FIFA SUSTAINABLE

SOURCING CODE
September 2021 Edition
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1. INTRODUCTION

Our commitment FIFA expects its Suppliers to continuously improve

As an international sports federation with global their sustainability performance and encourages
reach, FIFA recognises its obligation to manage them to implement policies and to provide
the potential environmental, social, economic goods and services that go beyond the minimum
and ethical impacts of the activities along its requirements outlined in the Code.
supply chains.
Scope
The FIFA Sustainable Sourcing Code (the Code) FIFA expects its Suppliers to abide by the
outlines FIFA’s commitments as an organisation requirements set out in this Code. Furthermore,
as well as the scope of application and minimum FIFA also expects its Suppliers to cascade these
requirements with which FIFA expects its requirements down the supply chain and
suppliers, service providers, partners, sponsors, manage supply-chain performance to ensure
licensees, broadcasters, consultants and other that employees, subsuppliers, subcontractors or
business partners supplying goods and services sublicensees, and other third parties acting on
to FIFA (Suppliers) to comply. The Code reflects their behalf, comply with the Code.
FIFA’s commitment to contributing to the
achievement of the United Nations (“UN”) FIFA continuously assesses the risks, relevance
Sustainable Development Goals and to promote and materiality of the topics covered in this Code
adherence to internationally agreed standards by supply chain category, sector and region.
and best practices, including the OECD Guidelines This risk analysis is used to inform how FIFA uses
for Multinational Enterprises, the UN Guiding monitoring tools and enforcement in line with
Principles on Business and Human Rights, the the risk levels identified.
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (the
“UNCRC”) and the United Nations Framework Suppliers will be required to sign the Code (see
Convention on Climate Change (the “UNFCCC”). the Sustainability Commitment Statement on
FIFA may publish additional and more detailed p. 9) to confirm that they have read, understood
requirements related to specific regions and and agree to be bound by the requirements of
sectors that will supplement the provisions of the the Code.
Code.
 FIFA SUSTAINABLE SOURCING CODE 3

2. ENFORCEMENT

Compliance and right to audit its Suppliers’ preventative systems. FIFA also
Compliance with the Code will be monitored reserves the right to terminate its agreements
and Suppliers must be able to demonstrate with immediate effect, or to refuse to do
both their own compliance and that of their business, with any Supplier that fails, or refuses,
subcontractors upon FIFA’s request. FIFA may to comply with the Code, or fails to address non-
use a range of monitoring tools, including but compliance, notwithstanding any provision in
not limited to management plans, independent any such agreement to the contrary and without
audits and time-bound corrective action plans. thereby incurring any liability to the Supplier.
At any time, FIFA may require Suppliers and their
subcontractors to sign up to a sustainable supply Reporting
chain data platform. Suppliers shall, on FIFA’s reasonable request,
report at any time on their compliance with the
FIFA reserves the right to audit, either by itself requirements of the Code.
or through an appointed third party, Suppliers’
compliance with the Code and Suppliers must Stakeholder engagement
grant FIFA, and/or the appointed third party, the FIFA expects Suppliers to meaningfully engage
necessary access to property and information, with external stakeholders in developing and
including that of their subcontractors. Audits implementing measures to comply with the Code.
and inspections may take place unannounced. This may include, in particular, engagements with
Suppliers will address any identified non- those impacted by its activities or their authorised
compliance in a timely manner through a representatives. Suppliers shall support, and
corrective action plan. Suppliers shall meet any participate in, any multi stakeholder forum or
costs incurred from subsequent action taken to other stakeholder engagement requested or set
rectify non-compliance. up by FIFA to facilitate an open and structured
dialogue between the relevant stakeholders,
In principle, FIFA seeks to work with its Suppliers including civil society experts, in relation to any
to understand the challenges within its supply topic covered by the Code in connection with
chain, to support Suppliers in addressing potential goods and services provided by Suppliers.
identified non-compliance and to strengthen
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3. MINIMUM SUSTAINABILITY REQUIREMENTS

The following section sets out general minimum Employment standards

requirements, beyond applicable laws and FIFA is committed to ensuring decent working
regulations, with which Suppliers are expected conditions and fair recruitment for workers
to comply as well as customs requirements. along its supply chains for the goods and
Throughout the procurement process, FIFA may service it procures by fully complying with
require Suppliers to comply with additional, internationally recognised standards, including
service-specific requirements, depending on relevant International Labour Organization
identified risks and priority issues related to the (“ILO “) conventions. As a minimum, Suppliers
supplied goods and/or services. shall ensure that the following requirements are
applied across their supply chain:

3.1 Human rights Forced labour: Suppliers may not participate

in, or benefit from, forced labour, whether in
General principles the form of prison labour, indentured labour,
In line with its Human Rights Policy, FIFA is bonded labour, human trafficking or otherwise.
committed to respecting human rights and will Workers may not be compelled to work through
refrain from entering into agreements with any force, the threat of force, or intimidation of any
entity that engages in human rights abuse, or form. Under no circumstances shall Suppliers
supports, solicits, or encourages others to do so. retain worker passports, travel or other identity
For the avoidance of doubt, this also includes documents, unless uninterrupted, free and
respect for the rights of children. Accordingly, immediate access is granted to the rightful
Suppliers are required to respect human rights in owner. Workers may not pay a fee for a job. If
all aspects of their activities related to the goods any such recruitment, agency or related fees are
and services provided to FIFA in line with the UN found to have been paid by workers, then such
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, fees shall be repaid to them. Where agencies
Children’s Rights and Business Principles and any are involved in the recruitment process, only
other additional standard requested by FIFA. This legally licensed recruitment agencies should be
entails taking adequate measures, to: used to hire workers. Suppliers shall put systems
• avoid causing or contributing to adverse in place to ensure that any agency with which
human rights impacts through their own they work does not charge fees to workers or
activities, and address such impacts when they engage in fraudulent or exploitative recruitment
occur; practices, including through the use of additional
• seek to prevent or mitigate adverse human intermediaries.
rights impacts that are directly linked to
Suppliers’ activities through their business Child labour: Suppliers may not, under any
relationships (including any entity directly circumstances, use child labour. As defined by
linked to its operations, products or services), the ILO, the minimum age for employment shall
even if Suppliers have not contributed to such not be below the age of 15, the local minimum
impacts; and age for employment, or the age for completing
• provide for, or cooperate with, the remediation compulsory education, whichever is more
of adverse human rights impacts where stringent and best protects the rights of children
Suppliers may have caused or contributed as per the UNCRC. Young people under the age
to such adverse impacts through their own of 18 may not be exposed to hazardous work
activities. as defined by the ILO, meaning work that is
 FIFA SUSTAINABLE SOURCING CODE 5

likely to jeopardise a person’s health, safety and wages must equal or exceed the higher of the
development including, but not limited to work minimum wage or the industry wage, and all
which exposes children to physical, psychological legally mandated benefits including insurance,
or sexual abuse; night shifts; long working hours holidays and leave shall be provided. In addition
and overtime; moving heavy objects; hazardous to their compensation for regular hours of work,
substances, extreme temperature and noise; employees shall be compensated for overtime
work underground or under water; and handling hours at the rate legally required in the country
dangerous machinery. A child or young person’s of operation. Suppliers may not deduct earnings
fitness for the employment in which they are from workers’ salaries except where required by
engaged shall be subject to medical supervision applicable laws and regulations, such as taxes
until they have attained the age of 18 years. and social insurance. Wage deductions in relation
to disciplinary measures are prohibited. Suppliers
Non-discrimination: Suppliers must not shall pay accurate wages regularly, in a timely
discriminate against, or make illegal or unfair/ manner and at least on a monthly basis.
arbitrary distinctions between, workers,
including in relation to recruitment, salary, Working hours: employees shall follow the
benefits, advancement, discipline, termination internationally recognised norm of a maximum
or retirement, on the basis of race, skin colour, standard working time of 48 hours per week.
ethnic, national or social origin, gender, disability, Any overtime work must be voluntary and
language, religion, political opinion or any other compensated and the weekly working time
opinion, wealth, birth or any other status, sexual shall not exceed 60 hours, including overtime.
orientation or any other reason. Employees shall be allowed at least 24 consecutive
hours’ rest within every seven-day period.
Harassment and abuse: every worker shall be During working hours, workers must be allowed
treated with respect and dignity and has the reasonable breaks in line with applicable laws
right to a workplace free from violence, threats and regulations, including for meals, to access
and punishment or any other form of physical, sanitation facilities and drinking water.
sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or
abuse. Foreign or domestic migrant labour shall Contracts: employees shall be employed on the
be treated on an equal basis with local workers. basis of a recognised employment relationship,
established through national law and practice.
Freedom of association and collective bargaining: Employers’ obligations may not be avoided
Suppliers must respect the rights of workers to through the excessive use of temporary contracts,
join (or not to join) organisations and associations subcontracting or apprenticeship schemes.
of their choice and to bargain collectively without
fear of punitive actions such as intimidation, Health and safety
harassment or termination of employment. Where Suppliers must provide a safe and hygienic
the right to freedom of association and collective working environment and promote occupational
bargaining is restricted under law, Suppliers shall health and safety practices which prevent
enable the development of parallel means for accidents and injury to health arising out of,
independent and free association and bargaining. linked with, or occurring in the course of work
or as a result of the operation of Supplier
Compensation: workers shall be fully and legally facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, safe
compensated for all hours worked. In all cases, buildings, fire protection, electrical safety, safe
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use of hazardous substances and correct use of Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air
personal protective equipment. Lighting, heating pollution
and ventilation systems need to be adequate. FIFA expects its Suppliers to measure the GHG
Workers shall have access to adequate sanitary emissions related to their operations as well
facilities and drinking water at all times. The as to seek to understand the environmental
workplace shall have health and safety policies impact of the goods and services provided, and
and procedures that are clearly communicated to to continuously reduce their Scope 1, 2 and 3
all workers. All the above-mentioned standards emissions in line with local, national, regional
shall apply to worker residential facilities, where and international emission reduction targets, for
provided by Suppliers. example by:
• producing goods and/or services with reduced
Grievance mechanism GHG emissions by using efficient technology
Suppliers must provide effective grievance and low GHG-emissive raw materials;
mechanisms and access to remedy for any • continuously improving energy management
individual who feels that their rights are and efficiency of the operations in the supply
adversely impacted by Suppliers’ activities. Such chain as well as supplied goods (e.g. using/
mechanisms shall follow the guidance of the UN supplying products that meet or exceed
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights recognised energy efficiency standards);
in that they should be legitimate, accessible, • selecting energy sources responsibly and
predictable, equitable, transparent, rights- taking appropriate steps towards adopting
compatible and enable continuous learning. lower carbon intensity and renewable energy
Concerns must be addressed in a timely manner. sources; and
Furthermore, Suppliers shall cooperate with, and • using zero- or low-emission transport modes,
communicate, relevant grievance mechanisms optimising transport efficiency and minimising
provided by FIFA. transport distances wherever possible. Air
transport should be avoided as much as possible.

3.2 Environment Waste generation

Throughout their operations, Suppliers are
We expect our Suppliers to manage the expected to manage their waste responsibly and
environmental impacts of their activities at to continuously seek to avoid waste that ends
least in accordance with national environmental up in landfills. In addition, Suppliers must take
legislation and the regulations of any country measures to avoid or reduce any material coming
within which the Suppliers operate, and to to and leaving FIFA sites that is likely to become
demonstrate year-on-year improvement in the general waste. In particular, they shall:
environmental performance of their operations, • minimise the use of primary, secondary and
goods and services with regards to the following tertiary packaging;
key indicators and with the objective to support • supply materials, consumables and packaging
UN targets for climate action. that can be easily reused, recycled, composted
or converted. Suppliers must confirm that such
For any goods or services that FIFA procures, items can be reused or recycled at a facility in
Suppliers are expected to propose sustainable the destination country or put specific reuse
and ecologically sound alternatives to those or recycling arrangements in place, including
readily available on the market. take-back options;
 FIFA SUSTAINABLE SOURCING CODE 7

• use products and packaging that maximise for cultivation, harvesting, mining or other
reused or recycled content; use. Whenever possible, Suppliers shall
• avoid single-use plastics and oxo-degradable provide, and ensure their suppliers provide,
plastics; sustainably certified natural resources;
• maximise the life span of supplied goods • no products are sourced and provided that
through appropriate design and choice of derive from species specified in the Convention
materials; and on International Trade in Endangered Species
• manage food and beverages in a way to avoid of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendices
food waste. or the International Union for Conservation
of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened
FIFA expects Suppliers to further implement such Species;
measures across their own operations with the • any animal skins used in products are a by-
aims of minimising resource use, maximising the product of the food industry;
circularity of materials and avoiding landfilling. • any food products and beverages supplied are
grown in a way that protects land, waterways
Water use and discharge and wildlife and are not linked with
Suppliers must: deforestation. Where applicable, Suppliers
• take continuous efforts to minimise water use shall propose and provide menus that contain
and use recycled water wherever possible; local, seasonal and organic food products.
• pay particular attention to water management
in areas where water supplies are at risk; and Chemical use
• ensure effluents are discharged safely, with no Suppliers must strictly comply with national
risk to the health of people and ecosystems. legislation and regulations related to the
production, use and disposal of chemicals and
Biodiversity conservation avoid or substitute the use of chemicals that are
Suppliers must strive to protect biodiversity along harmful to human health and the environment.
their supply chains. This includes complying with
applicable national and local legislation, as well Furthermore, we expect Suppliers to control the
as taking specific measures to ensure that: use of oils, paints, solvents, adhesives, chemicals
• natural resources are sourced legally and not and cleaning agents and to seek sustainable
from land or water areas with significant High alternatives whenever possible. Disposal of
Conservation Values or from areas with High these substances shall be managed in line with
Conservation Values that have been converted applicable laws and environmental best practices.
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4. FIFA CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THIRD PARTIES

Suppliers shall adhere to, and perform all services

in accordance with, the FIFA Code of Conduct
for Third Parties and its underlying directives
and supporting documents. A copy of the FIFA
Code of Conduct for Third Parties is available on
www.FIFA.com.

5. COMPETITION AND FAIR TRADE

Suppliers may not enter into any agreement

(written or oral) or activity which has as its
object or effect the prevention or restriction of
competition and/or which breaches applicable
laws relating to competition, fair trade and
antitrust behaviour.
 FIFA SUSTAINABLE SOURCING CODE 9

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT
STATEMENT

As a potential future Supplier to FIFA, we understand that FIFA is committed

to engaging and collaborating with Suppliers that will contribute actively to
delivering its vision for a more sustainable future.

Should we become a FIFA Supplier, we commit to comply with the requirements

outlined in the FIFA Sustainable Sourcing Code and to implement them in our
business operations and supply chains. We acknowledge that these requirements
constitute minimum, and not maximum, standards.

If we enter into one or more contractual agreements with FIFA, we agree to

be monitored and evaluated on our sustainability performance within the
areas relevant to the delivered goods and services. Should there be a breach in
the requirements set out in the Code, we agree to cover any costs incurred in
relation to actions taken to rectify non-compliance identified.

We acknowledge that FIFA may terminate the agreement(s) or refuse to engage

in future business if we fail to comply with the Code.

(Signature)

(Name and position held)

Duly authorised to sign for and on behalf of

(Supplier name)

Date:
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GLOSSARY

Carbon-neutral A current state which is achieved when the GHG emissions associated with an entity,
product or activity are reduced and offset to zero for a defined duration.
Certification A written assurance of the conformity of a process, product or service to a
predetermined scope and set of requirements laid out in a standard. Generally, this is
done by an independent third party, although first-party (self) and second-party
(stakeholder) certification is also possible in some instances (e.g. ISO standards).
Convention on An international agreement between governments which aims to ensure that
International Trade in international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their
Endangered Species of survival. Appendices I, II and III to the Convention are lists of species afforded
Wild Fauna and Flora different levels or types of protection from over-exploitation.
(CITES)
Compostable products Unless otherwise agreed with FIFA, compostable products and packaging are defined
and packaging as:
• polymers, bags and packaging or other products (such as coated paper and cutlery)
if they are certified to conform to BS EN 13432 or either of the similar standards
DIN V 54900 or ASTM D6400 or have received formal certification of home
compostability from a registered body such as the Association for Organics
recycling (AFOR); or
• natural fibres, such as plain (uncoated) cardboard and paper; or
• timber and timber-derived materials which are free of preservatives, paint, and
other non-compostable layers.
Consideration will also be given to products and packaging which can be recovered
via anaerobic digestion. The products and packaging must still conform to BS EN
13432 in the first instance, followed by satisfactory independent verification of
testing in anaerobic digestion systems.
Environmental A system and database which integrates procedures and processes for the training of
management system personnel, monitoring, summarising and reporting of specialised environmental
performance information to internal and external stakeholders of an institution.
FIFA Brand Marks Mark(s) determined by FIFA to indicate:
• the FIFA brand programme; and/or
• FIFA’s other programmes (such as FIFA’s technical, development, medical or
sustainability programmes);
including but not limited to: (i) any FIFA technical quality certification, (ii) FIFA
corporate marks, and (iii) FIFA medical programme indicators.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) Any of the various gaseous compounds (such as carbon dioxide or methane) that
emissions absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the
greenhouse effect warming the earth’s surface.
Grievance mechanism A routine process through which grievances concerning business-related human
rights abuse can be raised and remedy can be sought. A grievance is understood to
be a perceived injustice evoking an individual’s or a group’s sense of entitlement,
which may be based on law, contract, explicit or implicit promises, customary
practice, or general notions of fairness for aggrieved communities.
High Conservation Natural habitats which are of outstanding significance at the national, regional or
Value global level or critical importance due to their high biological, ecological, social or
cultural values.
Human rights As a minimum, those internationally recognised human rights, including workers’
rights, expressed in the International Bill of Human Rights and the principles
concerning fundamental rights set out in the International Labour Organization’s
Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
International Union for An inventory that is considered one of the most comprehensive inventories of the
Conservation of Nature global conservation status of plant and animal species.
(IUCN) Red List of
Threatened Species
 FIFA SUSTAINABLE SOURCING CODE 11

Licensee An entity to which FIFA grants the right to use any FIFA Brand Marks on items of
merchandise, but which is not permitted to affix its own corporate or other brand or
trademark to such items of merchandise.
Marine Conservation Charity dedicated to caring for seas, shores and wildlife. The MCS campaigns for
Society (MCS) clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, and protection for all marine life. The
Society publishes and regularly updates the “fish to eat” and “fish to avoid” lists,
based on international scientific assessments of the status of fish species and
populations.
Organisation for Recommendations issued by governments to multinational enterprises comprising
Economic Cooperation principles and standards for responsible business conduct consistent with applicable
and Development laws and internationally recognised standards.
(OECD) Guidelines for
Multinational
Enterprises
Oxo-degradable Materials which incorporate a chemical additive to initiate degradation by light,
products and packaging heat, mechanical stress and moisture over a period of time. These may also be
sometimes referred to as “oxo biodegradable” or “biodegradable”.
Packaging All products made of any materials of any nature to be used for the containment,
protection, handling, delivery and presentation of items, from raw materials to
processed products, from the producer to the user or the consumer, including non-
returnable items used for the same purposes.
Primary packaging Packaging that is designed to be used during the sale of a product (for example,
glass jars, drinks cans, cereal boxes, etc.), also referred to as “sales” packaging.
Registration, An EU regulation concerning the registration, evaluation, authorisation and
Evaluation, restriction of chemicals (EC 1907/2006).
Authorisation and
Restriction of Chemicals
(REACH)
Recycled content The portion of a product that is made from materials directed from the waste
stream, usually stated as a percentage by weight.
Recycling The reprocessing, in a production process, of materials. This occurs at the point at
which the materials are put back into productive use (for example, for metals, the
steel furnace; for glass, the container factory, etc.).
Remedy To counteract or make good any human rights harms that have occurred. This may
include apologies, restitution, rehabilitation, financial or non-financial compensation
and punitive sanctions, as well as the prevention of harm through, for example,
injunctions or guarantees of non-repetition.
Reuse The use of products, materials or packaging for a second or subsequent time for the
same or similar purpose without requiring any reprocessing.
Secondary packaging Packaging used for display purposes, such as packaging on a shelf (for example,
corrugated boxes and shrink wrap) that contains a number of single saleable items.
This is often termed “display” packaging.
Single-use plastics Plastic items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled.
These include, among other items, grocery bags, food and other packaging, bottles,
straws, containers, cups and cutlery (often also referred to as disposable plastics).
Supplier Any organisation supplying goods, works, services or utilities to FIFA or goods that
carry FIFA Brand Marks (e.g. official name, emblem, mascot, slogan, etc.). This
includes contractors, service providers, licensees, partners, sponsors, broadcasters and
consultants, as well as their suppliers, subcontractors or agents.
Supply chain The entire network of suppliers, factories, warehouses, distribution centres and
retailers which participate in the production process from raw materials to finished
products. Organisations involved in the final finishing, assembly and distribution of
products are called downstream suppliers, while those involved in supplying raw
materials and components are called upstream suppliers.
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Sustainable supply Platform for Suppliers to share information on environmental and labour standards
chain data platform at their production locations. Such platforms create enhanced transparency along
supply chains and avoid duplication of costs and information.
Tertiary packaging Packaging used to aid the handling and transport of a number of sales items (for
example, pallet stretch wrap, metal strapping, etc.). This can also be termed as
“transport” packaging.
United Nations An international environmental treaty ratified by 197 countries with the ultimate
Framework Convention aim of preventing “dangerous” human interference with the climate system.
on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)
Climate Neutral Now Initiative launched in 2015 by the UNFCCC secretariat to increase climate action by
Initiative engaging non-party stakeholders (subnational governments, companies,
organisations, individuals). Its mandate is to promote the voluntary use of carbon
market mechanisms recognised under the Convention.
United Nations Guiding UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights for implementing the United
Principles (UNGP) Nations’ “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework (also known as the UN Guiding
Principles or UNGP) is the globally recognised and authoritative framework for the
respective duties and responsibilities of governments and business enterprises to
prevent, address and remedy business-related human rights impacts. Human rights
are understood, as a minimum, to include the rights set out in the International Bill
of Rights (consisting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights) and the principles concerning fundamental rights in the
eight ILO core conventions as set out in the Declaration on Fundamental Principles
and Rights at Work. The UN Human Rights Council endorsed the Guiding Principles in
June 2011.
United Nations The UN SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals designed to be a “blueprint to
Sustainable achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. The UN SDGs were set in 2015
Development Goals (UN by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year
SDGs) 2030.