FIFA Statutes
The FIFA Statutes establish the governance framework for world football. While not the most heavily tested document, key facts — official languages, IFAB authority, membership criteria, and MA obligations — appear consistently in the exam.
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 FIFA Statutes facts for the exam
| Topic | Key Rule | Article |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA official languages | 7 — Arabic, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish | Art. 9 |
| Laws of the Game authority | IFAB (FIFA + 4 British MAs) | Art. 7 |
| One country, one MA | One MA per country (exception: 4 British MAs) | Art. 11 |
| Membership admission | Approved by Congress on recommendation of the Council | Art. 10 |
| MA must be member of | A confederation | Art. 11 |
| MA supreme body — min frequency | At least every 2 years | Art. 13.1(e) |
| Non-discrimination | Strictly prohibited; punishable by suspension or expulsion | Art. 4 |
| Member rights | 7 rights listed (vote, nominate, participate in competitions, etc.) | Art. 12 |
| Member obligations | 12 obligations listed | Art. 13 |
| Human rights commitment | FIFA promotes and respects internationally recognised human rights | Art. 3 |
Governance bodies — quick reference
The exam tests which body has authority over specific decisions. Use this reference to avoid common mix-ups:
FIFA Congress
Supreme body; admits/suspends/expels MAs; adopts regulations
FIFA Council
Executive body between Congresses; recommends membership; governs player status & transfers
IFAB
Sole authority over Laws of the Game
FIFA President
Represents FIFA externally; chairs FIFA Council
FIFA Tribunal
Free FIFA Statutes practice questions
See all mock exams →How many official languages does FIFA have?
Which body has sole authority over the Laws of the Game?
How often must a member association's supreme body (e.g. congress/general assembly) convene at minimum?
How many separate member associations can represent a single country within FIFA?
What sanction does FIFA Statutes Article 4 prescribe for discrimination?
Answer key
Q1 — FIFA Statutes Article 9
FIFA has 7 official languages: Arabic, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. This is a straightforward factual question that appears regularly in the exam.
Q2 — FIFA Statutes Article 7
Under FIFA Statutes Article 7, IFAB (the International Football Association Board) has sole authority to lay down and amend the Laws of the Game. IFAB is composed of FIFA and the four British football associations (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).
Q3 — FIFA Statutes Article 13.1(e)
Under FIFA Statutes Article 13.1(e), member associations are obliged to convene their supreme body at least every two years. Failure to do so can constitute a breach of obligations.
Q4 — FIFA Statutes Article 11
FIFA Statutes Article 11 provides that only one association per country may be admitted. The four British associations (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) are the only recognised exception — they are individually affiliated despite being part of the same country.
Q5 — FIFA Statutes Article 4
Article 4 of the FIFA Statutes states that discrimination of any kind is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion. This reflects FIFA's commitment to human rights and equality — also tested via the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
FIFA Statutes frequently asked questions
What are the FIFA Statutes?
The FIFA Statutes are the supreme regulatory document governing FIFA as an organisation — covering membership, governance bodies, objectives, rights and obligations of member associations, and FIFA's legal framework. They are reviewed and adopted by the FIFA Congress. The May 2024 edition is the version applicable to the 2026 exam.
How many official FIFA languages are there, and which are they?
There are 7 official FIFA languages: Arabic, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish (Article 9). Note that the FIFA Football Agent Exam is offered in 4 languages (English, French, German, Spanish), while official study materials are available in 3 (English, French, Spanish). The total FIFA official language count of 7 is a separate, frequently tested fact.
What is IFAB and why does it matter for the exam?
IFAB stands for the International Football Association Board. Under FIFA Statutes Article 7, IFAB has sole authority to lay down and amend the Laws of the Game. It is composed of FIFA plus the four British football associations (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) — five members in total. Exam questions often ask who controls the Laws of the Game, and the correct answer is always IFAB, not FIFA Congress or the FIFA Council.
What are a member association's main obligations under the FIFA Statutes?
Member associations have 12 obligations listed in Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, including: complying with FIFA Statutes, regulations, and decisions; paying membership subscriptions; convening their supreme body at least every two years; ratifying compliant statutes; creating a referees' committee subordinate to the MA; preventing and fighting discrimination; and promoting women's football development. Knowing that there are 12 obligations (and what they cover) is directly examinable.
Continue studying
FFAR Study Guide
FIFA Football Agent Regulations — service fees, agreements, connected agents
RSTP Study Guide
Status & Transfer of Players — training comp, solidarity, minors
FIFA Disciplinary Code
Sanctions, limitation periods, discrimination provisions
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