Code of Ethics

Edition 2023
Fédération Internationale de Football Association
President: Gianni Infantino
Secretary General: Fatma Samoura
Address: FIFA
FIFA-Strasse 20
P.O. Box
8044 Zurich
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 (0)43 222 7777
Internet: FIFA.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEFINITIONS 7

PART I. SCOPE OF APPLICATION 9

1. Scope of applicability 10
2. Persons covered 10
3. Applicability in time 10
4. Scope of the Code, omissions, custom, doctrine and
jurisprudence 10
5. Division of the Ethics Committee, division of proceedings 11

PART II. SUBSTANTIVE LAW 12

Section 1: Basis for sanctions 13
6. Basis for sanctions 13
Section 2: Disciplinary measures 13
7. Type of sanctions 13
8. Suspension of sanctions 13
Section 3: Determining the sanction 14
9. General rules 14
10. Concurrent breaches 14
11. Repeated breaches 14
12. Recidivism 15
Section 4: Limitation period 15
13. Limitation period for prosecution 15
Section 5: Rules of conduct 15
Subsection 1: Duties 15
14. General duties 15
15. Duty of neutrality 16
16. Duty of loyalty 16
17. Duty of confidentiality 16
18. Duty to report 17
19. Duty to cooperate 17
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Subsection 2: Conflicts of interest, financial benefits and

protection of personal rights 18
20. Conflicts of interest 18
21. Offering and accepting gifts or other benefits 18
22. Commission 19
4

23. Discrimination and defamation 19

24. Protection of physical and mental integrity 20
Subsection 3: Forgery and falsification, abuse of position,
betting and gambling 20
25. Forgery and falsification 20
26. Abuse of position 21
27. Involvement with betting, gambling or similar activities 21
Subsection 4: Bribery and corruption, misappropriation
and misuse of funds, and manipulation of football
matches or competitions 21
28. Bribery and corruption 21
29. Misappropriation and misuse of funds 22
30. Manipulation of football matches or competitions 22

PART III. ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE 23

CHAPTER I: ORGANISATION 24
Section 1: Competence of the Ethics Committee 24
31. Competence of the Ethics Committee 24
Section 2: Common rules for the investigatory
and adjudicatory chambers 24
32. Composition of the investigatory and adjudicatory chambers 24
33. Deputising 24
34. Secretariats 24
35. Independence 25
36. Withdrawal and challenges 25
37. Confidentiality 26
CHAPTER II: PROCEDURE 27
Section 1: Procedural rules 27
Subsection 1: General rules 27
38. Parties 27
39. Representation 27
40. Legal aid 27
41. Failure to cooperate 28
42. Languages used in proceedings 28
43. Notification of decisions and other documents 28
44. Effect of decisions 29
Subsection 2: Proof 29
45. Various types of proof 29
46. Anonymous participants in proceedings 30
47. Identification of anonymous participants in proceedings 30
48. Inadmissible evidence 31
49. Evaluation of proof 31
50. Standard of proof 31
51. Burden of proof 31
Subsection 3: Time limits 31
52. Beginning and end of time limit 31
53. Compliance 32
54. Extension 32
Subsection 4: Suspension of proceedings 32
55. Suspension or continuation of proceedings 32
Subsection 5: Procedural costs 32
56. Procedural costs 32
57. Procedural costs in case of closure of proceedings or acquittal 33
58. Procedural costs if sanctions are imposed 33
59. Procedural compensation 33
Section 2: Investigation proceedings 33
Subsection 1: Preliminary proceedings 33
60. Right to submit complaints 33
61. Preliminary investigations 34
62. Opening of investigation proceedings 34
Subsection 2: Initiation and conduct of investigation
proceedings 34
63. Initiation of investigation 34
64. Duties and competences of the investigatory chamber 34
65. Conduct of proceedings 35
66. Competences of the chief of the investigation 35
Subsection 3: Conclusion of investigation proceedings 36
67. Conclusion of investigation proceedings 36
68. Final report 36
69. Plea bargain (application of a sanction by mutual consent) 37
Section 3: Adjudicatory proceedings 38
Subsection 1: Initiation and conduct of proceedings 38
70. Duties and competences of the adjudicatory chamber 38
71. Adjudicatory proceedings 38
72. Jurisdiction of the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber
ruling alone 39
73. Right to be heard 39
74. Rejection of motions for the admission of evidence 39
Subsection 2: Composition, hearings 39
75. Composition of the panel 39
76. Hearings, principles 40
77. Hearings, procedure 41
Subsection 3: Deliberations, decisions 41
78. Deliberations 41
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79. Taking the decision 41

80. Grounds of decision 41
81. Form and content of the decision 41
82. Enforcement of decisions 42
Section 4: Appeal and review 42
83. Appeal Committee 42
84. Court of Arbitration for Sport 42
85. Review 42
Section 5: Provisional sanctions 43
86. Provisional sanction 43

PART IV. FINAL PROVISIONS 44

87. Exemption from liability 45
88. Official languages 45
89. Adoption and enforcement 45
 7

DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Code, the terms set out below are defined as
follows:
1. FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
2. Official: any board member (including the members of the Council),
committee member, referee, assistant referee, coach, trainer or any other
person responsible for technical, medical or administrative matters in FIFA,
a confederation, a member association, a league or a club as well as all
other persons obliged to comply with the FIFA Statutes (except players,
match agents licensed by FIFA, and football agents).
3. Match agent licensed by FIFA: as per the FIFA Match Agent Regulations.
4. Football agent: as per the definition contained in the FIFA Football Agents
Regulations.
5. Player: any football player licensed by an association.
6. Related party: any party related to persons bound by the Code shall be
considered a related party if they fulfil one or more of the following criteria:
a) representative or employee;
b) spouse or domestic partner;
c) individual sharing the same household, regardless of the personal
relationship;
d) other family member with whom they have a close relationship within
a third degree;
e) legal entity, partnership or any other fiduciary institution, if the person
bound by this Code or the person receiving an undue advantage
alternatively:
i) holds a management position within that entity, partnership or
fiduciary institution;
ii) directly or indirectly controls the entity, partnership or fiduciary
institution;
iii) is a beneficiary of the entity, partnership or fiduciary institution;
iv) performs services on behalf of such entity, partnership or fiduciary
institution, regardless of the existence of a formal contract.
8

7. FIFA events: any event, including but not limited to FIFA Congress, Council
or committee meetings, FIFA competitions, as well as any other event that
is within FIFA’s authority or organised by FIFA.
8. Ethics Committee: references to the Ethics Committee in this Code shall
include the investigatory and/or adjudicatory chamber.
NB: Terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in
the singular applies to the plural and vice-versa.
The definitions section in the FIFA Statutes shall also apply.

I.
SCOPE OF
APPLICATION
10

1. S
 cope of applicability

1. This Code shall apply to any conduct, other than those specifically provided
by other regulations and connected to the field of play that damages the
integrity and reputation of football and in particular to illegal, immoral and
unethical behaviour of the persons covered under article 2 of this Code.
2. The rules of conduct defined under part II, section 5 (articles 14 to 30) of
this Code shall be included within their respective applicable regulations
by the confederations and member associations unless such rules of
conduct are already included within their respective regulations currently
in place.The principles of the sanctioning system referred to under part II,
section 5 (articles 14 to 30) of this Code shall be used as a minimum
requirement guidance by the confederations and member associations.

2. Persons covered

1. This Code shall apply to all officials and players as well as match agents
licensed by FIFA and football agents, under the conditions of article 1 of
this Code.
2. The Ethics Committee is entitled to investigate and judge the conduct of
persons who were bound by this or another applicable Code at the time
the relevant conduct occurred, regardless of whether the person remains
bound by the Code at the time proceedings commence or any time
thereafter.

3. Applicability in time

This Code applies to conduct whenever it occurred, including before the

enactment of this Code. An individual may be sanctioned for a breach of
this Code only if the relevant conduct contravened the Code applicable at
the time it occurred. The sanction may not exceed the maximum sanction
available under the then-applicable Code.

4. Scope of the Code, omissions, custom, doctrine and

jurisprudence

1. This Code governs every subject to which the text or the meaning of its
provisions refers.
2. If there are any omissions in this Code with respect to procedural rules,
and in case of doubts regarding the interpretation of the Code, the Ethics
Committee shall decide in accordance with FIFA custom.
3. During all its operations, the Ethics Committee may draw on precedents
and principles already established by sports doctrine and jurisprudence.
 11

5. Division of the Ethics Committee, division of proceedings

1. The Ethics Committee shall be composed of an investigatory chamber and

an adjudicatory chamber.
2. Ethics Committee proceedings shall be made up of an investigation and an
adjudicatory process.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

I.
 II.
SUBSTANTIVE
LAW
13

SECTION 1: BASIS FOR SANCTIONS

6. Basis for sanctions

1. The Ethics Committee may pronounce the sanctions described in this Code,
the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the FIFA Statutes.
2. Unless otherwise specified, breaches of this Code shall be subject to the
sanctions set forth in this Code, whether acts of commission or omissions,
whether they have been committed deliberately or negligently, whether or
not the breach constitutes an act or attempted act, and whether the parties
acted as principal, accomplice or instigator.

SECTION 2: DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

7. Type of sanctions
1. The following sanctions may be imposed for breaches of this Code or any
other FIFA rules and regulations:
a) warning;
b) reprimand;
c) compliance training;
d) return of awards;
e) fine;
f) community football service;
g) match suspension;
h) ban from dressing rooms and/or team bench;
i) ban on entering a stadium;
j) ban on taking part in any football-related activity.
2. The specifications in relation to each sanction in the FIFA Disciplinary Code
shall also apply.

8. Suspension of sanctions
1. Upon request from the relevant party, the adjudicatory chamber can decide
to suspend the sanction provided for by article 7 paragraph 1 (j) of this
Code. The probationary period shall consist of anything from one to five
years.
2. If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits any other
breach of this Code during the probationary period, the suspension shall
automatically be revoked and the original sanction fully applied and added
to the sanction imposed for the new breach.
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SECTION 3: DETERMINING THE SANCTION

9. General rules
1. When imposing a sanction, the Ethics Committee shall take into account
all relevant factors in the case, including the nature of the offence; the
substantial interest in deterring similar misconduct; the offender’s
assistance to and cooperation with the Ethics Committee; the motive; the
circumstances; the degree of the offender’s guilt; the extent to which the
offender accepts responsibility, and whether the person mitigated their
guilt by returning the advantage received, where applicable.
2. In case of mitigating circumstances, and if deemed appropriate taking into
account all circumstances of the case, the Ethics Committee may go below
the minimum sanction and/or decide to hand down alternative sanctions
as provided under article 7 paragraph 1.
3. Unless this Code mentions otherwise, the Ethics Committee shall decide
the scope and duration of any sanction.
4. Sanctions may be limited to a geographical area or to one or more specific
categories of match or competition.
5. The Ethics Committee may directly share or otherwise order the
responsible FIFA body to share information on a case with the appropriate
public authorities without prejudice to the relevant laws and existing legal
channels.

10. Concurrent breaches

1. Where more than one breach has been committed, the sanction other than
monetary sanctions shall be based on the most serious breach.
2. Concurrent breaches shall be considered aggravating circumstances.

11. Repeated breaches

1. Repeated breaches shall be considered aggravating circumstances. In
such circumstances, the Ethics Committee may go beyond the maximum
sanction provided for a violation of the relevant rule, as specified in this
Code.
SUBSTANTIVE LAW

2. Repeated breaches occur if another offence of a similar nature and gravity

is committed repeatedly over a period of time. The limitation period for
prosecution shall only apply as from the date the most recent offence has
been committed and shall therefore apply to all previous breaches.

II.
15

12. Recidivism
1. Recidivism shall be considered aggravating circumstances. In such
circumstances, the Ethics Committee may go beyond the maximum
sanction provided for a violation of the relevant rule, as specified in this
Code.
2. Recidivism occurs if another offence of a similar nature and gravity
is committed within 15 years of notification of a decision sanctioning a
previous offence.

SECTION 4: LIMITATION PERIOD

13. Limitation period for prosecution

1. As a general rule, breaches of the provisions of this Code may no longer be
prosecuted after five years have elapsed.
2. Offences relating to bribery and corruption (article 28), as well as to
misappropriation and misuse of funds (article 29) may no longer be
prosecuted after ten years have elapsed.
3. Offences relating to threats, the promise of advantages, coercion and all
forms of sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation (article 24) are not
subject to such limitation period.
4. The limitation period, when applicable, shall be extended by half its length if
a formal investigation is opened before its expiration.
5. The limitation period, when applicable, shall be interrupted where criminal
proceedings are formally opened against a person bound by this Code during
such proceedings.
6. In case of repeated breaches, the limitation period as described above shall
start only after the last of the repeated breaches has ended.

SECTION 5: RULES OF CONDUCT

Subsection 1: Duties

14. General duties

1. Persons bound by this Code shall be aware of the importance of their duties
and concomitant obligations and responsibilities. In particular, persons
bound by this Code shall fulfil and exercise their duties and responsibilities
diligently, especially with regard to finance-related matters.
2. Persons bound by this Code shall respect FIFA’s regulatory framework to
the extent applicable to them.
 16

3. Persons bound by this Code shall appreciate the impact their conduct may
have on FIFA’s reputation, and shall therefore behave in a dignified and
ethical manner and act with complete credibility and integrity at all times.
4. Persons bound by this Code must refrain from any activity or behaviour or
any attempted activity or behaviour that might give rise to the appearance
or suspicion of improper conduct as described in the sections that follow.
5. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a maximum of two years.

15. Duty of neutrality

1. In dealings with government institutions, national and international
organisations, associations and groupings, persons bound by this Code
shall, in addition to observing the basic rules of article 14, remain politically
neutral, in accordance with the principles and objectives of FIFA, the
confederations, associations, leagues and clubs, and generally act in a
manner compatible with their function and integrity.
2. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a maximum of two years.

16. Duty of loyalty

1. Persons bound by this Code shall have a fiduciary duty to FIFA, the
confederations, associations, leagues or clubs. A breach of fiduciary duty
occurs when, inter alia, someone who is placed in a position of responsibility
or trust acts in a way that is detrimental to the interests of FIFA, the
confederations, associations, leagues or clubs or is likely to damage their
reputation.
2. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a maximum of two years.

17. Duty of confidentiality

1. Depending on their function, information of a confidential nature divulged
to persons bound by this Code while performing their duties shall be
SUBSTANTIVE LAW

treated as confidential or secret by them, if the information is given with

the understanding or communication of confidentiality and is consistent
with FIFA principles.
2. The obligation to respect confidentiality survives the termination of any
relationship which makes a person subject to this Code.
3. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
II.
activity for a maximum of two years.
17

18. Duty to report

1. Persons bound by this Code who become aware of any infringements of
this Code shall inform, in writing, the secretariat and/or chairperson of the
investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee directly.
2. Failure to report such infringements shall be sanctioned with an
appropriate fine of at least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any
football- related activity for a maximum of two years.

19. Duty to cooperate

1. Persons bound by this Code shall assist and cooperate truthfully, fully and
in good faith with the Ethics Committee at all times, regardless of whether
they are involved in a particular matter as a party, as a witness, or in any
other role. This requires, inter alia, full compliance with Ethics Committee
requests, including without limitation requests to clarify facts; provide oral
or written testimony; submit information, documents or other material; and
disclose details regarding income and finances, if the Ethics Committee
deems it to be necessary.
2. Persons bound by this Code who are required to cooperate with the Ethics
Committee in a specific case, regardless of whether they are involved as a
party, as a witness, or in any other role, shall treat the information provided
and their involvement strictly confidentially, unless otherwise instructed by
the Ethics Committee.
3. Persons bound by this Code shall not take any action actually or apparently
intended to obstruct, evade, prevent, or otherwise interfere with any actual
or potential Ethics Committee proceedings.
4. In connection with any actual or potential Ethics Committee proceedings,
persons bound by this Code shall not conceal any material fact; make any
materially false or misleading statement or representation; or submit any
incomplete, materially false or misleading information or other material.
5. Persons bound by this Code shall not harass, intimidate, threaten or
retaliate against someone for any reason related to that person’s actual,
potential or perceived assistance to or cooperation with the Ethics
Committee.
6. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a maximum of two years.
 18

Subsection 2: C
 onflicts of interest, financial benefits and
protection of personal rights

20. Conflicts of interest

1. Persons bound by this Code shall not perform their duties (in particular,
preparing or participating in the taking of a decision) in situations in which
an existing or potential conflict of interest might affect such performance.
A conflict of interest arises if a person bound by this Code has, or appears to
have, secondary interests that could influence their ability to perform their
duties with integrity in an independent and purposeful manner. Secondary
interests include, but are not limited to, gaining any possible advantage for
the persons bound by this Code themselves or related parties as defined
in this Code.
2. Before being elected, appointed or employed, persons bound by this Code
shall disclose any relations and interests that could lead to situations of
conflicts of interest in the context of their prospective activities.
3. Persons bound by this Code shall not perform their duties (in particular
preparing, or participating in, the taking of a decision) in situations in which
there is a danger that a conflict of interest might affect such performance.
Any such conflict shall be immediately disclosed and notified to the
organisation for which the person bound by this Code performs their
duties.
4. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a maximum of two years. In serious cases and/or in the case
of repetition, a ban on taking part in any football-related activity may be
pronounced for a maximum of five years.

21. Offering and accepting gifts or other benefits

1. Persons bound by this Code may only offer or accept gifts or other
benefits to and from persons within or outside FIFA, or in conjunction with
intermediaries or related parties as defined in this Code, where such gifts
or benefits:
a) have symbolic or trivial value;
SUBSTANTIVE LAW

b) are not offered or accepted as a way of influencing persons bound

by this Code to execute or omit an act that is related to their official
activities or falls within their discretion;
c) are not offered or accepted in contravention of the duties of persons
bound by this Code;
d) do not create any undue pecuniary or other advantage; and
e) do not create a conflict of interest. II.
Any gifts or other benefits not meeting all of these criteria are prohibited.
19

2. If in doubt, gifts or other benefits shall not be accepted, given, offered,

promised, received, requested or solicited. In all cases, persons bound by
this Code shall not accept, give, offer, promise, receive, request or solicit
from anyone within or outside FIFA, or in conjunction with intermediaries
or related parties as defined in this Code, cash in any amount or form.
If declining the gift or benefit would offend the giver on the grounds of
cultural norms, persons bound by this Code may accept the gift or benefit
on behalf of their respective organisation and shall report it and hand it
over, where applicable, immediately thereafter to the competent body.
3. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a maximum of two years. Any amount unduly received shall
be included in the calculation of the fine. In addition to the fine, the gift or
benefit unduly received should be returned, if applicable. In serious cases
and/or in the case of repetition, a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity may be pronounced for a maximum of five years.

22. Commission
1. Unless covered by a genuine commercial agreement, persons bound by
this Code shall not accept, give, offer, promise, receive, request or solicit
commission for themselves or third parties for negotiating deals or
conducting other business in connection with their duties.
2. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a maximum of two years. Any amount unduly received shall be
included in the calculation of the fine. In serious cases and/or in the case
of repetition, a ban on taking part in any football-related activity may be
pronounced for a maximum of five years.

23. Discrimination and defamation

1. Persons bound by this Code shall not offend the dignity or integrity of a
country, a person or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory
or derogatory words or actions on account of race, skin colour, ethnicity,
nationality, social origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, language,
religion, political or any other opinion, wealth, birth or any other status or
any other reason.
2. Persons bound by this Code are forbidden from making any public
statements of a defamatory nature towards FIFA and/or towards any other
person bound by this Code in the context of FIFA events.
3. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a maximum of two years. In serious cases and/or in the case
of repetition, a ban on taking part in any football-related activity may be
pronounced for a maximum of five years.
 20

24. Protection of physical and mental integrity

1. Persons bound by this Code shall protect, respect and safeguard the
integrity and personal dignity of others.
2. Persons bound by this Code shall not use offensive gestures and language
in order to insult someone in any way or to incite others to hatred or
violence.
3. Persons bound by this Code must refrain from all forms of physical or
mental abuse, all forms of harassment, and all other hostile acts intended
to isolate, ostracise or harm the dignity of a person.
4. Threats, the promise of advantages, coercion and all forms of sexual abuse,
harassment and exploitation are particularly prohibited.
5. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a minimum of two years. In cases of sexual exploitation or abuse,
or in serious cases and/or in the case of repetition, a ban on taking part in
any football related activity may be pronounced for a minimum of ten years.
6. Persons bound by this Code who may have been the victim of potential
sexual abuse or harassment may appeal before CAS against the decision
rendered by the adjudicatory chamber in the related proceedings in
accordance with the procedure defined in this Code. They will, in particular,
be provided with the decision, the final report of the investigatory chamber,
as well as with any document or evidence produced by the parties before
the adjudicatory chamber. Their deadline to appeal the relevant decision
before CAS shall commence on the day of notification of those documents.
7. Confederations and associations shall immediately notify FIFA of any
decision taken by their respective bodies sanctioning a person for conduct
described in this article.

Subsection 3: F
 orgery and falsification, abuse of position,
betting and gambling

25. Forgery and falsification

1. Persons bound by this Code are forbidden from forging a document,
falsifying an authentic document or using a forged or falsified document.
SUBSTANTIVE LAW

2. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at

least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a minimum of two years.

II.
21

26. Abuse of position

1. Persons bound by this Code shall not abuse their position in any way,
especially to take advantage of their position for private aims or gains.
2. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a minimum of two years. The sanction shall be increased
accordingly where the person holds a high position in football, as well as in
relation to the relevance and amount of the advantage received.

27. Involvement with betting, gambling or similar activities

1. Persons bound by this Code shall be forbidden from participating in,
either directly or indirectly, betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or
transactions related to football matches or competitions and/or any related
football activities.
2. Persons bound by this Code shall not have any direct or indirect financial
interest (through or in conjunction with third parties) in activities, such as
betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions connected with
football matches and competitions. Interests include gaining any possible
advantage for the persons bound by this Code themselves and/or related
parties.
3. Provided that the relevant conduct does not constitute another violation of
this Code, violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate
fine of at least CHF 100,000 and a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a maximum of three years. Any amount unduly received shall be
included in the calculation of the fine.

Subsection 4: B
 ribery and corruption, misappropriation and
misuse of funds, and manipulation of football
matches or competitions

28. Bribery and corruption

1. Persons bound by this Code shall not accept, give, offer, promise, receive,
request or solicit any personal or undue pecuniary or other advantage in
order to obtain or retain business or any other improper advantage to or
from anyone within or outside FIFA. Such acts are prohibited regardless of
whether carried out directly or indirectly through, or in conjunction with,
third parties. In particular, persons bound by this Code shall not accept,
give, offer, promise, receive, request or solicit any personal or undue
pecuniary or other advantage for the execution or omission of an act that
is related to their official activities and is contrary to their duties or falls
within their discretion.
 22

2. Persons bound by this Code shall refrain from any activity or behaviour that
might give rise to the appearance or suspicion of a breach of this article.
3. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 100,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a minimum of five years. Any amount unduly received shall be
included in the calculation of the fine. The sanction shall be increased
accordingly where the person holds a high position in football, as well as in
relation to the relevance and amount of the advantage received.

29. Misappropriation and misuse of funds

1. Persons bound by this Code shall not misappropriate or misuse funds of
FIFA, the confederations, associations, leagues or clubs, whether directly
or indirectly through, or in conjunction with, third parties.
2. Persons bound by this Code shall refrain from any activity or behaviour that
might give rise to the appearance or suspicion of a breach of this article.
3. Violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at
least CHF 100,000 as well as a ban on taking part in any football-related
activity for a minimum of five years. The amount of misappropriated
funds shall be included in the calculation of the fine. The sanction shall be
increased accordingly where the person holds a high position in football,
as well as in relation to the relevance and amount of the funds concerned
or of the advantage received.

30. Manipulation of football matches or competitions

1. Persons bound by this Code are forbidden from being involved in the
manipulation of football matches and competitions, and shall immediately
report to the Ethics Committee any approach in connection with
activities and/or information directly or indirectly related to the possible
manipulation of a football match or competition.
2. The competence to adjudicate on all conduct related to the manipulation of
football matches or competitions, both on and off the field of play, remains
reserved for the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
3. The investigatory chamber shall transfer to the Disciplinary Committee any
information obtained during its investigatory activity that might be related
to conduct committed by any persons bound by this Code in violation of
SUBSTANTIVE LAW

this article.

II.
 III.
ORGANISATION
AND PROCEDURE
24

CHAPTER I: ORGANISATION

SECTION 1: COMPETENCE OF THE ETHICS COMMITTEE

31. Competence of the Ethics Committee

1. The Ethics Committee has the exclusive competence to investigate and
judge the conduct of all persons bound by this Code where such conduct:
a) has been committed by an individual who was elected, appointed or
assigned by FIFA to exercise a function;
b) directly concerns their FIFA-related duties or responsibilities; or
c) is related to the use of FIFA funds.
2. The Ethics Committee is competent to decide on matters affecting players,
coaches or any other official bound by this Code where said conduct does
not fall under the competence of any confederation or member association,
where no formal investigation has been initiated by the competent
confederation or member association 90 days after the matter became
known to FIFA, or where the relevant confederation or member association
agrees with FIFA to confer the competence regarding the relevant matter
on FIFA.

SECTION 2: C
 OMMON RULES FOR THE INVESTIGATORY AND
ADJUDICATORY CHAMBERS

32.Composition of the investigatory and adjudicatory

chambers
The composition of the investigatory and the adjudicatory chambers shall
be in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.

33. Deputising
If the chairperson of either chamber is prevented from acting (whether due
to personal or factual circumstances), one of the deputy chairpersons shall
replace them. In the event that the deputy chairpersons are also prevented
from acting, a member of the relevant chamber, on the basis of seniority,
shall act as chairperson.

34. Secretariats
1. The general secretariat of FIFA shall provide both the investigatory and
adjudicatory chambers with a secretariat with the necessary staff under
the responsibility of the Director of the Secretariat to the Independent
Committees. The secretariat of each chamber shall take care of the
respective filing of the case files, which must be kept for at least ten years.
 25

2. The secretariat of the investigatory chamber, under the authority of the

chairperson of the investigatory chamber or under the authority of the
chief of the investigation, shall take charge of the administrative and legal
work related to proceedings and provide support to the investigatory
chamber for the completion of its tasks; in particular, it shall draft the
minutes, final reports and any other document required by the members
of the investigatory chamber.
3. The secretariat of the adjudicatory chamber, under the authority of
the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber, shall take charge of the
administrative and legal work related to proceedings and provide support
to the adjudicatory chamber for the completion of its tasks; in particular,
it shall draft the minutes and any other document required by the
chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber.

35. Independence
1. The members of the Ethics Committee shall manage their investigations
and proceedings and render their decisions entirely independently and
impartially and shall avoid any third-party influence.
2. The members of the Ethics Committee and their immediate family members
shall not belong to any other judicial body within FIFA, to the FIFA Council
or to any standing committee of FIFA.
3. The members of the Ethics Committee shall not belong to any body
or carry out any position with regard to FIFA, a confederation or a
member association, other than being member of a judicial body at FIFA,
confederation or national level.

36. Withdrawal and challenges

1. A member of the Ethics Committee shall decline to participate in any
investigation or adjudicatory proceedings concerning a matter where there
are legitimate grounds for questioning their independence or impartiality
and/or if there is a conflict of interest. They shall disclose any circumstance
ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

which may give rise to any such ground.

2. The foregoing shall apply, inter alia, in the following cases:
a) if the member in question has a direct interest in the outcome of the
matter;
b) if the member has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party; or
personal, first-hand knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts material
to the proceedings; or has expressed an opinion, other than as
part of the proceedings in question, concerning the outcome of the
proceedings; or when the immediate family of the member is a party
to the subject matter in controversy, is a party to the proceedings
or has any other interest that could be substantially affected by the III.
outcome of the proceedings and their impartiality;
26

c) if the member has the same nationality as the party implicated;

d) if the member has already dealt with the case in a different function
other than their function as a member of the Ethics Committee.
3. Members who decline to participate shall notify the chairperson
immediately.
4. An objection against a member of the Ethics Committee believed not to
be independent or impartial must be submitted within five days following
the identification of the grounds for non-participation, failing which, such
objection shall be deemed waived.
The claim must cite the grounds and, if possible, be substantiated.
5. The chairperson of the relevant chamber shall decide whether any such
claim is valid if the member in question has not declined to participate
of their own accord. If the objection is against the chairperson, the
chairperson or the deputy chairperson of the FIFA Appeal Committee shall
decide.

37. Confidentiality
1. The members of the Ethics Committee and the members of the secretariats
shall ensure that everything disclosed to them during the course of their
duty remains confidential, in particular, deliberations and private personal
data in compliance with the FIFA Data Protection Regulations.
2. Notwithstanding paragraph 1 above, the investigatory chamber or the
adjudicatory chamber may, if deemed necessary and in an appropriate
form, inform the public about or confirm ongoing or closed proceedings,
and rectify information that is wrong or rumours. Any release of such
information shall respect the presumption of innocence and the personality
rights of those concerned.
3. The investigatory chamber or the adjudicatory chamber may, in an
appropriate form and/or via the website FIFA.com, inform the public
about the reasons for any decision and/or the closure of any investigation.
In particular, the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber may decide
to publish the decision taken, partly or in full, provided that the names
mentioned in the decision (other than the ones related to the party) and any
other information deemed sensitive by the chairperson of the adjudicatory
chamber, are duly anonymised.
4. In the event of a breach of this article by a member of the Ethics Committee,
the relevant member shall be suspended by a decision taken by the
majority of the other members of the respective chamber until the next
FIFA Congress.
 27

CHAPTER II: PROCEDURE

SECTION 1: PROCEDURAL RULES

Subsection 1: General rules

38. Parties
Only the accused are deemed to be parties.

39. Representation
1. During any dealings with the Ethics Committee, parties and other persons
bound by this Code may have legal representation at their own cost and
expense.
2. The parties and other persons bound by this Code are free to choose their
own legal counsel or representation.
3. The Ethics Committee may request that the representatives of parties and
other persons bound by this Code submit a duly signed power of attorney.
4. The Ethics Committee may limit the number of legal representatives of a
party if deemed excessive.

40. Legal aid

1. In order to guarantee their rights, individuals bound by this Code and with
insufficient financial means may request legal aid from FIFA for the purpose
of proceedings before the Ethics Committee.
2. Applicants for legal aid must submit reasoned requests and supporting
documents.
3. The secretariat establishes a list of pro bono counsel.
ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

4. According to each applicant’s needs, and subject to prior written

confirmation by FIFA, legal aid may be provided as follows:
a) The applicant may be released from having to pay the costs of
proceedings.
b) Pro bono counsel may be selected by the applicant from the list
established by the secretariat.
c) The applicant’s own reasonable travel and accommodation costs and
those of witnesses and experts they call to testify may be covered by
FIFA, including the travel and accommodation costs of any pro bono
counsel selected from the list established by the secretariat.
III.
28

5. The chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee

decides on requests for legal aid. Such decisions are final.
6. Further conditions and requirements associated with legal aid and pro
bono counsel may be communicated by circular letter.
7. In cases where the party could not be reached, the adjudicatory chamber
may appoint a pro bono counsel in absentia who will act on their behalf.
The absence of the party is established when the adjudicatory chamber has
tried to submit the final report by email through the member association
and no response has been received 15 days following the notification to the
member association in accordance with article 43 of this Code.

41. Failure to cooperate

1. If the parties or other persons bound by this Code fail to cooperate in
any manner or are dilatory in responding to any request from the Ethics
Committee, the chairperson of the appropriate chamber issuing the
request may, after warning them, charge them with a violation of article 19
of this Code.
2. To the extent the parties fail to cooperate, the investigatory chamber,
in preparing a final report based on the file in its possession, and the
adjudicatory chamber, in reaching a decision based on the file in its
possession, may take into account that behaviour and add the failure to
cooperate as an additional charge for violation of article 19 of this Code.

42. Languages used in proceedings

1. The languages used in proceedings shall be English, French and Spanish.
The Ethics Committee and parties may choose any of these languages.
2. FIFA may, if necessary, use the services of an interpreter.
3. Decisions shall be taken in the language used during the relevant
proceedings. Efforts will be made to use the parties’ language, wherever
possible.

43. Notification of decisions and other documents

1. Decisions and other documents exchanged between FIFA and the party
concerned shall be sent exclusively via the FIFA Legal Portal.
2. All of the parties shall be notified of the decisions.
3. Decisions and other documents intended for persons bound by this
Code may be addressed to the person directly and/or to the association
concerned on condition that it forwards the documents to the intended
recipient. In the event that the documents were not also or solely sent
to the party concerned, these documents shall be considered to have
 29

been communicated properly to the ultimate addressee four days after

communication of the documents to the association. The time limit
shall commence at midnight (Central European Time) the day after the
communication of the document in question.
4. Notification of a decision shall be effected by publication on the FIFA
webpage where:
a) the whereabouts of the party are unknown and cannot be ascertained
despite making reasonable enquiries;
b) service is impossible or would lead to exceptional inconvenience; or
c) a party has not provided a means of contact despite being instructed to
do so.
5. Notification via the FIFA webpage is deemed accomplished on the day of
publication.

44. Effect of decisions

1. Decisions passed by the Ethics Committee shall come into force as soon as
they are communicated.
2. The Ethics Committee may rectify any obvious errors at any time.

Subsection 2: Proof

45. Various types of proof

1. Any type of proof may be produced.
2. Types of proof include, in particular:
a) documents;
b) reports from officials;
c) declarations from the parties;
ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

d) declarations from witnesses;

e) audio and video recordings;
f) expert opinions;
g) all other proof that is relevant to the case.
3. During the investigation, where oral testimony is given, such testimony may
be given in person, by telephone or via video.

III.
30

46. Anonymous participants in proceedings

1. When a person’s testimony in ethics proceedings conducted in accordance
with this Code could lead to threats to them or put them or any person
particularly close to them in physical danger, the chairperson of the
competent chamber or their deputy may order, inter alia, that:
a) the person not be identified in the presence of the parties;
b) the person not appear at the hearing;
c) the person’s voice be distorted;
d) the person be questioned outside the hearing room;
e) the person be questioned in writing through the chairperson of the
competent chamber or their deputy;
f) all or some of the information that could be used to identify the person
be included only in a separate, confidential case file.
2. If no other evidence is available to corroborate the testimony provided by
the person concerned, such testimony may only be used in the context of
imposing sanctions under this Code if:
a) the parties as well as their legal representatives had the opportunity
to pose questions to the person concerned at least in writing; and
b) the members of the judicial body had the opportunity to interview the
person concerned directly and in full awareness of their identity and
to assess their identity and record in full.
3. Disciplinary measures shall be imposed on anyone who reveals the identity
of any person granted anonymity under this provision or any information
that could be used to identify such person.

47. Identification of anonymous participants in proceedings

1. To ensure their safety, persons granted anonymity under article 46 shall be
identified behind closed doors in the absence of the parties. This identification
shall be conducted by the chairperson of the competent chamber alone, their
deputy or all the members of the competent chamber together, and shall be
recorded in minutes containing the relevant person’s personal details.
2. These minutes shall not be communicated to the parties.
3. The parties shall receive a brief notice which:
a) confirms that the person concerned has been formally identified; and
b) contains no details that could be used to identify such person.
 31

48. Inadmissible evidence

Proof that has been obtained by means or ways involving violations of
human dignity or that obviously does not serve to establish relevant facts
shall be rejected.

49. Evaluation of proof

The Ethics Committee shall have absolute discretion regarding proof.

50. Standard of proof

The members of the Ethics Committee shall judge and decide on the basis
of their comfortable satisfaction.

51. Burden of proof

The burden of proof regarding breaches of provisions of the Code rests on
the Ethics Committee.

Subsection 3: Time limits

52. Beginning and end of time limit

1. Time limits notified directly to the party or to a representative appointed
by the party shall commence at midnight (Central European Time) the day
after receipt of the notification.
2. Where a document is sent to a person through the respective member
association and is not also sent to the person concerned or their legal
representative, the time limit shall commence at midnight (Central
European Time) four days after receipt of the document by the association
responsible for forwarding it. Where the document was also sent to
the person concerned or their legal representative, the time limit shall
commence at midnight (Central European Time) the day after receipt of
ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

the document in question.

3. If the last day of the time limit coincides with a public holiday in the place of
domicile of the person required to comply with the document by a certain
deadline, the time limit shall expire on the next working day.
4. Time limits are deemed to have been complied with if the relevant action
has been completed by midnight (Central European Time) at the latest on
the last day of the stipulated deadline.

III.
32

53. Compliance
1. The time limit has been met only if the action required has been carried
out before expiry of the time limit.
2. The document must be submitted , to the relevant body via the FIFA Legal
Portal by no later than midnight on the last day of the time limit.
3. Costs and fees payable are considered to have been paid in time if the
payment has irreversibly been made to FIFA’s account by midnight on the
last day of the time limit.

54. Extension
1. Time limits set forth in this Code may not be extended.
2. Time limits set by the Ethics Committee may be extended upon reasoned
request. A time limit may only be extended for a second time in exceptional
circumstances.
3. If an extension of the time limit is refused, two extra days may be granted.
In emergencies, the refusal to grant the extension may be announced orally.

Subsection 4: Suspension of proceedings

55. Suspension or continuation of proceedings

1. In the event that a person bound by this Code ceases to serve in their
function during proceedings, the Ethics Committee shall remain competent
to continue investigatory proceedings and/or render a decision.
2. In the event that a person bound by this Code ceases to serve in their
function, the investigatory chamber may initiate and conduct the
investigation, create a final report and hand it over to the adjudicatory
chamber. The adjudicatory chamber may suspend the proceedings or take
a decision as to the substance and impose appropriate sanctions.

Subsection 5: Procedural costs

56. Procedural costs

The procedural costs are made up of the Ethics Committee’s costs and
expenses incurred in connection with the investigation and adjudicatory
proceedings.
 33

57.Procedural costs in case of closure of proceedings or

acquittal
1. Except as otherwise provided herein, in the event of closure of proceedings
or acquittal, the procedural costs shall be borne by FIFA.
2. A party may be ordered to pay the procedural costs in part or in full in the
event of closure of proceedings or acquittal if they culpably caused the
proceedings to be initiated or hindered the conduct of the proceedings.

58. Procedural costs if sanctions are imposed

1. Procedural costs shall be borne by the party that has been sanctioned.
2. If more than one party is sanctioned, the procedural costs shall be assessed
proportionally in accordance with the degree of guilt of the parties.
3. Part of the procedural costs, in particular the costs of the investigation
proceedings, may be borne by FIFA, as appropriate in respect of the
imposition of sanctions.
4. The procedural costs may be reduced or waived in exceptional
circumstances, in particular taking into account the party’s financial
circumstances.

59. Procedural compensation

No procedural compensation shall be awarded in proceedings conducted
by the Ethics Committee.

SECTION 2: INVESTIGATION PROCEEDINGS

Subsection 1: Preliminary proceedings

60. Right to submit complaints

ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

1. Any person may file a complaint regarding potential breaches of this Code
with the secretariat of the investigatory chamber. Complaints must be
submitted in writing, including available evidence. The secretariat shall
inform the chairperson of the investigatory chamber of the complaints
and act upon their instructions.
2. There is no entitlement for proceedings to be opened following submission
of a complaint.
3. Any person bound by this Code who lodges a complaint against a person
whom they know to be innocent or in any other way takes malicious steps
related to the initiation of proceedings under this Code shall be sanctioned
with an appropriate fine of at least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban on taking
part in any football-related activity for a minimum of two years.
III.
34

61. Preliminary investigations

1. Upon the instruction of the chairperson of the investigatory chamber, the
secretariat of the investigatory chamber shall carry out an initial evaluation
of the documents submitted with the complaint.
2. The secretariat of the investigatory chamber may initiate preliminary
investigations into a potential breach of this Code based on a filed
complaint and shall act upon the instructions of the chairperson of the
investigatory chamber. This may include, in particular, engaging third
parties – under the leadership of the chairperson – with investigative
duties, appointing an integrity expert (cf. article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary
Code), collecting written information, requesting documents and obtaining
witness statements.
3. The chairperson of the investigatory chamber may initiate preliminary
investigations at their own discretion and at any time.

62. Opening of investigation proceedings

1. If the preliminary investigation is found to establish a prima facie case,
the chairperson of the investigatory chamber shall open investigation
proceedings. The chamber shall examine aggravating and mitigating
circumstances equally.
2. The parties shall be notified of the opening of investigation proceedings and
the possible rule violation. Limited exceptions to this rule may be made for
safety and security reasons or if such disclosure would interfere with the
conduct of the investigation.
3. The chairperson of the investigatory chamber shall report to the
investigatory chamber regularly on non-opened cases.

Subsection 2: I nitiation and conduct of investigation

proceedings

63. Initiation of investigation

1. The chairperson of the investigatory chamber shall decide on the initiation
of investigation proceedings.
2. Grounds do not need to be given for the initiation of investigation
proceedings and the decision may not be contested.

64. Duties and competences of the investigatory chamber

1. The investigatory chamber may investigate potential breaches of provisions
of this Code on its own initiative or based on complaints at its full and
independent discretion.
 35

2. If the investigatory chamber deems that there is no prima facie case, it

shall not open any investigation proceedings and it shall close the case.
In addition to the internal closure of the proceedings, the investigatory
chamber may (i) send a closing letter to the interested party reminding
them of their duties, and/or (ii) send a closing letter to the interested
party informing them that no breaches of the Code have been found. The
investigatory chamber may communicate in this respect where deemed
relevant.
3. Once the investigation has been completed, the investigatory chamber shall
prepare a final report on the investigation proceedings stating the relevant
rules that have been breached for which they require a judgment by the
adjudicatory chamber. The report, together with the related investigation
files, shall be forwarded to the adjudicatory chamber. Should a hearing
be conducted, one or more members of the investigatory chamber may
present the case before the adjudicatory chamber.
4. As part of the investigatory process, the investigatory chamber may also
investigate breaches of provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code which
concern immoral or unethical conduct.

65. Conduct of proceedings

The chairperson of the investigatory chamber may lead the investigation
proceedings themselves as the chief of the investigation or may assign this
role formally to the deputy chairperson or a member of the investigatory
chamber. This person shall be designated the chief of the investigation.

66. Competences of the chief of the investigation

1. With the assistance of the secretariat, the chief of the investigation shall
investigate by means of written enquiries and written or oral questioning of
the parties and witnesses. The chief of the investigation may also undertake
any further investigative measures relevant to the case; in particular, they
may verify the authenticity of documents relevant to the investigation by
procuring affidavits.
ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

2. If the chairperson of the investigatory chamber is acting as the chief of the

investigation, they may ask another member of the investigatory chamber
to assist them. In cases where the chairperson is not acting as the chief
of the investigation, they may ask the chairperson of the investigatory
chamber to assign additional members of the investigatory chamber to
conduct the investigation alongside them. The chairperson may, where
that is the case, also assign additional members at their own discretion.
3. If the chairperson is acting as the chief of the investigation, they may, in
complex cases, engage third parties – under the leadership of the chief of
the investigation – with investigative duties. The enquiries to be made by
such third parties must be clearly defined. Where the chairperson is not
acting as the chief of the investigation, the chief of the investigation may
III.
submit the respective request to the chairperson.
36

4. If the parties and the other persons bound by this Code fail to cooperate
in establishing the facts of the case, the chief of the investigation may
request the chairperson of the investigatory chamber to impose a warning,
and in case of recurrence, to impose disciplinary measures, including
a ban on taking part in any football-related activity of up to 90 days. If
the chairperson is acting as the chief of the investigation, the deputy
chairperson shall decide.

Subsection 3: Conclusion of investigation proceedings

67. Conclusion of investigation proceedings

1. If the chief of the investigation considers the investigation to be adequate,
they shall inform the parties that the investigation proceedings have been
concluded and provide them with a copy of the investigation files, including
a brief summary of the main potential charges. The parties will then have
ten days from that notification to submit any observation or comment.
2. If the chief of the investigation considers that there are sufficient grounds
to establish that rules have been breached, they shall forward the final
report together with the investigation files to the adjudicatory chamber. The
chief of the investigation may also inform the adjudicatory chamber that
other allegations, which might be contained in the file, may still be under
investigation.
3. If the chief of the investigation considers that there are no sufficient
grounds to establish that rules have been breached, they shall close the
case. In addition to the internal closure of the proceedings, the investigatory
chamber shall send a closing letter to the party reminding them of their
duties, as well as informing them of the outcome of the investigations and
that any ongoing provisional sanction is lifted.
4. If proceedings have been closed, the investigatory chamber may reopen the
investigation if new facts or evidence suggesting a potential breach come
to light.

68. Final report

1. The final report shall contain all the relevant facts and relevant evidence
gathered and mention the possible rule violation.
2. The final report shall be signed by the chairperson of the investigatory
chamber. If the chairperson did not act as the chief of the investigation,
the chief of the investigation shall also sign the final report.
 37

69.Plea bargain (application of a sanction by mutual consent)

1. At any time during the investigation, but at the latest when the case is
about to be decided by the adjudicatory chamber or before the hearing
as provided for by article 76 of this Code, the parties may enter into an
agreement with the chairperson of the investigatory chamber for the
application of a sanction by mutual consent.
2. Should the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber consider that the
agreement complies with this Code and the sanction settled is correctly
applied, the agreement becomes immediately effective and the settled
sanction becomes final and binding, and is not subject to any further
appeal.
3. Should any monetary sanction provided by the plea agreement not be fully
executed by the party concerned within 15 days of the date of the decision,
the agreement is automatically revoked.
4. Should any compliance training and/or community football service provided
by the plea agreement not be fully executed by the party concerned within
the terms established within the agreement, the agreement is automatically
revoked.
5. Whenever a plea agreement is revoked, the adjudicatory chamber shall
decide the case within the 60 days that follow on the basis of the file, and
no further plea agreement will be allowed between the parties concerned
and the chairperson of the investigatory chamber.
6. No plea agreement shall be allowed concerning sanctions related to the
protection of physical and mental integrity, or related to offences of bribery
and corruption, misappropriation and misuse of funds, and manipulation
of football matches or competitions, unless the party concerned provides
substantial assistance. Substantial assistance may be considered where
the relevant party:
a) fully disclosed in a signed written statement or recorded interview all
the information they possess in relation to the infringement(s); and
ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

b) fully cooperated with the investigation and adjudication of any case or

matter related to the information provided, including but not limited
to presenting a testimony at a hearing if requested to do so by FIFA or
the relevant deciding panel;
c) provided credible information which constitutes a significant part
of a case or proceeding subsequently initiated or, at least, which
would have provided a sufficient basis on which to initiate a case or
proceeding.
Notwithstanding the above, in cases of sexual abuse, no plea agreement
shall be allowed with the principal actors or any other person directly
participating in such conduct. III.
38

SECTION 3: ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS

Subsection 1: Initiation and conduct of proceedings

70. Duties and competences of the adjudicatory chamber

1. The chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber shall examine the final report
and investigation files with the assistance of the secretariat.
2. If the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber deems that there is
insufficient evidence to proceed, they may close the case and shall inform
the party accordingly.
3. If the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber deems that the matter
should be adjudicated, they shall proceed with the adjudicatory
proceedings and request that the secretariat send a copy of the final report
and investigation files to the parties concerned.
4. The adjudicatory chamber may gather evidence, documents or information
or request clarification at any time prior to the hearing or the deliberations
on the matter.

71. Adjudicatory proceedings

1. The chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber shall inform all the parties
concerned that the case shall be decided either on the basis of the report
of the investigatory chamber together with the investigation files or – upon
the request of any party concerned – of a hearing to be scheduled.
2. If there is no request for a hearing, the chairperson of the adjudicatory
chamber shall inform the parties of the proceedings and the investigatory
chamber that the case shall be decided on the basis of the existing
documents and submissions and shall establish a final deadline to file their
respective final requests.
3. Should a hearing be held, the secretariat of the adjudicatory chamber shall
inform all the parties concerned and shall forward to them a procedural
order, with the rules of the hearing, established by the chairperson of the
adjudicatory chamber.
4. All the parties in the proceedings and their representatives, subject to
article 39 paragraph 4, as well as the representatives of the investigatory
chamber are entitled to attend the hearing to discuss and submit orally
their respective requests.
5. As part of the adjudicatory process, the adjudicatory chamber may also
rule on breaches of provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code which concern
immoral or unethical conduct.
 39

72. J urisdiction of the chairperson of the adjudicatory

chamber ruling alone
1. The chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber may take decisions alone
in cases related to breaches sanctioned only with monetary sanctions or
when the sanction to be imposed is a warning, reprimand or compliance
training.
2. The chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber is also responsible for
ratifying the plea agreement entered into between the parties and the
investigatory chamber, where applicable.

73. Right to be heard

Before the adjudicatory chamber issues any final decision, the parties
are entitled to submit their position, to present evidence and to inspect
evidence to be considered by the adjudicatory chamber in reaching its
decision. These rights may be restricted in exceptional circumstances, such
as when confidential matters need to be safeguarded, witnesses need to be
protected or if it is required to establish the elements of the proceedings.

74. Rejection of motions for the admission of evidence

1. In accordance with articles 48 and 49 and other relevant provisions of
the Code, the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber may reject the
substantiated motions for the admission of evidence submitted by the
parties.
2. The parties shall be informed if their motion has been rejected with a brief
outline of the grounds of the decision. The rejection may not be contested.

Subsection 2: Composition, hearings

75. Composition of the panel

1. The chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber shall decide the composition
ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

and number of members in the panel and shall provide them with the
relevant files. The parties shall be informed of the composition of the panel.
2. Without prejudice to article 72, the panel’s decisions shall be deemed to
be legally valid if at least three members are present.

76. Hearings, principles

1. Hearings shall be conducted behind closed doors and in the presence in
situ of the requesting party.
2. Hearings of the adjudicatory chamber are not open to the public, except in
cases when it has been duly requested by the defendant. The chairperson
or their nominee decides, at their own discretion, under what conditions a
III.
public hearing may take place.
40

3. Misconduct by the party that took place after the submission of the
final report may be addressed by the investigatory chamber during its
closing statement. In this sense, the investigatory chamber may present
the relevant facts and evidence, mention the possible rule violation and
submit a recommendation to the adjudicatory chamber on the appropriate
measures. The party shall have the right to respond to these new charges
during the hearing. In the absence of a hearing, the investigatory chamber
may submit its recommendation within two days after the party´s position,
who will have then the right to reply in written form in compliance with the
deadline granted by the adjudicatory chamber.
4. If there is no hearing, the chairperson shall schedule the deliberations and
decide on the number of members and the composition of the panel. The
parties shall be informed to this effect.

77. Hearings, procedure

1. The chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber shall conduct the hearing in
whatever manner they deem appropriate, provided it is consistent with this
Code.
2. It is the responsibility of the parties to ensure the appearance of the
witnesses requested by them and to pay all costs and expenses associated
with the parties’ and the witnesses’ appearance.
3. Witnesses called by the parties and/or by the investigatory chamber
shall, in principle, appear in person. The chairperson of the adjudicatory
chamber or their deputy may, however, decide to hear the parties by video
conference, which shall be conducted under the specific conditions set by
the chairperson or their deputy/acting chairperson.
4. Wherever possible, the hearing shall proceed according to the following
sequence:
a) testimony of any witnesses called by the accused and approved by the
adjudicatory chamber;
b) testimony of any witnesses called by the investigatory chamber and
approved by the adjudicatory chamber;
c) testimony of any witnesses called by the adjudicatory chamber;
d) closing statement by the investigatory chamber;
e) closing statement by a legal representative, if any, of the accused;
f) rebuttal statement by the investigatory chamber and the parties, if
applicable;
g) final opportunity for the accused to speak.
5. Exceptionally, the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber (or the deputy/
acting chairperson in the respective proceedings) may decide to organise
a hearing by means of video-conference.
 41

Subsection 3: Deliberations, decisions

78. Deliberations
1. After the hearing, the adjudicatory chamber shall withdraw to deliberate
on its decision in private.
2. If circumstances permit, the deliberations and decision-taking may be
conducted via telephone conference, video conference or any other similar
method.
3. Deliberations shall be conducted without interruption, unless there are
exceptional circumstances.
4. The chairperson shall decide in which order the various questions will be
submitted for deliberation.
5. The adjudicatory chamber is not bound by the legal assessment of the
facts submitted by the investigatory chamber. In particular, the adjudicatory
chamber may extend or limit the rule violations pointed out by the
investigatory chamber.
6. The members present shall express their opinions in the order set out by
the chairperson, who always speaks last.
7. A member of the secretariat shall be present during the deliberations.

79. Taking the decision

1. Decisions shall be taken by the majority of the members present.
2. Every member present shall vote.
3. In the event of a tied vote, the chairperson shall have the casting vote.

80. Grounds of decision

1. The adjudicatory chamber shall communicate its decision in full, written
ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

form.
2. In case of urgency, or under any other special circumstances, the
adjudicatory chamber may notify only the terms of the decision to the
party, which become immediately applicable. The full, written decision shall
then be notified within the next 60 days.

81. Form and content of the decision

1. The decision shall contain:
a) the composition of the panel;
b) the names of the parties;
III.
c) the date of the decision;
42

d) a summary of the facts;

e) the grounds of the decision;
f) the provisions on which the decision was based;
g) the terms of the decision;
h) notice of the channels for appeal.
2. The decision shall be signed by the chairperson and transmitted by the
secretariat.

82. Enforcement of decisions

It is the responsibility of the member associations, as well as of the relevant
football officials, to make sure that the decisions taken and notified by
the Ethics Committee are properly implemented, as required by the FIFA
Statutes.

SECTION 4: APPEAL AND REVIEW

83. Appeal Committee

1. An appeal may be lodged by the party concerned, having a legally protected
interest justifying amendment or cancellation of the decision, to the Appeal
Committee against any decision taken by the Disciplinary Committee which
relates to infringements of article 30 of this Code.
2. Further provisions relating to lodging an appeal and proceedings before
the Appeal Committee are set out in the FIFA Disciplinary Code (cf.
article 60 ff.).

84. Court of Arbitration for Sport

1. Decisions taken by the adjudicatory chamber are final, subject to appeals
lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes.
2. The aforementioned decisions may also be appealed at CAS by the chief of
the investigation.

85. Review
1. The investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee may reopen a case
that has been closed following a legally binding decision if a party discovers
significant new facts or proof that, despite the investigation, could not have
been produced sooner and would have resulted in a more favourable
decision. In case of such reopening, the provisions regarding investigation
proceedings shall apply.
 43

2. A request for review shall be made by the party concerned within ten days
of discovering the reasons for review, or it will not be admitted.
3. The limitation period for submitting a request for review is one year after
the enforcement of the decision.

SECTION 5: PROVISIONAL SANCTIONS

86. Provisional sanction

1. At any time during an investigation, the chairperson of the investigatory
chamber or the chief of the investigation may request that the chairperson
of the adjudicatory chamber impose provisional sanctions in order to
ensure that investigation proceedings are not interfered with or when a
breach of this Code appears to have been committed and a decision on
the merits of the case may not be taken early enough.
2. The interested party may file their position against the request for
provisional sanctions with the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber
within five days of the notification of the request for provisional sanctions.
3. The chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber shall decide without delay
based on the file or they may decide to hear the interested parties or their
representatives.
4. A provisional sanction shall start on the date on which it is notified (or
deemed to be notified) by the chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber
and shall end with the final decision of the adjudicatory chamber, unless
lifted earlier in accordance with article 67 of this Code. The period of the
provisional sanction shall however not exceed the maximum length of the
sanction that may be imposed with regard to the related breach(es).
5. The duration of provisional sanctions shall be taken into account in the final
decision.
ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE

III.
IV.
FINAL
PROVISIONS
45

87. Exemption from liability

Except in the case of gross negligence or malicious intent, neither the
members of the Ethics Committee nor the secretariat staff may be held
personally liable for any deeds relating to any procedure.

88. Official languages

1. This Code exists in English, French and Spanish.
2. In the event of any discrepancy between the three texts, the English version
shall be authoritative.

89. Adoption and enforcement

1. The FIFA Council adopted this Code on 16 December 2022.
2. This Code comes into force on 1 February 2023.
3. The procedural rules enacted in this Code shall come into force immediately,
and apply to all proceedings for which adjudicatory proceedings have not
been formally opened, on the date stipulated paragraph 2 of the present
article.

Doha, 16 December 2022

For the FIFA Council

President Secretary General

Gianni Infantino Fatma Samoura