FIFA Disciplinary Code

What is the FIFA Disciplinary Code?

The FIFA Disciplinary Code is a document addressing the regulatory framework of soccer, involving all jurisdictional bodies of FIFA.

The jurisdictional bodies of FIFA include the Disciplinary Committee, and the Appeals Committee. Their selection is based on criteria of knowledge, abilities, and experience to ensure the effective accomplishment of their missions.

• The Disciplinary Committee is tasked with imposing sanctions in accordance with the Statutes and the FIFA Disciplinary Code, affecting member associations, clubs, referees, players, agents, and licensed match organizers.
• The Appeals Committee is dedicated to handling appeals against decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee.

What is the FIFA Disciplinary Code composed of?

As seen above, the FIFA Disciplinary Code is a set of rules and regulations governing the organization and operation of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). The FIFA Disciplinary Code is a document. Here's how it is composed:

• The first part contains general provisions.
• Following the general provisions, the FIFA Disciplinary Code includes a section on offenses. Here are the main chapters of this part of the FIFA Disciplinary Code:

1. Chapter 1: Infringementes of the Laws of the Game
2. Chapter 2: Disorderliness at Matches and Competitions
3. Chapter 3: Other Provisions
4. Chapter 4: Implementation of Disciplinary Measures

• The third part includes a section on "Organization and Powers". Here are the main chapters of this third part of the FIFA Disciplinary Code:

1. Chapter 1: General Provisions
2. Chapter 2: Decision-Making Process
3. Chapter 3: Disciplinary Committee
4. Chapter 4: Appeal Committee

• It concludes with sections on "Special Procedures" and "Final Provisions".

The Evolution of the FIFA Disciplinary Code

The FIFA Disciplinary Code is a document that undergoes changes over the years, such as the addition or modification of new articles on important subjects. Here are some changes and additions that FIFA has already made concerning the disciplinary code:

• Strengthening of sanctions and possible disciplinary measures, with a detailed list (fines, suspensions, bans, matches behind closed doors, relegation, exclusion from competitions, etc.).
• Clarification of the personal scope of application, which now explicitly includes several key actors in soccer, including FIFA-licensed agents and FIFA-licensed match agents.
• Stronger provisions on discrimination and racist incidents, with a detailed disciplinary framework, including the three-step procedure (interruption / temporary suspension / abandonment).
• Strict handling of match manipulation, with sanctions that may include lengthy or even lifetime bans, as well as obligations to cooperate and report.
• Modernized disciplinary procedures, including the use of FIFA’s Legal Portal for official communications and case tracking.

With the FIFA Disciplinary Code potentially evolving from year to year, for the sake of transparency, commitment, and development, preparation for the player agent exam is also impacted by these changes, particularly in the highlighted questions.

FIFA Disciplinary Code: Preparation for the Player Agent Exam

Now that you understand the composition of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, it's important to know that this code must be learned if you wish to be prepared for the FIFA player agent exam in the best possible way.

Indeed, the FIFA Disciplinary Code, just like the FIFA statutes, for example, is an integral part of the FIFA agent exam. During the agent exam, you may encounter questions regarding certain FIFA circulars or even the FIFA Disciplinary Code, in addition to questions concerning the FIFA statutes.

It is worth noting that all the course content available at SportsAgent Institute is structured around the FIFA agent exam regulations.

You can find questions related to the FIFA Disciplinary Code on our platform!

Discover sample questions extracted from our SportsAgent Institute platform, related to the FIFA Disciplinary Code, that you will be able to find in the player agent exam.

Questions on the FIFA Disciplinary Code

To help you practise, here is a set of three questions drawn from the FIFA Disciplinary Code, similar to those you will encounter in the official exam.

Q1. When does the limitation period start for prosecuting an infringement in the first instance?

1. From the day on which the most recent infringement was committed
2. From the day on which the infringement ended
3. From the day on which the perpetrator committed the infringement
4. From the day on which the decision becomes final and binding

Answer: 3. The limitation period starts from the day on which the perpetrator committed the infringement (article 10).

Q2. What happens if the parties fail to collaborate during the proceedings?

1. The parties are fined
2. The judicial body reaches a decision using the available file
3. The parties are given more time to collaborate
4. The case is dismissed

Answer: 2. If the parties fail to collaborate, the judicial body may reach a decision on the case using the file in its possession (article 12).

Q3. In cases where a decision by the referee involves an obvious error, what can the FIFA judicial bodies review?

1. The match result affected by the decision
2. The disciplinary consequences of the decision
3. The referee's decision itself
4. The player's identity involved in the decision

Answer: 2. In cases where a decision by the referee involves an obvious error, the FIFA judicial bodies may only review the disciplinary consequences of that decision (article 9).

Looking for more questions? You can find more questions on this topic on this page.

Additional Resources to the FIFA Disciplinary Code

As seen previously, to prepare for the agent exam, the FIFA Disciplinary Code is not enough. By completing mock exams, you can test your knowledge and identify the areas that need improvement before the official test. You should also explore other key resources and official documents that will help you feel fully prepared on exam day.

Download the FIFA Disciplinary Code PDF

Thorough preparation for the FIFA exam requires a comprehensive understanding of the FIFA code as seen previously.

To download the FIFA Disciplinary Code PDF: FIFA Disciplinary Code

Study Material Documents for the Exam

The disciplinary code is an essential document but must be accompanied by all other articles, circulars, present in the study material for the FIFA exam.