. Don't overstudy the night before Burning the midnight oil the night before is a mistake. It has been scientifically proven to be detrimental to your performance. Give it a final read and go to bed early instead. 5. Relax Have some chamomile infusion the night before, if you're stressed. Don't drink too much coffee/tea in the morning. Relaxation will let you reach the challenge state you need to work out the answers. 6. Read questions carefully Especially true if you are not used to having exams, read the question 2 or more times until you understand all the nuances. I hope this helps and good luck!

I've spoken with way too many football agents without a licence. FIFA is doing a terrible job at explaing agents why they should get one in the first place. So I decided to help FIFA. Here are my 5 reasons why all serious football agents should get a FIFA licence. 1. Credibility and trust Having a FIFA license demonstrates that the agent is acting within the law. It signifies professionalism and competence - enhancing an agent’s reputation. Because he can lose his licence if he does any wrongdoing, it builds trust with players, clubs, and football authorities. 2. Access to official databases and FIFA events Licensed agents gain access to FIFA’s official databases, facilitating player scouting and representation. They can also attend FIFA events, conferences, and workshops, expanding their professional network. 3. Avoids conflicts of interest FIFA-licensed agents follow strict ethical guidelines, minimizing conflicts between their interests and those of players or clubs. They create transparency in the whole transfer ecossystem by preventing illegal practices. 4. Legal recognition and authority FIFA-licensed agents operate within legal frameworks, ensuring legitimacy in their dealings. Because Licensed agents understand contract intricacies, they reach stable and fair agreements for players and clubs. 5. Global reach and market access A FIFA license enables agents to operate internationally, opening doors to the global football market. By the way, if you are still managing your football agency with spreadsheets and computer folders, I've got great news for you: we developed a software to help you manage your agency and you can check it out here.

Whether you are a scout, coach, agent or sports director, there are 6 reasons why you should have a football players watchlist. In football, you never know when you’ll be made redundant – or “sacked” in football jargon. It’s very easy for the top-management to blame someone else for short-term failures. And heads will roll… Independently of who you are, you should create your player list because: 1. You are more valuable Future employers, be it clubs, academies, colleges or agencies will want to know what you bring to the table. Your knowledge is the number one reason the conversation starts in the first place. But what extras do you bring? Maybe some great connections with South American agents or Ghanaian academies? Why not a portfolio of players ready to deploy and hire to fix the current squad’s shortcomings? That is the strategy stellar scouts use. Alongside their jobs, the best scouts always keep their database of players updated just in case. And so do many coaches. 2. Unfair advantage While your competitors are running around at the start of the season because their Striker just left, You already have a shortlist of 3 players to replace your recently injured Centre-back. That will transmit emotional stability and let your staff focus on what really matters – winning the next match. 3. Self-esteem and self-confidence Having a fail-safe plan will give you the natural confidence that comes with knowing you can make mistakes. After all, you have your own database that you maintain without external help. So, you must at least be good at it. 4. Keeps you in the habit of watching football Even when you are not working Or if you are just stuffed with emails and paperwork during week days Having to watch football matches to keep your player shortlist up to date, will keep you in the loop of watching and thinking football. 5. Gives you a headstart When you find a new role, you are not waiting for your President, Sports Director or Chief Scout to tell you how to fill in the gaps in your team. You bring your own contacts, your own players, your own view And can actually start recruiting for certain positions faster. 6. Nurturing relationships Humans are not very rational beings and tend to trust their instincts more than their brains. And for a good reason, right? We are still alive. Therefore, creating strong relationships with players you have on your watchlist is key. One day, you might want to hire them, and they might even have a better offer from another club. But who do they trust the most? Maybe that hire will make the difference between a successful season… … and a terrible one. If you’d like to try out a software that would simplify creating and updating your players database and scout reports, check our current special offer.

If you’re passionate about football and dream of spotting top talent, becoming a football scout might be the perfect role for you. It’s a path that many football enthusiasts aspire to take, but figuring out where to start can be tricky. This post aims to answer the most common questions about breaking into football scouting. Whether you’re curious about the necessary steps, the skills you need, or how to connect with the right people, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re asking yourself, “How can I become a football scout?” you’re in the right place.

In the world of football scouting, I've talked with over five hundred scouts to understand the really hard truths they face. It's not easy; let me tell you why. First, the hours are all over the place. You never know when you'll be working. And having a stable job? That's when your team does well and has enough money. Lots of traveling sounds fun, but it can mess up your time with family and fun. And there's a big fight to get a scouting job, plus you always have to find great players – that's super tough. But is it all worth it? Well, that's something each person needs to figure out. But even with all the problems, there's something special about it, something that keeps scouts going. Picture this: traveling everywhere to scout for awesome players, making friends with lots of sports people, feeling the excitement when you find a superstar in the making, and just loving being part of the game – something you've loved since you were little. In the world of football scouting, where every game might show off the next big star, the journey is both tricky and fun. And as we go through the ups and downs, one thing is clear – scouting for talent never stops being exciting.

How many millions does an injury cost a football club? 💰 "I said if I wish you good luck it would be a lie," Jurgen Klopp told Mohamed Salah before his departure to Africa Cup of Nations. And rightly so, as Salah has been “ruled out for up to a month” after sustaining hamstring injury. After last years’ experience, where Football injuries costed European leagues €767 million in post-World Cup season (source: Bloomberg) Klopp was worried that the physical and mental strain of Egypt’s stint at the Africa Cup of Nations would bring one of his key players injured. And it did. As presented by Premier Injuries, Salah’s Harmstring injury is the costier and most frequent injury in topflight football. But how much do these injuries cost clubs, taking into account only lost wages? Let’s look at the top 3: Eden Hazard at Real Madrid: - 252 days injured - € 475 000 weekly wage - £ 17 130 000 money lost Philippe Coutinho at FC Barcelona: - 233 days injured - € 475 000 weekly wage - € 15 800 000 money lost Neymar at Paris Saint-German: - 95 days injured - € 1 000 000 weekly wage - € 13 629 980 money lost With these values, it’s no surprise that clubs invest so much in injury prevention. And they should. Preventing injuries is one of the best ways to enhance team performance. And also one of the most cost-effective. I saw this for myself when we helped our partners at Mt. St. Mary’s Women’s soccer team reach their best conference tournament result in program history. By helping them track players’ internal loads, the team did not sustain a single major injury this season. So, remember: take care of your players and they will take care of the rest.

Did you miss the memo? AFCON 2023 is making waves in 2024! Better late than never, right? 🏆 🌍 Quick Recap The 34th edition of Africa Cup of Nations, aka AFCON 2023, was set to sizzle in Ivory Coast for the second time. But guess what? Weather (rainy season, to be more exact) had other plans, so CAF hit the pause button, moving the party to 13 Jan – 11 Feb 2024. 🏆 Defending Champions Senegal, you're still holding the crown! 🇸🇳 🌐 Host Selection Drama Guinea had the gig but danced out of sync, losing the hosting hat to Morocco in 2025. Ivory Coast said, 'Hold my beer' and shifted from 2021 to 2023, and later begged CAF to dodge the rainy season to Jan–Feb 2024. Smart move? 📅 President's Confirmation On January 30, 2019, the CAF Confederation of African Football President and Ivory Coast's head shook hands – the plan was set. Ivory Coast to 2023, and here we are! ⌛ Conclusion Get ready for AFCON 2023 (in 2024)! It's fashionably late, but like they say, better late than never, right ⚽

The World Cup is in flames, the last clashes of the Round of 16 have shown some incredible performances and great displays of strength and character. The competition carries on and so does ScoutDecision's outlook on it. We will go over a few key figures regarding each team's group-stage games for the Portugal v Switzerland clash. Portugal: Portugal's national team finished at the top of their group. However, the last game against Korea ended in an upset for the Portuguese. Now, they face an opponent who is familiar, since they played with them two times in this calendar year alone. The mission for Portugal is to combine tactical discipline and the talent of the squad to make a memorable run. Switzerland: The Swiss beat Serbia in the last game of their group. Their electrifying performance was rewarded with the qualification for the Round of 16 and are looking to capitalize on their good performances against an opponent who they beat in their last clash back in June. Stay tuned for more interesting figures as we head to the decisive rounds of the World Cup!