How to Pass the FIFA Agent Exam: Key Points to Note in The FIFA Disciplinary Code

Introduction

The FIFA Disciplinary Code is a set of rules and regulations established) to govern the conduct of individuals and organisations involved in football including clubs and players. It outlines various offences, penalties, and procedures for addressing misconduct, including player and coach behaviour, doping violations, match-fixing, and other disciplinary matters. The code aims to maintain fairness, integrity, and respect within the sport while providing guidelines for disciplinary actions and appeals processes.

Perhaps most significantly, the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) are included as part of the FIFA Study Materials and are therefore examinable in the upcoming FIFA Football Agent Exam on May 22nd, 2024. Hence, in this blog we will explain the contents of the FDC and draw out some of the most significant points that often arose as questions in last year’s exams.

The Contents

The FIFA Disciplinary Code contents outlines the comprehensive framework governing the behaviour and conduct within the world of football. Its structure is divided into several key sections. The General Provisions outline the overarching objectives, scope, and application of the code, including the disciplinary measures to be enforced and the responsibilities of those involved. This section also addresses matters such as decisions made by referees, the duty to report misconduct, and the collaboration required for effective enforcement.

The Offences section delineates various infractions, including those related to breaches of the Laws of the Game, disorderliness at matches, discrimination, manipulation of matches, and failure to respect decisions. It covers a wide range of behaviours and actions deemed unacceptable within the football community. Organisation and Competence elucidate the procedures and mechanisms for handling disciplinary matters, from the composition of FIFA judicial bodies to decision-making processes and the roles of the Disciplinary Committee and Appeal Committee. Special Procedures detail specific protocols for expulsion, match suspension, carrying over cautions, and extending sanctions, ensuring a fair and consistent approach to disciplinary actions. Finally, the Final Provisions address procedural aspects such as official languages, gender considerations, associations’ disciplinary codes, and the adoption and enforcement of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, ensuring uniformity and integrity across football jurisdictions.

Top 5 Points to Note

Please note that the page numbers in brackets are relevant to the Study Materials PDF rather than the Statutes’ corresponding page. 

1. FIFA Judicial Bodies (p127): This section outlines the jurisdiction and responsibilities of FIFA and its judicial bodies in investigating, prosecuting, and sanctioning misconduct within football. It delineates that FIFA’s judicial bodies have the authority to handle disciplinary matters related to matches and competitions organised by FIFA, international friendly matches, and matches involving clubs or teams from different confederations. Additionally, it specifies the duties of confederations, associations, and other sports organisations in investigating and sanctioning conduct within their jurisdictions. The section also emphasises the importance of cooperation between associations and the obligation to inform FIFA of sanctions issued for serious infringements. Furthermore, it grants FIFA the authority to intervene in cases of serious infractions if deemed necessary and outlines the composition of FIFA’s judicial bodies, which are the Disciplinary Committee and the Appeal Committee, with members elected by the Congress for a four-year term. In an exam, FIFA might ask questions about the jurisdiction of FIFA and its judicial bodies, the duties of associations and confederations in disciplinary matters, the procedures for cooperation and notification of sanctions, and the composition of FIFA’s judicial bodies. Candidates may be required to correctly select the answer which best explains these provisions.
2. Disciplinary Committee (p138-139): This ‘chapter’ details the functions and jurisdiction of the Disciplinary Committee. The chapter outlines the various circumstances under which proceedings are initiated, including match officials’ reports, protests, requests from the FIFA Council, integrity experts, or the Ethics Committee, as well as ex officio or based on reports from public authorities. It also stipulates that any person or body can report violations in writing to FIFA, which may then appoint an integrity expert to investigate. The Disciplinary Committee has jurisdiction over breaches of FIFA regulations not falling under other bodies’ purview and is responsible for sanctioning serious infringements, rectifying errors in referee decisions, and extending match suspensions. The chairperson or deputy can refer cases directly to the Appeal Committee if deemed appropriate. Additionally, the chapter describes the authority of single judges within the Disciplinary Committee, who can make decisions on urgent cases, initiate, suspend, or terminate proceedings, impose sanctions, and settle disputes, among other responsibilities. 
3. Appeal Committee (pp140-142): This chapter delineates the role and jurisdiction of the Appeal Committee. This section specifies that the Appeal Committee has the authority to review and decide on appeals against decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee or the Ethics Committee, provided the decisions are not considered final or referable to another body. Parties intending to appeal must inform the Appeal Committee within three days of notification and submit an appeal brief within five days. The chapter outlines the admissibility criteria for appeals, including the types of disciplinary measures that can be appealed. It also details who has standing to appeal and the procedures for deliberation and decision-making by the Appeal Committee. Additionally, it discusses the jurisdiction of the chairperson to make decisions on procedural issues related to appeals and the effects of an appeal, noting that it generally does not have a suspensive effect except for monetary orders.
4. Worldwide Effect of Sanctions (p147): Section 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code outlines the process for extending sanctions globally for serious offences like discrimination or match manipulation. It mandates that associations and confederations must request the Disciplinary Committee to extend such sanctions, ensuring proper documentation and communication. Additionally, doping-related sanctions from other sports bodies are automatically recognized by FIFA if certain criteria are met. The decision for extension considers procedural compliance, with the chairperson typically making the decision based on provided documentation. Any sanction imposed by an association or confederation holds equal weight across all FIFA entities. If a decision is extended globally before becoming final, it aligns with the ongoing legal proceedings within the respective association or confederation.
5. Annexe 1 – List of Disciplinary Measures (pp152-155): Annexe 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code cannot be overlooked. It provides a comprehensive list of disciplinary measures and associated fines for various offences. These include fines for failure to respect financial decisions, breaches of order and security at matches, and misconduct of players and officials in FIFA tournaments. The annex also outlines sanctions for other match-related issues such as infringements of FIFA Equipment Regulations and FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations. The fines vary depending on the severity of the offence and can increase for repeat offences. Additionally, there are warnings issued for some first offences, with fines escalating for subsequent infractions. Overall, this annex offers a structured framework for implementing disciplinary actions across different aspects of football administration and conduct and if there is a question in the exam that asks about the exact fee due to a disciplinary sanction then this is often the first place to go.

Conclusion

In summary, the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) is a vital aspect of the FIFA Agent Exam curriculum, outlining rules and penalties for misconduct in football. It covers various offences, enforcement procedures, and the roles of FIFA judicial bodies. Key points include the jurisdiction of FIFA’s bodies, the functions of the Disciplinary and Appeal Committees, extending sanctions globally, and the detailed list of disciplinary measures in Annex 1. Understanding these aspects is crucial for candidates to navigate questions on jurisdiction, disciplinary procedures, and sanctions effectively during the exam.

Don’t forget, as well as our free resources available below and new additions weekly until the exam, if you want to take your preparation one step further, our next 8-hour comprehensive online How to Pass the FIFA Agent Exam Course with Dr Erkut Sogut and top sports lawyer, Daniel Geey, is taking place on 20th April 2024 and is open for registration through the link! 

The Sports Agent Academy FREE Resources List

• How to Pass the FIFA Agent Exam Youtube Playlist
• The Ultimate Guide to the FIFA Study Materials
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• Top 10 Best Tips (English)
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• Understanding Training Compensation and the Solidarity Mechanism
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