Crossword Genius

Footballers court alternative agent (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

factor

'agent' is the definition.
(business term for a representative)

'footballers court alternative' is the wordplay.
'footballers' becomes 'fa' (Football Association abbreviation).
'court' becomes 'ct'.
'alternative' becomes 'or'.
'fa'+'ct'+'or'='FACTOR'

(Other definitions for factor that I've seen before include "One circumstance that contributes to a result" , "Thirteen is one of fifty two" , "Circumstance that influences result" , "Act for (anag)" , "Circumstance that contributes towards a result" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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