The FIFA and AIFF Disciplinary Codes are essential frameworks that regulate conduct, discipline, and ethics among football stakeholders, including players, officials, clubs, and associations. They aim to uphold fair play, integrity, and accountability in resolving disputes and addressing violations.
The FIFA Disciplinary Code sets global standards for proceedings and sanctions on issues like unsporting behavior, match manipulation, and doping. It ensures consistency in disciplinary actions across international football through structured guidelines for bodies, defendants, and sanctions.
The AIFF Disciplinary Code, tailored to India, aligns with FIFA’s principles while addressing domestic football’s specific needs. It outlines procedures for handling misconduct, appeals, and sanctions in local leagues and tournaments, ensuring a transparent and fair regulatory framework.
Together, these codes protect the sport’s integrity, encourage ethical behavior, and provide efficient mechanisms for dispute resolution, contributing to football’s growth both globally and in India.
Several changes were made to the All India Football Federation’s Disciplinary Code (“the Code”) in accordance with FIFA’s Disciplinary Code. The amendments were ratified in the Executive Committee meeting held on 20th July 2024 and came into effect on 23rd July 2024[1].
Some of the main changes from the 2023 edition of the Code are:
- Introduction of a provision regarding the proposal of sanction by the Disciplinary Committee secretariat for matters reserved for a single judge.
- Introduction of a structured table of monetary fines tournament-wise for team misconduct and offences resulting in direct expulsions.
- Introduction of a wrongful dismissal provision for Indian Super League and I-League where players can now appeal direct red cards in certain circumstances.
This article discusses these key amendments introduced in the 2024 edition of the Code and provides insights into how the revised code enhances transparency, consistency, and accountability in Indian football’s disciplinary framework.
The 2024 edition of the Code is available here[2] while the 2023 edition of the Code is available here[3].
