The FIFA Disciplinary Code 2026 is not yet included in the FIFA agent exam syllabus. Even though it entered into force on May 1, 2026, candidates must still study the previous version (2025 edition), which remains the official reference in the study materials. However, the 2026 edition helps candidates understand the latest developments in FIFA regulations, including stricter sanctions, stronger anti-discrimination measures, and new obligations for soccer stakeholders.
Last updated: 05/22/2026
FIFA officially enforced a new edition of its Disciplinary Code on May 1, 2026. This document governs all offenses, sanctions, and disciplinary procedures in global soccer and is updated regularly.
As with every new version of the Disciplinary Code published by FIFA, candidates taking the FIFA agent exam may wonder whether they need to include this text in their preparation for the official exam.
Let’s take a closer look at the importance of this document for the FIFA agent exam, the main developments introduced in this new version, and how to effectively incorporate it into your preparation.
This question frequently comes up among candidates who are aware of this new version. As of today, the FIFA Disciplinary Code 2026 is not yet included in the official study materials used for the FIFA agent exam.
FIFA regularly updates its regulatory framework, but the exam syllabus follows a separate timeline. In practice, candidates must therefore study the previous version of the Disciplinary Code included in FIFA’s approved study materials.
The PDF version of the FIFA Disciplinary Code is available with every update on the official FIFA Documents page. You can also download it directly below:
Adopted by the FIFA Council on April 28, 2026, and entering into force on May 1, 2026, the FIFA Disciplinary Code 2026 is the reference text that:
This text applies to member associations, clubs, officials, players, referees, holders of a FIFA agent license, match organizers, and any person appointed by FIFA to carry out an official function.
The document, published in French, English, and Spanish (with the English version prevailing in the event of discrepancies), is structured into five main sections and one annex.
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| I. General Provisions | Scope of application, possible sanctions, statutes of limitations, reporting and cooperation duties |
| II. Offenses | Violations of the Laws of the Game, improper conduct, match manipulation, failure to comply with decisions |
| III. Organization and Jurisdiction | Composition of judicial bodies, procedures, evidence, deadlines, CAS |
| IV. Special Procedures | Expulsions, suspensions, carryover of cautions, worldwide extension of sanctions |
| V. Final Provisions | Official languages, disciplinary codes of member associations, entry into force |
| Annex 1 | Detailed list of disciplinary measures with numerical scales by offense and competition |
Key Figures From the FIFA Disciplinary Code 2026
The FIFA Disciplinary Code 2026 builds on previous versions while strengthening several key areas to better address the current challenges facing soccer.
The 2026 edition includes a detailed Annex 1 listing disciplinary measures by type of offense and competition (World Cup, men’s and women’s club competitions, youth competitions, futsal, beach soccer, and Olympic tournaments).
This scale now includes:
Article 15 of the Code, which addresses discrimination and racist incidents, remains a central provision. The three-step procedure (match interruption, temporary suspension, definitive abandonment of the match) has been maintained and clarified.
One major update should be highlighted: the maximum fine for a racist incident targeting an official during a match can now reach USD 5,000,000.
Article 21 governs non-compliance with financial decisions issued by FIFA bodies or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It outlines the consequences for clubs (including transfer bans), member associations, and individuals — including agents — who fail to meet their financial obligations.
For licensed soccer agents and candidates preparing for the 2026 FIFA agent exam, the FIFA Disciplinary Code 2026 is more than just a theoretical document. It directly impacts agents’ activities and defines several key obligations.
Article 3 specifies that holders of a FIFA agent license fall within the scope of the Code. Any violation, failure to cooperate, non-compliance with a financial decision, or inappropriate conduct may result in disciplinary sanctions.
According to Article 11, any person subject to the Code must immediately report any offense or attempted offense. For agents, this notably includes approaches related to match manipulation under Article 20. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in a ban from any soccer-related activity for at least two years.
Article 12 establishes a duty of active cooperation, including responding to requests for information and providing evidence. Agents who refuse to cooperate may face disciplinary sanctions.
The scale in Annex 1 specifies the fines and deadlines applicable depending on the amounts owed. These provisions directly affect agents involved in disputes or proceedings before the FIFA Football Tribunal.
FIFA updates the study materials for the agent exam independently from the publication of new regulations. As a result, a regulation may officially be in force without yet being included in the exam syllabus.
That is currently the case for the FIFA Disciplinary Code 2026. The version included in the official study materials for the FIFA agent exam remains the previous edition.
| Version of the Disciplinary Code | In Force (FIFA) | Included in the FIFA Agent Exam |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 Edition | No (replaced) | Yes: must be studied for the exam |
| May 2026 Edition | Yes (since May 1, 2026) | Not yet: should still be monitored |
Even though the 2026 edition is not yet part of the official exam syllabus, staying informed about it offers several practical advantages.
The publication of the FIFA Disciplinary Code 2026 is important for anyone preparing for the FIFA agent exam. It reflects the ongoing evolution of FIFA regulations, and future agents will need to understand this framework as part of their professional responsibilities.
However, the priority for exam preparation remains clear: candidates should focus only on the version of the Disciplinary Code included in FIFA’s official study materials. As of today, that remains the September 2025 edition.
