Judicial bodies
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Pursuant to article 52 of the FIFA Statutes, the Disciplinary, Appeal and Ethics Committees are FIFA’s judicial bodies. These three judicial bodies are to be composed in such a way that the members have the knowledge, abilities and specialist experience that is necessary for the due completion of their tasks. The chairperson, deputy chairperson and members of these committees need to fulfil the independence criteria as defined by the FIFA Governance Regulations. They are elected by the FIFA Congress for terms lasting four years, and for a maximum of three terms.
Disciplinary Committee
Purpose
The Disciplinary Committee pronounces the sanctions described in the FIFA Statutes and the FIFA Disciplinary Code on member associations, clubs, officials, players, intermediaries and licensed match agents.
Latest decisions
Ethics Committee
According to article 36 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 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.
The following decisions have been notified by the Independent Ethics Committee since 1 January 2019.
New decisions of the FIFA Ethics Committee are uploaded every four months.
Latest update: 1 February 2021.
Latest decisions
19 Jan 2022
DG_FED-159_Anonymised decision
17 Jun 2021
AC_4-2021_17.06.2021_Issa HAYATOU
23 Apr 2021
AC_10-2020_23.04.2021_Nella JOSEPH
Appeal Committee
Purpose
The Appeal Committee is responsible for hearing appeals against decisions from the Disciplinary Committee and the Ethics Committee that are not declared final by the relevant FIFA regulations.
Latest decisions
13 Jan 2022
DG_FDD-9679_Decision
21 Dec 2021
DG_FDD-9532_Decision
17 Dec 2021
DG_FDD-9538_Decision
17 Dec 2021
DG_FDD-9144_Decision
16 Dec 2021
DG_FDD-9225_Decision
Legal Aid and Pro Bono
Purpose
FIFA is committed to guaranteeing the rights of individuals who lack the financial means to defend themselves properly in proceedings before the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, the FIFA Appeal Committee and the Ethics Committee. Article 42 FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 38bis FIFA Code of Ethics provide for three types of legal aid:
Releasing the applicant from his/her obligation to pay the costs of the relevant proceedings;
Appointing a pro bono counsel to assist the individual; and
Paying reasonable travel and accommodation costs of the applicant, if needed (as well as those of any witnesses, experts and pro bono counsel).
For the avoidance of doubt, legal aid is not available to member associations, clubs or other entities that are not natural persons.
The following lawyers have been selected by FIFA to act as pro bono counsel in FIFA proceedings: CLICK HERE.
How to apply for legal aid and pro bono counsel?
An applicant may apply for legal aid and pro bono counsel by sending an email to FIFA at disciplinary@fifa.org, explaining the need for his/her application. In addition, the applicant must provide all necessary information to establish his/her financial situation.
The FIFA secretariat of the Disciplinary Committee or Ethics Committee, respectively, will decide on applications at its sole discretion. The request will not be granted if it is clear that the applicant has sufficient financial means.
The decision of FIFA is final and without appeal. The applicant may, however, request that his/her application be reconsidered should his/her financial situation deteriorate significantly after the initial review.
Legal aid and pro bono counsel may be requested by a defendant as soon as a case is opened against him/her. Although legal aid and pro bono counsel may be requested at any time during the proceedings, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications for legal aid and pro bono counsel as soon as possible.