An overview of the new FIFA Disciplinary Code

15 July 2019 marked the coming into effect of the new FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)1, which was notified to all member associations via Circular no. 1681 on 11 July 20192 (Circular).

In replacing the erstwhile 2017 edition of the FDC, FIFA hopes to implement a code that is not only “better structured and clearer”3, but also more accessible and relevant; by addressing topical disciplinary themes that dominate world football, such as the use of social media, match manipulation and racism, among others.

In general, the new FDC is more concise – with less than half as many articles (72) than its predecessor (147). It is divided into five broad categories dealing with:

1. General Provisions (Title I);

2. Offences (Title II);

3. Organisation and Competence (Title III”);

4. Special Procedures (Title IV); and

5. Final Provisions (Title V).

This is in contrast with the previous edition which consisted of two broad chapters, but three levels of sub-division thereunder.

It is safe to say that the new FDC is less an amendment and more a new piece of legislation in its own right. Changes are not merely structural, but also substantive. As with the 2017 FDC, the new FDC applies to “every match and competition organised by FIFA”. However, under the new FDC, FIFA goes on to specify that the application of the code also extends to “matches and competitions that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the confederations and/or associations”, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, for the purposes of this article, the authors seek to analyse the salient amendments to the FDC, and how such changes might affect the various stakeholders in world football. Specifically, it will examine the following themes:

1. Social networks;

2. Match manipulation;

3. Racism and discrimination;

4. Enforcement of financial and non-financial decisions;

5. Intermediaries;

6. Standard of proof;

7. Accessibility and transparency; and

8. Expediency.

Note: all references to article numbers in this piece shall be to the new FDC, unless otherwise expressly stated.