The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has reiterated its strong stance against racism and its dedication to modernizing global football by unveiling the 2025 edition of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC).
In a circular issued on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström outlined major reforms aimed at strengthening ethical conduct and promoting fairness, inclusivity, and accountability within the sport.
A cornerstone of the updated Code is the intensified fight against racism and discrimination. Following a unanimous resolution at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Article 15 of the FDC now formally incorporates a comprehensive three-step anti-discrimination protocol.
This framework enables players, referees, coaches, and officials to promptly report racist behaviour and offers a structured response to such incidents during matches.
Additionally, FIFA has raised the maximum financial penalty for discriminatory acts to CHF 5 million.
The organization also now holds the authority to challenge disciplinary rulings involving racism at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and can step in when Member Associations fail to take appropriate action.
All Member Associations must update their regulations to reflect these provisions by December 31, 2025, marking a unified global stand against discrimination.
Apart from the anti-racism enhancements, the revised Code introduces legal reforms to assist creditors in insolvency and bankruptcy cases, offering clearer guidelines and debtor obligations.
Another notable change is the renaming and redefinition of “Integrity Experts” as “Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutors,” emphasizing a more active role in ethical oversight and enforcement.
Together, these changes aim to bolster governance, safeguard human rights, and maintain the ethical foundation of football across the world.
