Scope and judicial setup

What to focus on while you read

Who the FDC covers, jurisdiction over persons, and Disciplinary Committee competence

The FIFA Disciplinary Code sets who is subject to FIFA disciplinary jurisdiction and which FIFA judicial body is competent. Exam items test whether a party was under FIFA jurisdiction when the conduct occurred and whether the Disciplinary Committee — not another FIFA body — is the right forum for the alleged breach.

Key points

• Disciplinary jurisdiction turns on whether the person was under FIFA's jurisdiction on the day of the alleged infringement.
• Parties may challenge a judicial-body member within the short statutory window before the hearing or decision date.
• The Disciplinary Committee sanctions breaches of FIFA regulations that do not fall under another body's exclusive competence (for example Ethics).
• Proceedings can continue and a decision can be taken on the file even when a party does not participate.

Exam traps

• Assuming a former official or club is always beyond FIFA reach after leaving the sport, without checking jurisdiction on the day of the infringement.
• Sending an ordinary disciplinary breach to the Ethics Committee when the Disciplinary Committee is competent.
• Treating a late challenge to a judicial-body member as timely.

Unit outline

1. Article 1

2. Article 2

3. Article 3

4. Article 4

5. Article 5