FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)
The FIFA Disciplinary Code governs infringements across all FIFA competitions and persons — including football agents. The most-tested areas are limitation periods, suspension lengths, and the discrimination framework. September 2025 edition.
Open-book exam — digital only
You may access study materials during the exam, but only on the same device. No printed documents, second screens, or external URLs are permitted. Pre-load all 9 official PDFs before the exam starts.
Readiness check deadline — April 14, 2026
All registered candidates must complete the mandatory Pre-Exam Readiness Check by April 14, 2026. Failure to complete it disqualifies you from the exam with no right of appeal.
All 9 official FIFA study documents (2026 exam)
Open / download all →Key FDC numbers to memorise
| Topic | Key Rule | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Personal scope — includes agents | Football agents & match agents (licensed by FIFA) are subject to the FDC | Art. 3 |
| Fine range (general) | CHF 100 – CHF 1,000,000 | Art. 6.4 |
| Fine range (racist abuse maximum) | Up to CHF 5,000,000 | Art. 6.4 |
| Limitation — match infringements | 2 years | Art. 10 |
| Limitation — match manipulation, doping, minor transfers | 10 years | Art. 10 |
| Limitation — all other offences | 5 years | Art. 10 |
| Denial of obvious goalscoring opportunity | 1 match suspension | Art. 14 |
| Serious foul play | Minimum 2 matches | Art. 14 |
| Violent conduct (assault) | Minimum 3 matches | Art. 14 |
| Assaulting a match official | Minimum 15 matches | Art. 14 |
| Discrimination — minimum suspension | 10 matches | Art. 15.1 |
| Racist abuse — first offence minimum fine | CHF 20,000 | Art. 15.6(a) |
| Three-step anti-discrimination procedure | Stop → Suspend → Abandon | Art. 15.3 |
| Unplayed match minimum fine | CHF 10,000 | Art. 16 |
Limitation periods — quick reference
Article 10 sets three different limitation periods. Knowing which offence falls under which period is a common exam question:
Infringements during a match (e.g. yellow/red card offences)
All other offences not listed under the 2-year or 10-year categories
Anti-doping violations · Match manipulation · International transfers of minors
Free FDC practice questions
See all mock exams →What is the limitation period for match manipulation under the FIFA Disciplinary Code?
Under the FIFA Disciplinary Code, what is the minimum suspension for discrimination or racist abuse (Article 15)?
What is the minimum suspension for violent conduct (assault — e.g. punching, kicking, biting, spitting) under Article 14?
What is the maximum fine under the FIFA Disciplinary Code for racist abuse?
Are football agents subject to the FIFA Disciplinary Code?
Answer key
Q1 — FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 10
Under FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 10, the limitation period for match manipulation (as well as anti-doping violations and international transfers of minors) is 10 years. Match infringements have a 2-year period, and all other offences have 5 years. These three periods are directly tested.
Q2 — FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 15.1
Article 15.1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code sets a minimum suspension of 10 matches (or a specific time period) for discrimination. This is significantly higher than other violent conduct minimums and is designed to send a strong deterrence signal.
Q3 — FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 14
Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code prescribes a minimum of 3 matches for violent conduct including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, and spitting at another person. Assaulting a match official carries a higher minimum of 15 matches.
Q4 — FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 6.4
Under Article 6.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the general fine range is CHF 100 to CHF 1,000,000. However, for racist abuse specifically, the maximum is increased to CHF 5,000,000 to reflect the severity of the offence.
Q5 — FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 3
Article 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code explicitly includes football agents (licensed by FIFA) and match agents (licensed by FIFA) within the personal scope of the code. This means disciplinary sanctions — including suspension or withdrawal of a football agent licence — can be applied through the FDC.
FIFA Disciplinary Code frequently asked questions
Who does the FIFA Disciplinary Code apply to?
The FIFA Disciplinary Code applies to: member associations; clubs (members of MAs); officials; players; match officials; football agents (licensed by FIFA); match agents (licensed by FIFA); single-entity leagues; and anyone elected or assigned by FIFA. This broad personal scope (Article 3) means football agents can be sanctioned directly under the FDC — not just under FFAR.
What are the three limitation periods under the FIFA Disciplinary Code?
Article 10 establishes three limitation periods: 2 years for infringements during a match; 10 years for anti-doping violations, international transfers of minors, and match manipulation; and 5 years for all other offences. The 10-year period for match manipulation and minor transfer violations is a frequently tested fact.
What is the three-step anti-discrimination procedure under Article 15?
Under Article 15.3, the referee must follow a three-step procedure when discriminatory conduct occurs: Step 1 — Stop the match and make an announcement; Step 2 — Suspend the match and send players to the dressing rooms; Step 3 — Abandon the match. This escalating procedure gives the offending supporters an opportunity to stop before the match is abandoned.
What sanctions can be applied to clubs (legal persons) under the FDC?
The FIFA Disciplinary Code lists 15 sanctions applicable to legal persons (clubs and MAs), including: ban on registering new players; playing behind closed doors; playing with limited spectators; neutral territory requirement; stadium closure; match annulment; points deduction; relegation; competition expulsion; forfeit; match replay; prevention plan; forfeiture of training rewards; restitution; and specific financial payments. This is more than twice the number of sanctions available for individuals.