Published Wednesday, 22 November 2023.
Alongside Kick It Out, we have today launched a new joint action plan to proactively tackle incidents of discrimination and serious misconduct in grassroots football.
The action plan follows new research we commissioned with Kick It Out, which was undertaken to help identify ways to improve reporting, awareness, and handling of incidents of discrimination and serious misconduct in the grassroots game.
The research confirmed that incidents of discrimination in grassroots football could be more than double the reported figures of 1,894 incidents for the 2021-22 season. It also found that while almost all incidents experienced by ethnic minority groups met sanctioning thresholds, these incidents were significantly more likely to go unreported.
Of the 3,417 participants surveyed, 42% of respondents had encountered a discriminatory incident during their time in grassroots football with 26% experiencing or witnessing discrimination in the past 12 months.
More than a third witnessed abuse based on race (37%), followed by colour (31%) and ethnic origin (26%). In addition, 19% had seen discrimination based on gender, 16% based on sexual orientation and 6% witnessed those with disabilities targeted.
The research also identified a widespread perception among grassroots participants that action would not be taken if discriminatory abuse was reported, with only 34% of respondents believing that incidents lead to a charge. However, while every report is investigated, 62% of reported incidents led to a charge during this period.*
Several barriers to reporting were identified, including fear of the consequences after reporting an incident, a desire by victims to put incidents behind them, low confidence that action will be taken, uncertainty around the seriousness of an incident, and a lack of awareness of the reporting process.
More than half of women (56%) who have experienced discriminatory abuse stated that they experienced it based on their sex or gender.
Abuse is not only classed as verbal, but also less overt forms of discrimination. For example, the survey also included participant feedback saying that there was a greater perception among women and ethnic minorities that they were more likely to not be picked for teams or face decisions going against them based on protected characteristics. Not being welcomed at a club was the second most common form of discriminatory abuse experienced by Asian participants.
Using the insight gathered, alongside Kick It Out we have developed a joint action plan focusing on three areas: increasing awareness and knowledge of serious incidents; improving reporting; and tackling specific problem areas where serious incidents are most prevalent.
As part of this work, Kick It Out has expanded its grassroots team, developed specific educational resources, created better pitch access opportunities for underrepresented groups, and is working to increase the number of clubs and leagues they interact with through Kick It Out’s Equality Charter.
The action plan also builds on our ongoing work to address unacceptable and discriminatory behaviour across the grassroots game, which includes the introduction of point deductions for teams that commit repeated offences. We have also launched a new EDI ambassador scheme across our County FA network, approved reduced regulatory time limits, and is set to expand its body camera trial for more grassroots referees. Meanwhile, we recently launched Enough is Enough, a campaign which aims to raise awareness of discriminatory behaviour and its consequences in grassroots football.
The research comes ahead of us publishing our Annual Discipline Review for the first time, to provide greater transparency on reporting statistics and the number of cases that have resulted in proven outcomes. It is hoped this will improve confidence in the reporting process across the grassroots game.
Tajean Hutton, Kick It Out’s Head of Grassroots Football, said: "It’s clear that discrimination remains a serious issue in grassroots football and that several barriers still exist which prevent participants, particularly ethnic minorities and women, from reporting incidents.
"It’s vital that we find solutions to removing those obstacles and this research gives us invaluable insight into what is happening at a grassroots level, as well as equipping our grassroots team with the knowledge to tackle the issues identified head-on.
"We commend The FA’s commitment to addressing serious incidents in grassroots football and will continue to work closely with our partners across the game to ensure that tackling discrimination is at the top of football’s agenda."
FA Head of Grassroots Operations, Tim Foster, said: "Together with our partners at Kick It Out, we are committed to creating a game that is safe, welcoming and free from any form of discrimination. Building a good understanding of the challenges we face is very important – and this new research provides us with valuable insight that will help us to focus on the key areas where we can make a positive difference.
"Each season, over 100,000 teams participate in over one million fixtures across the country, and whilst reported incidents of discrimination are not commonplace, we know from this research that the number is growing and can often go unreported. To help tackle this, The FA and Kick It Out have developed a joint action plan to ensure that perpetrators face consequences for their actions, with stronger sanctions already in place, whilst also making the reporting of incidents easier and helping to build trust in the process."
Reporting should be everyone’s responsibility – not just those who experience it. If you witness discrimination at a game, report it to the match officials, Kick It Out, The FA, or your local County FA so the matter can be fully investigated.
Together we will Kick it Out.
* This belief is higher among referees (45%) but lower among ethnic minorities groups (30%), particularly people from Asian backgrounds (26%).
An independent Commission has imposed an immediate deduction of 10 points on Everton FC for a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs).
The Premier League issued a complaint against the Club and referred the case to an independent Commission earlier this year. During the proceedings, the Club admitted it was in breach of the PSRs for the period ending Season 2021/22 but the extent of the breach remained in dispute.
Following a five-day hearing last month, the Commission determined that Everton FC’s PSR Calculation for the relevant period resulted in a loss of £124.5million, as contended by the Premier League, which exceeded the threshold of £105million permitted under the PSRs. The Commission concluded that a sporting sanction in the form of a 10-point deduction should be imposed. That sanction has immediate effect.
Click here to read the independent Commission’s full written reasons.
Click here to read a further decision by the Chair of the Commission, dated 9 May 2023, regarding applications from Leicester City FC, Burnley FC, Southampton FC, Leeds United FC and Nottingham Forest FC.
Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member Clubs. The members of the Commission were appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.
Published Wednesday, 15 November 2023.
Sport Integrity Australia today acknowledged the decision of Football Australia to impose a ban of two-years and nine-months on athlete Damian Tsekenis for the Presence, Use, Use and/or Attempted Use, and Possession of Prohibited Substances.
Mr Tsekenis, who played for the Central Coast Mariners, returned Adverse Analytical Findings from an out-of-competition doping control test on 23 March 2022.
His sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, which detected the presence of Prohibited Substances Ostarine and its metabolite Hydroxy-ostarine, and Ibutamoren.
It was determined that on and/or before 23 March 2022 Mr Tsekenis used Prohibited Substances, namely Ostarine and Ibutamoren.
In addition, it was also determined:
- On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 31 October 2021, Mr Tsekenis used and/or attempted to use a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol).
- On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 21 March 2022, Mr Tsekenis used and/or attempted to use a Prohibited Substance, namely RAD140.
- On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 31 October 2021, he possessed a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol).
- On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 21 March 2022, he possessed a Prohibited Substance, namely RAD140.
Mr Tsekenis is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 21 December 2024.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE
Ostarine, LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and RAD140 are Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) and are prohibited at all times under the S1 Anabolic Agent category of the WADA Prohibited List.
SARMs are promoted as selective non-steroidal anabolic agents. They are claimed to be substances that induce muscle (and bone) growth without the side effects associated with steroid use. However, the medium and long-term health impacts are unknown due to a lack of medium and long-term clinical trials.
It should be noted that a number of SARMs have associated health-risks, particularly for the heart and liver.
Sport Integrity Australia is committed to protecting the right of clean athletes to fair competition. If you are aware of any suspicious doping activity, you can report it anonymously via the Sport Integrity Australia website or call us on 1300 027 232.
Sport Integrity Australia recommends you check all of your substances before you take them on the Sport Integrity app. For more information visit: Sport Integrity Australia website.
Published Monday, 06 November 2023.
An independent Regulatory Commission has fined Luton Town £35,000 for breaching FA Rule E21 in relation to crowd control at their game against Sunderland in the EFL Championship on Tuesday 16 May 2023.
Luton Town admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers):
- Conducted themselves in an orderly fashion;
- Did not behave in an improper, threatening, violent and/or provocative way in the 14th minute; and
- Did not commit any form of pitch incursion following the final whistle.
Published Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
Published Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
CAF and 23 Safeguarding officers from a number of African Member Associations attended the successful first edition of the FIFA Safeguarding Summit held at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland where Africa.
The two-day summit took place between 25 – 26 October and also coincided with a graduation ceremony which saw all 23 of CAF’s Member Associations’ Safeguarding Officers graduating from the FIFA Safeguarding Sport Diploma – a 24-month programme designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge of safeguarding in football.
Since 2020, CAF has been on an extensive drive across the continent, conducting workshops with its 54 Member Associations to adequately capacitate its members in implementing CAF’s Safeguarding principles. This includes the appointment of CAF Safeguarding Officers in each of its Member Associations, coupled with regular engagement and workshops in ensuring that effective safeguarding measures are put in place.
The 23 nations that were present at the ceremony include Benin, Burundi, Botswana, Cameroon, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Guinee, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tunisia, Zambia.
Congratulating the 23 African representatives who completed the course, CAF Director of Member Associations, Sarah Mukuna said this was an important step in the right direction of safeguarding football development and Africa was not being left behind.
“The significant rise of African football must be supported by such programmes, where we as the governing body of African football ensure that football is played, developed and enjoyed in a safe and secure environment. We look forward to seeing the continuous rollout of CAF’s Safeguarding measures and to ensure that players develop and enjoy playing football in a safe and secure environment” concluded Mukuna.
CAF’s Safeguarding Division’s primary mission is to champion the well-being of all individuals within the game including children, youth, women, and vulnerable adults by creating a safe environment that is free from harm, abuse, and exploitation, and constantly treated with respect and dignity.
Over the next few months, CAF will be working closely with the 23 graduates as well as other safeguarding officers in the Zonal Unions and Member Associations in ensuring that:
- CAF Safeguarding measures are effectively put in place at local, zonal and continental levels.
- Develop CAF Safeguarding policies and a toolkit to guide Member Associations in establishing their own safeguarding protocols.
- Create reporting mechanisms for addressing safeguarding concerns.
- Integrate safeguarding principles into coaching education programs across all coaching licenses (D, C, B, A, and PRO).
- Establishing partnerships and collaborative initiatives with sponsors and international organizations, utilizing training programs and social media platforms to raise awareness and address a wide range of relevant topics.
- Collaborate with football legends to inspire and mentor younger generations.
Kick It Out, The FA, Premier League, EFL and PFA have been working with Government to ensure Online Safety Act tackles racist and other discriminatory abuse
"Kick It Out, The FA, Premier League, English Football League and the PFA have been working closely with the Government and parliamentarians to ensure that the Online Safety Act (OSA) effectively tackles racist and other discriminatory abuse online and better protects users on social media platforms.
"Online abuse in football has risen significantly in recent years, but new laws passed by the Government should offer some hope to all those who participate in football. Change will take time, but it’s a big step in the right direction to make everyone in football feel safer online.
"We still need to ensure that law enforcement tackles perpetrators of online abuse and we urge the Government to ensure that the independent regulator, Ofcom, has sufficient powers to hold social media companies to account. In time, the OSA will introduce new tools to help users avoid discriminatory abuse. But social media companies don’t need to wait. They can introduce better tools right now so that users are free from unwanted and damaging discrimination."
See: Premier League commitment to tackling discrimination
The Premier League remains committed to tackling all forms of discrimination as part of our No Room For Racism Action Plan, which aims to ensure that football is an inclusive environment for all.
Ways in which the League is tackling discrimination includes the implementation of an online abuse reporting system to support players, managers, coaches and their family members who receive serious discriminatory online abuse.
This includes the League reviewing each case and reporting it to the relevant social media company, before an investigation and legal action is taken where appropriate.
See: How the Premier League supports safety online
The League implemented new enhanced anti-discrimination measures from the 2021/22 season as the League and its clubs continue to work together to make it clear any form of discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable in football and wider society. Clubs agreed to enforce new League-wide punishments, including bans, for any individual found to have behaved in a discriminatory or abusive way towards any club employee, player, match official, matchday steward or fan attending a Premier League match. This covers behaviour conducted in-person or online.
If you see online abuse directed at players, managers, coaches, match officials and their families, you can report it to the Premier League, here.
English football welcomed the Online Safety Act receiving Royal Assent today in Parliament
Kick It Out, the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League and the PFA have been working closely with the Government and parliamentarians to ensure that the Online Safety Act (OSA) effectively tackles racist and other discriminatory abuse online and better protects users on social media platforms.
Online abuse in football has risen significantly in recent years, but new laws passed by the Government should offer some hope to all those who participate in football. Change will take time, but it’s a big step in the right direction to make everyone in football feel safer online.
We still need to ensure that law enforcement tackles perpetrators of online abuse and we urge the Government to ensure that the independent regulator, Ofcom, has sufficient powers to hold social media companies to account. In time, the OSA will introduce new tools to help users avoid discriminatory abuse. But social media companies don’t need to wait. They can introduce better tools right now so that users are free from unwanted and damaging discrimination.
TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1863
Zurich, 24 October 2023
FIFA Football Law Annual Review - 2024
Dear Sir or Madam,
FIFA is pleased to announce that the sixth edition of the FIFA Football Law Annual Review will be held in Tokyo, Japan, on 1 and 2 February 2024. Please register online HERE - registration is free of charge and the event will be conducted entirely in English with simultaneous interpreting into French, Japanese and Spanish.
To make this event accessible to all 211 FIFA member associations, it will also be streamed live free of charge on FIFA.com, again with simultaneous interpreting into French, Japanese and Spanish. No registration is required to follow the event online. Moreover, full audio and video recordings will be made available on FIFA.com after the event. You will find more information in the attached programme.
We thank you for your kind attention and hope you can join us either in Tokyo or online.
Yours faithfully,
FIFA
Leeds United have been fined £40,000, with £20,000 suspended until the end of the 2024/25 season, and warned as to their future conduct for breaching FA Rule E21.1 at the Premier League game involving Newcastle United on Saturday 13 May 2023.
Leeds United admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behaviour which are improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, insulting or provocative.
The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has banned Mr Jonathan Bukabakwa, former youth coach at clubs of the Urban Football Agreement of the regions of Lipopo and Malebo in Congo DR, from all football-related activities for 20 years, after having found him guilty of sexually abusing a minor football player. In addition, the adjudicatory chamber imposed a fine amounting to CHF 100,000 on Mr Bukabakwa.
This case arose following serious allegations related to the sexual abuse of minors in the Congo DR Football Association (FECOFA) that were made on several media platforms. In particular, various football coaches of different regions and leagues in Congo DR were accused of having abused minor players, leading to Mr Bukabakwa being provisionally suspended for a period of five months earlier this year.
In deciding this case, the adjudicatory chamber took into account the evidence collected during the investigations and was comfortably satisfied that Mr Bukabakwa had breached article 24 (Protection of physical and mental integrity) of the Code of Ethics. The terms of the decision were notified to Mr Bukabakwa today, the date on which the ban comes into force, and will be followed by the notification of the grounds within the next 60 days in accordance with the FIFA Code of Ethics.
The decision taken by the adjudicatory chamber is in line with FIFA’s zero tolerance approach to all forms of abuse in football. World football’s governing body has regularly updated its regulatory framework in recent years to provide greater protection to victims of discrimination and sexual abuse or harassment.
FIFA also provides a confidential, dedicated, highly secure and web-based whistleblowing system so that individuals can report any safeguarding concerns.
Published Thursday, 19 October 2023.
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) reported 50 suspicious betting alerts to the relevant authorities in third quarter (Q3) of 2023. The Q3 2023 total is the same as reported in Q2 and brings the Q1-3 2023 period to 148 alerts. Football and tennis accounted for 56% of all Q3 alerts. The 50 suspicious betting alerts were identified across IBIA members’ global businesses, which number over 125 sports betting brands and over US$137 billion in betting turnover per annum, making IBIA the largest integrity monitor of its type in the world.
The 50 incidents of suspicious betting in Q3 concerned eight sports, across 21 countries and five continents. Other key data for Q3 2023 includes:
- The 50 alerts reported in Q3 2023 are a decrease of 41% when compared to the Q3 total for 2022, which saw 85 alerts.
- Tennis had the highest number of alerts with 15 in Q3 2023, representing a 7% increase on the 14 alerts reported in Q2 and a 55% decrease on the 33 reported in Q3 2022.
- Football (soccer) accounted for 13 alerts, a 32% decrease on the 19 cases reported in Q2
- Europe, with 30 alerts, made up 60% of the total reported, followed by South America with 7 alerts (14%).
Khalid Ali, IBIA CEO, said: “The quarter saw a continued reduction in alerts with a more than 30% decrease in the first three quarters relative to 2022, with tennis a major contributory factor. During the quarter, IBIA and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) co-hosted a best practice integrity seminar in New York with many of the premier sports and betting operators in the US. That cross-sector cooperative approach underlines the strength of our relationship with tennis, as acknowledged by the ITIA, and our shared commitment to working in partnership to combat corruption in that sport.”
The Q3 integrity report includes a breakdown of alerts reported on sporting events taking place in North America between 2018-2022. It also contains an analysis of tennis alerts, which average 13 tennis cases per quarter in 2023 compared to an average of 26 per quarter in 2022 and 20 per quarter in 2021. The latest US sports betting gross win calculations, provided by leading global gambling market intelligence company H2 Gambling Capital, show that the licensed on onshore market is expected to reach US$11.7bn in gross win in 2023, rising to US$18.9bn by 2026.
Of the 50 alerts reported in Q3 2023, three related to women only events, 43 for men only events with three mixed gender and one an animal sporting event (greyhound racing). IBIA has recently released a ground-breaking study that analyses the size and characteristics of the women's sports betting market and examines the potential vulnerability of women's sports to match-fixing.
- The Global Labour Agreement (GLA) establishes three distinct labour initiatives to provide a forum for international social dialogue
- The committees are dedicated to player health and safety, as well as sustainable football market development
- More information can be found on the website dedicated to the GLA between FIFPRO and World Leagues Forum (WLF)
Under the international bargaining framework between football’s league and player unions, World Leagues Forum (WLF) and FIFPRO have today agreed to establish three new labour initiatives with a view to strengthening and protecting national leagues and playing conditions.
Last year both organisations signed the Global Labour Agreement (GLA) at the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland to take greater responsibility as social partners, strengthen collectively agreed solutions in the football industry, and contribute to its viability and growth.
The Global Social Dialogue in Professional Football
A shared commitment to take greater responsibility as social partners and provide collectively agreed solutions has now contributed to the creation of three distinct labour and market initiatives to address ongoing challenges of the football industry.
1) Workplace Safety & Health: Committee on Workplace Security
The Committee on Violence in Football Stadiums is established to address and mitigate instances of violence that jeopardise player safety. The committee's goal is to find ways to promote security and workplace safety within stadiums, matchday environments, training grounds and online by developing strategies, protocols, and initiatives.
2) Committee on Health and Fair-Play Pitch Management
The Committee on Health and Fair-Play Pitch Management is established to address challenges related to how the Laws of the Game and their implementation affect match operations and the playing experience on the pitch, as well as for spectators and broadcasters.
3) Committee on Combatting Discriminatory Incidents in Football Matches
The Committee on Combating Discriminatory Incidents in Football Matches is established to address incidents of racism and other forms of discrimination during football matches on a global scale. It operates in the context of general occupational safety and health guidelines to protect workers and commits to ensure a workplace free of discrimination and abuse.
Each of the committees will feature an equal number of representatives nominated by the World Leagues Forum and FIFPRO.
Speaking of the new labour initiatives, World Leagues Forum President Richard Masters said: "In professional football, collectively agreed solutions play a crucial role. The Global Labor Agreement, set up by leagues and player unions at the international level, provides a framework to address the challenges in the football industry together. We are confident that the actions carried out within this agreement will improve the governance of world football."
FIFPRO President David Aganzo said: "The new labour initiatives represent our joint commitment to address the development of our competitions and employment conditions through collective dialogue. The new working structures are marking a start and we are eager to address other issues that are relevant for the growth of leagues and players together."
A website dedicated to the new international bargaining framework under the GLA provides more information and can be accessed HERE. From news updates and documents to GLA governance and labour initiatives, the website provides further information of the organisations’ respective commitment to promote and protect the basic principles of collective industrial relations between the representatives of employers and employees.
The Football Association Board, Council and Shareholders have collectively agreed to introduce one of the most extensive sets of governance reforms to the FA Council in our 160-year history.
The new reforms to the FA Council will be implemented with immediate effect and will help to ensure that the membership of the FA Council is fully reflective of the modern and diverse game – so that it can better serve the interests of English football at all levels.
This new set of reforms followed a comprehensive and collaborative review that included a consultation process with key stakeholders across the game. The review was led by a Working Group of Council Members, and the proposals were tested and refined with a broader group of Council Members over the last year.
The new reforms will modernise the FA Council in line with the recommendations in the Fan Led Review of Football Governance, which was published in November 2021. These latest reforms follow on from the changes already made to the FA Board which has seen the FA implement the Review's recommendation to ensure that at least 50 per cent of the FA Board is made up of independent directors.
FA Chair, Debbie Hewitt MBE, said: "This is a transformative moment for the governance of the FA and one that will benefit every level of English football. These reforms also follow the important steps we took in July to restructure our FA Board to ensure that it has a majority of independent members.
"The FA Council has an important and active role in the governance of our game, and I would like to thank all of the Council members for their engagement, support and input throughout this collaborative process.
"These are significant changes that we believe will be a catalyst for positive change and will future-proof our game for years to come. Importantly, it will help to further improve the overall governance of the FA, ensuring that across our Board and Council we have committed, engaged and diverse representation, who all have a meaningful part to play in the future of English football."
The EFL has today launched its ‘Together Against Racism’ initiative which renews appeals to football supporters to report any incidents of racism and discrimination they see or hear in stadiums and online.
Clubs will also showcase the work that is being undertaken up and down the country to promote inclusion and make Clubs representative of the communities in which they are located.
With support from anti-discrimination charity, Kick It Out, the campaign sees a focused drive from the EFL and its Clubs to combat racism and all forms of discrimination in football.
Across four weekends in October, every EFL Club will run a ‘Together Against Racism’ matchday reminding fans how they can report abuse, so that football and law enforcement authorities can ensure that there are consequences for abusers, while victims get the support they need.
Tackling discriminatory abuse is a key part of the football-wide Love Football Protect the Game initiative which aims to combat all dangerous and illegal behaviour at football grounds across the country.
Building on English football’s shared commitment on equality, discrimination and inclusion, ‘Together Against Racism’ will run concurrently alongside the Premier League’s ‘No Room for Racism’ and the FA’s ‘Enough is Enough’ campaigns throughout October, highlighting the collective approach that is being taken at all levels of the game.
Trevor Birch, Chief Executive of the the EFL, said:
“Football has a platform to effect positive change across society, so we are proud to be collaborating with partners across the game to ensure a welcoming environment for everyone.
“Our clubs are working hard to stamp out unwelcome behaviour from football and via the many measures the game has introduced in recent years we will continue to support them as we look to make the EFL truly representative of the communities we represent.”
The Together Against Racism campaign launch has been supported by former Reading midfielder and Jamaican international Jobi McAnuff who narrated a video on how to report discrimination.
The individual behind a sophisticated illegal streaming service which showed Premier League matches has been jailed today for two and a half years.
The conviction and sentencing of Steven Mills, aged 58 from Shrewsbury, follows a joint investigation by the Premier League, West Mercia Police, and anti-piracy organisation FACT.
Mills, who ran the organisation which sold so-called "Firesticks" via a closed Facebook group and claimed to have more than 30,000 subscribers, pleaded guilty in June earlier this year to multiple fraud offences at Shrewsbury Crown Court.
He was also convicted of a separate offence for watching the illegal content that he was supplying to others, with the court recognising that his own use of the unauthorised service was a distinct crime in itself. Mills received a separate prison sentence for this offence.
The service provided customers with a bespoke app and streaming devices, including “Firesticks”, to view a wide range of sport and entertainment content. Mills took significant steps to disguise his activity from detection including posting bundles of cash to suppliers and operating under a number of aliases.
In his sentencing remarks the judge in the case commented on the sophistication of the operation. The judge highlighted the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and recorded tutorial videos which supported his customers to access the illegal content.
Trading under the names Pikabox and Eyepeeteevee, the organisation received more than £1million in five years. The service was primarily provided to UK-based customers and was also sold to a network of resellers, who are currently under investigation.
The enquiry and subsequent raids by police provided intelligence which identified more than 1,000 of his customers. In January this year police and FACT officials visited a number of those individuals, serving notices to cease illegal streaming activities with immediate effect.
Kevin Plumb, Premier League General Counsel, said: “The sentence handed down by the Crown Court today once again clearly demonstrates the severity of piracy-related offences and the consequences that come with them.
“It is vital that the public continue to be made aware of the dangers and criminality associated with using illegal streaming services.
“We are aware that so-called ‘Firesticks’ are being sold as a means of illegally accessing all kinds of content, and today’s judgment should remove any doubt that it is illegal and treated very seriously by the courts.”
Detective Inspector Matt McNelis, Senior Investigating Officer, West Mercia Police, added: “This was a great example of partners from law enforcement and industry coming together to have a profound effect on this type of criminality.
“It’s clear that no single agency alone can be as effective as closely coordinated teams working towards achieving an objective. The investigation, run by the Force Cyber Crime Unit, utilised sensitive tactics to increase the preventative messaging during the arrest phase before following up again with FACT to disrupt and educate others linked to Mills earlier this year.
“We are grateful for the advice provided by the Premier League legal team and of course to colleagues in the Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) and look forward to working with the team again in the near future.”
Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, added: “FACT are proud to have supported the Premier League in this major investigation. This successful outcome would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of West Mercia Police and GAIN. FACT are committed to safeguarding the broadcast rights of our partners and we hope that the severity of the sentence sends out a clear message that piracy is a crime that is taken very seriously by the courts."
Today’s judgment follows the successful prosecution earlier this year which resulted in five individuals being jailed for a total of 30 years and seven months in what is thought to be the world’s largest-ever prosecution of an illegal streaming network which offered illegal access to Premier League matches.
UEFA has taken a significant step towards levelling the playing field for women’s football players across Europe by introducing a first-ever minimum standards framework for women’s national teams.
The framework, which was unanimously approved by the UEFA Executive Committee in June, sets out a range of standards encompassing provisions covering sporting, good governance, coaching, medical care, training, player welfare, accommodation and remuneration. Their development involved extensive consultations with players, coaches and FIFPRO Europe.
Support for national associations
Europe’s governing body will assist its members to draw up implementation plans adapted to their specific challenges in meeting the minimum standards. In addition, the framework will be supported via the UEFA HatTrick Incentive Programme, with a total pot of €22 million being made available to national associations until 2028 (€100,000 per national association per year).
Northern Ireland international Marissa Callaghan, one of 35 national team captains consulted in developing this initiative shared her enthusiasm, saying: "Setting minimum standards will make a significant difference for players across Europe in every aspect of national team football. Having a platform to discuss with fellow players and coaches was a positive and enriching experience. I look forward to seeing players continuing to be closely involved throughout this journey."
Best conditions to perform
"This project is an important one and is a starting point to raise the bar across all women’s national teams," said Nadine Kessler, UEFA Managing Director for women’s football. "Having the best possible conditions on and off the pitch is absolutely vital for players to perform and in return bring success to their national teams. We have a highly competitive landscape nowadays, so standards must be grown alongside them. Only then can teams unleash their full potential and we can safeguard the longevity of players’ careers."
Sarah Gregorius, FIFPro Europe Director of Global Policy & Strategic Relations for Women's Football, said: "We welcome this important step for women’s national team football, which is the outcome of an inclusive consultative approach involving players and FIFPro Europe. The framework promotes and incentivises standards that put the protection and needs of the players at its heart, and they thoroughly deserve this. We remain fully engaged for further positive developments to occur."
This programme is the latest in a series of strategic UEFA initiatives designed to grow, develop, and support women’s national team football. These include the introduction of a new competition system, consisting of the UEFA Nations League and European qualifiers.
Download the Framework here
FC Barcelona are facing a bribery charge in the Spanish courts for their payments to former vice-president of the Spanish Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) José María Enríquez Negreira which totalled €7.7 million between 2001 and 2018.
El Mundo reveal that, in a report requested by the court, Spain's Civil Guard had concluded that referees under the watch of the CTA's former president Victoriano Sanchez Arminio and Negreira weren't always "unbiased". It was found that they ran an "irregular operation" while overseeing the committee, where decisions which "would not have always had impartial support" from a sporting perspective were made.
Judge Joaquin Aguirre Lopez reviewed the public prosecutor’s case and ruled that the matter would proceed to trial with the club former presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu, Sandro Rosell and Negreira’s son Javier Enríquez also being named as defendants.
As explained by Cadena SER, the parties involved have been notified by the judge presiding the case that the original crime of "continued corruption between individuals in the sports field" is merely that. Instead, the judge believes that the crime of bribery fits the case better, because Negreira "participated in the exercise of public functions" during the period of time that he received payments from Barca, which then ceased when he left his position.
The judge also said that he believed the case demonstrated the club obtained advantages from referees. It will be for a jury, nine people under Spanish law, to decide.
If found guilty the club could be suspended from La Liga and given the clubs precarious financial situation this would likely result in bankruptcy, the individual defendants could receive between three and six years in prison.
UEFA will conduct their own investigation into the allegations but this may not be undertaken until the Spanish court has issued its ruling. All of the defendants deny the allegations.
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Publication includes latest regulations, statutory documents and circulars
FIFA has today published the 2023 edition of its Legal Handbook, which features a unique overview of the latest regulations, statutory documents and circulars issued by world football’s governing body, thus providing valuable support to the football community at large.
Following the publication of the FIFA Legal Handbook since 2020, the 2023 edition includes the recent changes and amendments to all regulations and rules applicable to football organisations and matches.
The Legal Handbook contains the updated versions of the most relevant FIFA Rules and Regulations, including Circular Letters and official Guides.
On 19 June 2023, The FA confirmed that the agencies CAA Base, Wasserman, Stellar and ARETÉ had commenced arbitration proceedings to challenge the implementation by The FA of the National Football Agent Regulations (NFAR) relating to English domestic transfers.
Those arbitration proceedings have now concluded. The Tribunal has indicated that it will issue its award by 30 November 2023. In light of this, The FA agrees that the implementation date of the NFAR (to the extent upheld by the Tribunal) will be delayed until the earlier of (a) 30 November 2023 or (b) the handing-down of the Tribunal's award.
Until such time, The FA's Working With Intermediaries Regulations will remain in force. The FA will provide an update following its receipt of the Tribunal's decision.
Published Wednesday, 22 November 2023.
- Slovenian player union received a letter from the country's Ministry of Labour confirming its labour law prevails over the regulations drawn up by any sports federation
- It is a huge step towards one of the union's main goals: creating a collective bargaining agreement
- "This letter means that the transfer system doesn’t exist any longer in our country," said SPINS President Dejan Stefanovic
Slovenian player union SPINS made a huge step towards one of their main goals: creating a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The organisation received a letter from the Ministry of Labour confirming that Slovenian labour law prevails over the regulations drawn up by any sports federation.
“This letter basically means that the transfer system doesn’t exist any longer in our country,” said SPINS President Dejan Stefanovic, who is also a member of FIFPRO’s global board. “As we have always stated, athletes need to have the same rights as any other worker in Slovenia.”
SPINS had several meetings with the Ministry of Labour to discuss the labour status of professional footballers and other professional athletes in Slovenia, as well as the right to collectively bargain for self-employed athletes. This process for getting more clarity lasted more than a year and resulted in the Ministry’s letter.
The letter concludes: "It should also be emphasised that the cases and conditions of termination of the employment relationship are not and cannot be left to the free and autonomous regulation of the sports federations."
According to Stefanovic this means that players can terminate their contracts the way any other worker does. He said: “Currently, players in our country can’t move because of the FA’s transfer regulations. If they are going to terminate a contract, then they don’t know what kind of compensation they are going to have to pay. So, they don’t move.
“This letter puts clear pressure on the clubs coming from the top authority in our country, which says that sport autonomy cannot be above law, and that any kind of termination of the contract is subject to law and not subject to the regulations of the Slovenian FA. That is crucial.”
With the letter in hand, the union wants to start negotiations with the clubs and finally conclude a valid CBA, in which they can jointly decide on conditions that could be deviating from labour law. Stefanovic said: “We know that the clubs would like to have a transfer system in place because they are dependent on transfer fees coming in, and we know that many clubs use these transfer fees to pay player salaries. So, we should try and find a compromise, and agree on conditions in a CBA.”
Stefanovic continued: “We are taking away the autonomy of the sports federations in Slovenia. As clubs and players, we are going to decide on the conditions for breach of contract and all other issues, that affect our work and workplace. This can’t be regulated by the football association. They can decide on match regulations and similar subjects, but any matter that involves working conditions is going to be a subject of the CBA.”
Ever since SPINS was founded in 2003, the union strived for a CBA. “We have already secured very good legal protections for our players with the closed standard players’ contract that we introduced in 2018,” said Stefanovic. “But we are still having problems with compensation for training and transfers, while many of our players are also self-employed.
“With a CBA, we can further raise the players’ level of protection, and solve all other issues for players. At first we will probably not get everything but, in the end, we will have a CBA that will be the one of the best in the world.”
Stefanovic advises other unions to “follow the law” in their country. He said: “Talk with labour inspection, talk with the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Sport, the government, or the president. Just follow the law and ask the same principles to be applied to athletes as they are to any other workforce in the country.”
An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a six-match suspension, £8,000 fine and face-to-face education upon Jack Simpson for misconduct on Cardiff City’s pre-season tour to Portugal in July 2023.
It was alleged the defender used language towards a teammate that was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It was further alleged that that this language constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference - whether express or implied - to race and/or colour.
Jack Simpson admitted the charge against him, and his sanctions were imposed following a hearing.
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FIFA representatives attend meeting of Council of Europe’s Monitoring Group of Anti-Doping Convention (T-DO)
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FIFA outlined scaled-up efforts to keep football clean and fair
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Importance of education at youth level to influence future generations of players also highlighted
FIFA reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fair play and the integrity of football as a member of the Council of Europe’s Monitoring Group of the Anti-Doping Convention (T-DO) at the body’s latest gathering in Strasbourg, France.
Delegates at the two-day meeting heard from Alexis Weber, FIFA’s Head of Anti-Doping, and Annaliza Tsakona, FIFA’s Senior International Relations & Public Affairs Manager, about how FIFA has stepped up its efforts to ensure that its competitions remain fair.
“FIFA would like to reiterate its commitment to continuing our close collaboration with the Council of Europe – under the memorandum of understanding signed in 2018 – as well as with governments and political institutions around the globe,” Ms Tsakona told attendees, consisting of representatives of the Council of Europe and Council of Europe member states, parties to the Anti-Doping Convention and observers from international sports federations.
“It is through collaborative efforts that we can effectively address challenges jeopardising the principles of fair play, integrity and clean competition. Such cooperation has the potential to catalyse positive societal change, extending its impact beyond the sporting arena,” Ms Tsakona added.
FIFA's representatives outlined the organisation's anti-doping operations at the FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar late last year. The T-DO, which plays an important role in coordinating the implementation and harmonisation of anti-doping programmes across EU member states, also heard about the enhanced anti-doping policy put in place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. As the centrepiece of the most comprehensive measures ever implemented at a FIFA Women’s World Cup™, 30% more tests were conducted than at the previous edition in France in 2019.
FIFA is also taking an active role in trying to ensure that anti-doping is a part of a player’s mindset long before they reach elite level. After Ms Tsakona had stressed the importance of education and whistle-blowing, FIFA’s anti-doping e-learning platform was then presented. It is tailored to three distinct target groups: youth players, professional players and player support staff.
The T-DO was then given an overview of the robust anti-doping programme that has been put in place for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023™ in Indonesia with the aim of instilling ethical values and the concept of fair competition in players from an early age.
Published Thursday, 09 November 2023.
Published Monday, 06 November 2023.
Reading Football Club has been referred to an Independent disciplinary commission (IDC) for continued non-payment of monies owed to HMRC.
The Club has defaulted in relation to the amount owed to HMRC for September and October 2023 and as a result is currently under a registration embargo.
In addition to the current embargo, the Club is already subject to a fee restriction for the next three transfer windows after it accumulated 30 days or more of late payments in the current 12-month period (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024). The current default period as of 31 October 2023 was 79 days.
Where a Club continues to fail to make the payment as in the case of Reading, EFL Regulations agreed by EFL Clubs provide for a Club to be referred to a commission independent of the EFL who shall determine an appropriate further sanction.
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch said: “This is a challenging situation for all involved and we understand the frustrations of supporters and the negative impact sporting sanctions and further charges are having on the football club.
“As a League, we are required to ensure all 72 members are treated fairly and consistently on all matters so that the integrity of the competition is maintained. These consistent failures of the Club’s ownership to meet its ongoing obligations have a knock-on effect on all Clubs and as such, the deterrents in place must be actioned when breached.
“We have today met with the Reading Supporters Trust to discuss the ongoing challenges and will continue to work with the Club in an attempt find a positive solution moving forward.”
Meanwhile, the proceedings against Mr Yongge Dai, the Club’s current owner, continue following the failure to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated account.
The hearing for Mr Yongge Dai is expected to take place by the end of November.
- FIFPRO President David Aganzo and Legal Director Roy Vermeer spoke at latest IntegriSport 3.0 event at the National Police Complex in Madrid, Spain
- President Aganzo presented from a player perspective the issues of match-fixing in Spain
- “What we must do at all times is protect the players, who are often the victims in these situations,” said Aganzo
FIFPRO President David Aganzo and Legal Director Roy Vermeer were both present at the latest IntegriSport 3.0 Awareness Raising Practical Session (ARPS) at the National Police Complex in Madrid, Spain last week. The event was organised by CSCF Foundation for Sports Integrity along with the Spanish National Centre of Police for Integrity in Sports and Betting (CENPIDA).
More than 100 officials from various departments of Policia Nacional and the country’s Ministry of Interior gathered in the Spanish capital for practical seminars on tackling sport manipulation.
Speaking on a panel alongside AFE Secretary General Diego Rivas and Head of Legal Services Maria Jose Lopez, FIFPRO President David Aganzo presented from a player perspective the issues of match-fixing in Spain, where he also serves as AFE President, and the need to protect players.
Aganzo said: "Unfortunately, match-fixing and sport manipulation is a problem at both national and international level. It is complex, and many players are susceptible to being a target for organised crime.
"Things are very different for footballers today compared to how it was when I was a player: there is much more education, and there's more to learn from other athletes in other sports like basketball. Not all players have access to this knowledge, so that is where we as unions provide support.
"What we must do at all times is aim to protect the players, who are often the victims in these situations, and it is something that both FIFPRO and AFE are wanting to eradicate."
Meanwhile, Vermeer discussed how match-fixing affects footballers using the case studies of Samir Arab, Igor Labuts and Ofosu Appiah, and how players can be protected through education, good governance, and reporting tools such as the Red Button app.
What is IntegriSport 3.0?
Integrisport 3.0 is a project established by CSCF Foundation for Sports Integrity to provide theoretical and practical support for law enforcement and judiciaries in Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Romania, and Spain, co-financed by the European Union, on fighting sport manipulation.
The inaugural awareness-raising practical session marked the commencement of this project and the 15th edition of the successful Integrisport program, reaching nearly two-thirds of EU countries' law enforcement and judiciaries in the last four-and-a-half years.
CSCF Foundation for Sport Integrity Director Norbert Rubicsek said: "Our dedication to upholding the purity of sports has propelled us to organise this ground-breaking event. We firmly believe that by fostering cooperation among all stakeholders, we can forge a resilient framework to combat sport manipulation and safeguard the values that make sports so special."
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld.
Newcastle United have confirmed that Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali has been banned for 10 months following illegal betting charges.
A club statement said: "Sandro Tonali has been banned from competitive football for 10 months, as effective from Friday 27 October 2023, following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
"FIGC's sanction includes an overall 18-month ban, with eight months commuted as the player participates in a therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy consisting of 16 commitments.
"On the evening of Friday 27 October, Newcastle United received confirmation that FIFA has endorsed FIGC's sanction to be applied worldwide, meaning Sandro will be eligible to return to competitive football from Tuesday 27 August 2024."
The EFL has today announced the 12 members of its newly formed Together Advisory Panel, which will guide the work of the League on issues relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
The panel is drawn from across football as the EFL continues its mission, to ensure that football – be it the workplace, stadiums, communities and online – is a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Chaired by the EFL’s Independent Non-Executive Director and Chief Executive of Mumsnet, Justine Roberts, the panel features six football equality stakeholders as well as representation from the Professional Footballers Association and Football Supporters Association.
The 12 panel members are:
- Justine Roberts (Chair) - EFL, Independent Non-Executive Director
- Sadiq Patel – EFL, Senior Football Systems and Analysis Manager
- Hasnain Mohammed – EFL, Club Relationship Officer
- Hollie Varney – Kick It Out, Chief Operating Officer
- Owain Davies – Level Playing Field, Chief Executive Officer
- Lou Englefield – Football v Homophobia, Chief Executive Officer
- Terry Angus – Professional Footballers Association, EDI Executive
- Lungi Macebo – Women in Football, Board Member
- Nilesh Chauhan – Football Supporters Association, Fans for Diversity Manager
- Dr Sara Ward – Carnegie School of Sport, Director of Executive Education
- Catherine Forshaw – Brabners Associate, National Football Museum, Trustee
- Geoff Wilson – Global sports strategist and former Irish Football Association
David McArdle, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the EFL, said:
“The EFL aims for football across the League to be more reflective and representative of the communities in which we serve and the appointment of the Together Advisory Panel is a vital next step in this process, with each member bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion space.
“Football has come a long way in recent years, but we recognise there is still a great deal of work to be done. The Together Panel will play a key role in that work going forward, advising the EFL and its Clubs on all areas of work on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.”
Justine Roberts, Chair of the Together Panel, added:
“This is an important step on a journey that the EFL is on, and I’m excited in my role as Chair to be a part of a panel that will help to ensure effective and sustainable changes are made.
“It is really evident that so much great work is already happening, with many EFL Clubs delivering a wide variety of initiatives to make our great game more diverse and inclusive. The establishment of the Together Panel will bring fresh new voices to the conversation as we continue to make real progress in this area in the next few years.”
The formation of the Together Advisory Panel is the latest milestone in the EFL’s work on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Since the beginning of the 2022/23 tangible progress has been delivered with some of the highlights including:
- 7,000 collective hours of EDI Education delivered to over 1,000 individuals – smashing the five-year target for the strategy in the first year of delivery
- 363 individuals given Mental Health Awareness Training
- 2000 diverse books donated by the EFL and its Clubs to primary schools across the country
- Introduction of I-Recruit – an anonymised recruitment tool to ensure more diverse candidates are interviewed for roles within EFL Clubs
- 100% of EFL Championship Clubs engaging with Level Playing Field to make football more accessible for disabled supporters.
- 65 Diverse Fan Groups established across EFL Clubs
- 120 hours of diverse stakeholder consultation in the first year of Together Strategy
The establishment of the Together Advisory Panel follows the launch of the EFL’s ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign calling on football supporters up and down the country to take a stand against all forms of racism and discrimination and report any incidences they see or hear online.
Published Wednesday, 25 October 2023.
Sheffield Wednesday have been fined £50,000 and warned as to their future conduct for crowd control misconduct at the EFL League One match against Peterborough United on Thursday 18 May 2023.
Sheffield Wednesday admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t commit any form of pitch incursion.
- FIFPRO presented preliminary trends of workplace safety and violence report at fourth meeting of the Committee on Security and Safety at Sports Events
- Council of Europe’s Saint-Denis Convention is committed to making football matches more safe, secure and welcoming
- Ninety-five percent of football’s player unions agree violence and abuse is a workplace health and safety issue that needs specific regulation to enforce player protection
FIFPRO presented the preliminary trends of its upcoming Player Workplace Safety: Abuse & Violence report at the Committee on Safety and Security at Sports Events at the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg, France.
The committee is the monitoring body of the Council of Europe’s Saint-Denis Convention, which FIFPRO declared its wish to become an observer, with the core aim of making football matches and other sports events more safe, secure and welcoming. Current observers include the likes of FIFA and UEFA.
The Saint-Denis Convention protects and promotes the human rights of all participants at football matches and other sports events, including the right of players to work in a healthy, safe and secure environment.
FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier and FIFPRO Director of Global Policy & Strategic Relations (Men's Football) Alexander Bielefeld provided a player-centric perspective on workplace health and safety through the lens of football’s player unions.
"Safety in the workplace is a fundamental right that almost every profession enjoys through international conventions and national policies. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen a dramatic rise in violence and abuse against players at their place of work: the pitch, the stadium, the changing rooms, the bus ride to the match, the training ground and even online," said Terrier.
"We want to be a partner for stakeholder dialogue to strengthen collective solutions and ensure workplace safety for professional players and all other participants."
Under the international bargaining framework between football’s league and player unions, World Leagues Forum (WLF) and FIFPRO recently agreed to establish three new labour initiatives with a view to strengthen and protect national leagues and playing conditions. One of these committees is focused on violence and safety at football matches.
According to FIFPRO’s preliminary trends of its workplace safety report, players and unions fear that the pitch and the extended working environment are becoming increasingly hostile:
- 95% of unions agree violence and abuse is a workplace health and safety issue for players and needs specific regulation to design and enforce player protection;
- 98% of unions believe technology could be better used to reduce the threats posed by violent or abusive fan behaviour. This includes personalised tickets (78%), entrance scanners/detectors (73%) and facial recognition cameras (68%);
- 71% of unions say that players are worried speaking out could lead to more abuse on social media or risk employment opportunities;
- 88% of unions believe that abuse and violence has a significant impact on player performance.
"Until now there has been no or little work done to understand the issue from a player-centric occupational health and safety perspective. That is why we have undertaken an extensive global research project, analysing instances of violence towards players in the workplace. Our findings show that football wants action," said Bielefeld.
"While we continue to finalise this work, we hope that it will contribute to a wider debate on the normalisation of abusive behaviour associated with parts of football culture."
Published Friday, 20 October 2023.
Rochdale’s head groundsman, Joshua Haigh, has been sanctioned for breaching FA Rule E3 at their EFL League Two game against Stockport County on Tuesday 21 February.
It was alleged that his conduct towards a member of the media at the game was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to Rule E3.1. It was further alleged that this constituted an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference - whether express or implied - to race and/or colour.
Joshua Haigh denied the charge against him, but it was found proven by an independent Regulatory Commission following a subsequent hearing. The Regulatory Commission imposed a suspension from all football and football-related activity for six weeks, which includes a ground/stadium suspension for the matchday of any Rochdale fixture during that time, face-to-face education and a warning as to his future conduct.
Following the appearance articles about the cancellation of the rainbow jersey number in the next round, dedicated to the fight against homophobia, the Ligue de Football Professionnel would like to make it clear that work is currently underway to prepare for the rounds dedicated to the fight against racism next March, and the fight against homophobia next May.
A meeting is scheduled for mid-November with partner associations to prepare for these two events. These two communication and awareness-raising campaigns aimed at the general public are part of an over-arching anti-discrimination plan. They are accompanied by in-depth work being carried out in parallel.
The fight against discrimination is enshrined in the LFP's articles of association and is the subject of year-round work with clubs. The LFP organises workshops to raise awareness of the fight against discrimination, and homophobia in particular, at all Ligue 1 Uber Eats and Ligue 2 BKT clubs. Alongside associations (LICRA, Foot Ensemble, Fondation pour un Sport Inclusif, PanamBoyz & Girlz United, SOS Homophobie) and the UNFP, the LFP is visiting professional clubs to meet professional players, staff members, managers and fans to raise awareness of the fight against discrimination. These workshops provide an opportunity for discussion and debate to raise awareness among the various players involved. To date, 48 workshops have been held at 20 different clubs since the scheme was launched.
These initiatives are fully in line with the letter co-signed by Vincent Labrune (Chairman of the LFP) alongside Amélie Oudéa-Castéra (Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games), Bérengère Couillard (Minister for Equality between Women and Men and the Fight against Discrimination) and Philippe Diallo (Chairman of the FFF). All those involved in professional football need to step up their efforts to support our common fight for inclusion, respect and an end to homophobic behaviour and all forms of discrimination, through prevention and awareness-raising initiatives at local level.
An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed an action plan and formal warning upon Millwall for breaching FA Rule E21 three times during their EFL Championship game against Wigan Athletic on Saturday 22 April 2023.
Millwall admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behaviour which is improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting - with either express or implied reference to religion - in the 8th, 12th and 45th minutes of the game.
TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1862
Zurich, 6 October 2023
FIFA TMS, FIFA Clearing House and Administrative Sanction Procedure
Dear Sir or Madam,
On 22 October 2022 the FIFA Council approved several amendments to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). As outlined in the Circular no. 1816, these amendments included a redraft of Annexe 3 of the RSTP, which comprised, among others, the codification of the Administrative Sanction Procedure (ASP). As outlined below in more detail, the ASP has played a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning of the Transfer Matching System (TMS).
Subsequently, on 8 November 2022 the FIFA Council announced that the FIFA Clearing House would commence operating on 16 November 2022 and approved the FIFA Clearing House Regulations (FCHR), by means of the Circular no. 1817.
With the new processes related to the FIFA Clearing House coming into force, the ASP has started playing a significant role in guaranteeing that associations and clubs comply with their obligations related thereto. In particular, the ASP ensures the correct declaration of fees paid in relation to international and domestic transfers, which is a crucial step for TMS to identify training reward triggers related to the solidarity mechanism.
This circular describes the recent evolution of the ASP and its application to the processes related to the FIFA Clearing House.
Background
In 2011, following the introduction of TMS, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee identified that certain obligations inherent to the use of the system, and contained in Annexe 3 of the RSTP, were of technical or administrative nature. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee found that said obligations, if not fulfilled, constituted an evident infringement to the provisions of Annexe 3 of the RSTP, which have an immediate negative impact on the relevant transfer.
In this context, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee delegated to FIFA general secretariat (at the time, the FIFA TMS GmbH) its competence to sanction 10 categories of infringements by means of a specific procedure, the ASP. The sanction that could be imposed consisted of a warning, a reprimand and/or a fine of up to CHF 14,000. Like this, FIFA could establish a streamlined and more effective procedure to deal with violations of Annexe 3 of the RSTP (see Circular no. 1259).
The ASP gave FIFA the possibility to treat these infringements in an expedited manner, granting clubs the possibility to rectify their breach – where applicable – and hence protect the proper functioning of TMS.
Subsequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to expand the application of the ASP from 10 to 14 different categories of breaches of the Annexe 3 (see Circular no. 1478).
Finally, ASP cases were further streamlined, by granting the FIFA general secretariat the power to directly submit ASP cases to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee without the prior intervention of the secretariat to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (see Circular no. 1609).
The new Annexe 3
As anticipated above, the redraft of Annexe 3 included a codification of the ASP under art. 17 of said annexe. When an infringement of a technical or administrative nature is detected, the following procedure takes place:
a) The FIFA general secretariat will contact the association or club to identify the infringement, request a statement or any other relevant information within a defined deadline and, if applicable, request that the infringing behaviour be corrected. In this first correspondence, the association or club will be informed that, if the infringing behaviour is not corrected and/or no satisfactory position is submitted, an administrative sanction letter (ASL) will be issued, specifying the type of sanction that will be imposed.;
b) Upon receipt of the statement or relevant information or upon expiry of the time limit to do so, the FIFA general secretariat may issue an ASL;
c) The party may accept the sanction or reject it, and, in this case, request the opening of disciplinary proceedings before the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. If the party accepts the sanction, the latter will be enforceable from the date of acceptance;
d) If the party accepts the sanction, complies with it (where applicable) and corrects the infringing behaviour within the time limits to do so, the matter will be closed;
e) If the party fails to respond to the ASL, responds inconsistently or incompletely and/or does not correct the infringing behaviour and/or does not comply with the sanction, the matter will be referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
With the entry into force of the new edition of Annexe 3, the FIFA general secretariat is now granted the power to impose fines up to CHF 30,000.
Finally, and in view of the continuous evolution of TMS, ASP cases are not limited to a specific number of categories of breaches but can be opened for any type of violations of a purely technical and administrative nature related to TMS and players’ transfers.
The relation with the FIFA Clearing House
As mentioned above, in the last years TMS witnessed a continuous expansion of its scope of application. With the FIFA Clearing House beginning its operations, together with the entry into force of the FCHR, TMS started to play a pivotal role in the functioning of newly established processes.
In fact, TMS is the tool where the Electronic Player Passports (EPP) process takes place, Allocation Statements (AS) are issued and where training rewards triggers are identified.
To guarantee the correct functioning of the FIFA Clearing House and the processes related to it, associations and clubs must comply with their obligations as laid down in the FCHR. Similarly to Annexe 3 and TMS, failure to comply with the FCHR has an immediate negative impact on the correct functioning of the FIFA Clearing House, since it undermines the allocation and distribution of the training rewards.
In particular, it is essential that the proof of payment of the transfer fees agreed between clubs (both for international as well as domestic transfers) is uploaded under the relevant TMS instruction within thirty (30) days of the date of the payment and under the correct TMS section “payments” to ensure that training rewards triggers are properly identified by TMS (cf. arts. 6 and 7 of the FCHR).
In view of the immediate negative impact on the proper functioning of the FIFA Clearing House as well as on training clubs, cases in which a club fails to upload the relevant proof of payment in the context of a domestic transfer will also be investigated by the FIFA general secretariat through an ASP, in line with art. 17 par. 5 of the FCHR.
Finally, to guarantee the proper enforcement of the FCHR, an ASP can also be opened if an association or club fails to comply with other administrative obligations related to the FIFA Clearing House for which the FCHR do not establish the direct competence of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
We thank you for taking note of the above and for informing your affiliated clubs accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE
DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
English football stands united in its determination to tackle racism and remove all forms of discrimination from our game. Throughout October and beyond, The FA, Premier League, English Football League and Kick it Out will reinforce the message that hate and discrimination will not be tolerated at any level of football and action will be taken against perpetrators.
Alongside PGMOL, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers Association and the Football Supporters’ Association, the football organisations are urging fans and participants to report discrimination wherever they see it or hear it, to help make football a safer place for everyone.
All organisations are actively working with clubs and authorities, and remain committed to collaborating further with each other, to ensure those who are found guilty of racist or discriminatory behaviour face strong consequences for their actions.
Sanctions include stadium bans, legal prosecutions and custodial sentences for those found guilty of discriminatory behaviour in either the stadium or online, with additional potential points deductions for clubs within the grassroots game. Education and restorative justice initiatives will also be implemented where appropriate.
This builds on the ongoing work to address unacceptable, discriminatory and illegal behaviour across the game, under the football-wide Love Football. Protect the Game initiative, which aims to ensure that the actions of the minority do not spoil the game for all.
In recent years, football authorities have worked as a group to combat online abuse, and most recently we have lobbied the UK Government extensively in the development of the Online Safety Bill. We will continue to pressure social media companies to do more to tackle hate on their platforms.
But we recognise we can do more. Collectively, we’re deeply committed to ensuring our game is representative of modern society by offering equality of opportunity across the whole of football.
Together, we will continue our work to make football a safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable space for everyone.
Published Wednesday, 04 October 2023.
- FIFPRO Europe collaborated with UEFA to deliver the first edition of UEFA’s Minimum Standards Framework for Women’s National Teams
- Framework outlines how national associations should have transparent policies on responding to harassment and discrimination, as well as expenses and remuneration, parental and pregnancy rights, and the handling of player data
- Example of how involvement of players, unions, national associations and confederations can help shape better conditions for national team football
FIFPRO Europe collaborated with UEFA to deliver the first edition of UEFA’s Minimum Standards Framework for Women’s National Teams – ensuring senior women’s national team players in Europe receive better environments and safeguards.
The framework details how associations have a duty towards players to provide “quality care and sporting conditions to ensure their welfare and wellbeing” while on national team duty.
It also states how coaches must serve the interests of women’s national team football and promote sporting excellence, that national associations should ensure optimal training facilities and the most direct available travel routes for players, and that cooperative agreements which foster regular engagement should exist between associations and players.
Governance provisions in the framework outline how national associations should have transparent and collaboratively agreed policies on responding to harassment and discrimination, as well as on expenses and remuneration, parental and pregnancy rights, and the handling of player data.
An annual incentive of up to EUR 100,000 is allocated to each UEFA national association to implement the minimum standards for the next four years.
FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier said: "The close cooperation between FIFPRO Europe and UEFA has been instrumental in shaping this landmark initiative.
“We are committed to further strengthening our relationship with UEFA for the benefit of players throughout the continent. FIFPRO Europe remains dedicated to advancing European football as a whole."
UEFA's Managing Director of Women's Football Nadine Kessler said: “The announcement of the framework marks a crucial milestone for women’s national team football, made possible through the positive collaborative spirit of all involved.
“Bringing the national team captains and FIFPRO Europe into the development of such a project was essential and we are convinced that it has led to a better outcome for all. This project promises a huge impact on the women’s game by providing players with the best possible conditions to perform.”
Frameworks core objectives
- Improve conditions and environments for national team players throughout Europe;
- Support all national associations by providing the best care and environments for players on duty for the national team;
- Protect national associations and players alike through greater transparency and good governance of national teams;
- Increase the sporting level of all nations in international competitions;
- Foster stakeholder relations between national associations and players.
Malta women’s national team captain Emma Lipman said: "Being involved in the meetings and discussions on the framework was an opportunity for me as a player to positively shape the game.
"I look forward to the framework being implemented, and I’m happy that the initiative will continue to have the players at the heart of it. It’s a big step forward for national team football in Europe."
FIFPRO’s Director of Global Policy & Strategic Relations Women's Football Sarah Gregorius said: "This framework is the latest example of what can be achieved when a player-centric perspective that actively involves the player voice is established and enshrined. Players are empowered to both participate in, and choose their elected representatives in, these conversations, solidifying and protecting their rightful role in the dialogue.
"Women’s national team players, and the sport more broadly in Europe, will significantly benefit from these important changes that provide safeguards and improved conditions for players – taking women’s football on an important next step in its overall continued development."
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Implementation includes the mandatory use of licensed agents and a cap on service fees, and follows an extensive consultation process
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The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed the legality of the regulations
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Approximately 4,500 licences were issued to individuals that are now eligible to provide football agent services as of 1 October
FIFA is due to fully implement the Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) as of 1 October 2023, following a long and inclusive consultation process involving players, clubs, leagues, member associations and football agents themselves and their partial entry into force in January 2023.
A landmark CAS award has confirmed the legality, validity and proportionality of the FFAR, and courts in Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland have rejected injunctions against the new rules, both at national and international level.
As of 1 October, FIFA will enforce the full implementation of the FFAR, including the mandatory use of licensed football agents, the cap on service fees and new provisions to ensure the protection of minors. The only exception to the full implementation of the FFAR will be in Germany, where a preliminary injunction has been granted by a local court.
Following the first two exams and all the legacy licence applications submitted so far, a total of approximately 4,500 licences have already been issued. Those who hold a licence, will be eligible to perform football agent services as of 1 October. Unsuccessful applicants will have the opportunity to retake the exam in May and November 2024. FIFA will organise further exams in the coming years.
As part of the new regulations, potential disputes in connection with representation agreements entered into as from 1 October will be handled by the Agents Chamber of the Football Tribunal, thus ensuring that any conflicts concerning football agent services are resolved fairly and equally for all participants in the international transfer system. FIFA believes that the FFAR provide a reasonable and proportionate framework to help resolve systemic failures in the player transfer system and wishes to underscore that the regulations have been universally recognised by football stakeholders and the most important political authorities in Europe.
At a meeting of EFL Clubs today a comprehensive update was provided on the status of ongoing discussions between the EFL and Premier League.
A draft proposal from the Premier League was examined in full, as Clubs were given information on the structure of a potential future financial arrangement for them.
An appraisal of conditions linked to future funding including cost controls, distribution mechanics, the football calendar and the impact of the Government’s proposed Independent Football Regulator (IFR) as part of the Football Governance White Paper, was also provided to Clubs.
A representative of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport was in attendance to offer an update on the establishment of the IFR so that Clubs could consider all relevant matters together.
As several important issues are still to be resolved, it was made clear at the meeting that nothing has been agreed with either the Premier League or its Clubs. As such EFL Clubs were not required to vote or take a decision on any matter, but instead held a proactive debate on the current status of the discussions.
To maintain momentum, the League will now enter into targeted consultation with all EFL Clubs in smaller groups, to consider additional context and detail of the proposal. Club views will be collated to inform the discussions with the Premier League which have been ongoing throughout 2023, as we seek a speedy and satisfactory conclusion to improve the financial health of EFL Clubs.
The English Football League (EFL) is pleased to announce partnership extensions with global sports brand PUMA and world’s leading football management simulation title, Football Manager.
The dual partnership extensions demonstrate the EFL’s commitment to partners in its portfolios, with both brands continuing long association with the League, its clubs, and its competitions, including the Sky Bet Championship, League One, League Two, Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy.
PUMA
After signing on as the Official Match Ball partner of the EFL since the beginning of 2021/22, PUMA’s three-year extension will see the global brand produce the official match ball for all EFL competitions through to the end of the 2026/27 season.
PUMA has delivered 10,000 FIFA-approved International-standard match balls each season to the EFL and EFL clubs. This season’s PUMA Orbita ball design includes an 8-panel ball configuration, a reduction from last season's 12-panel design. These larger panels provide a better connection with the ball, enhancing players' touch and control.
These include the re-introduction of the high-vis fluorescent yellow balls used in EFL matches and competitions between November and the end of February, as well as Play-Off specific footballs to be used in all EFL Play-Off Semi-Final and Final matches.
While PUMA have grown their portfolio of global football properties in recent years, including Serie A and La Liga, the brand has entered into a number of UK focused partnerships and work with ten EFL Clubs spread across all three divisions.
FOOTBALL MANAGER
The one-year extension between the EFL and Sports Interactive, developers of the Football Manager game, ensures that all EFL clubs and competitions will continue to appear as fully licensed entities in Sports Interactive’s next release, Football Manager 2024.
After first partnering back with SEGA – of which Sports Interactive are a subsidiary of – back in 2004, EFL has granted Football Manager Official Licensee status since 2014.
Since extending for a six-year term, the EFL and Football Manager have enjoyed numerous joint campaigns including the EFL Football Manager Cup during the COVID-19 lockdown, the #FromSofaToStadium campaign to celebrate the return of fans to football post-lockdown, and the FM23 EFL Trophy Challenge.
Last season’s FM23 Challenge spanned two months and culminated with FMFC member and Bolton Wanderers fan Ian Fraser winning the opportunity of a lifetime to present the EFL Trophy to captain Ricardo Santos at Wembley in April.
EFL Chief Commercial Officer, Ben Wright said: “We have sought to partner with brands where we can develop and cultivate our partnerships and create deeper, more impactful connections with fans, customers, and communities.
“PUMA are one of the world’s leading brands and have a distinct visibility not only on competition match days, but also support some of our EFL and EFL Club’s programs and initiatives through apparel and footballs.
“Our partnership with Football Manager has also exemplifies our commercial portfolio objectives. The numbers of people playing Football Manager and engaging with EFL clubs is testament to the ever-growing popularity of the EFL.
“We thank both PUMA and Sports Interactive for the ongoing relationship and helping to continue engaging fans for this season and beyond.”
General Manager of UK&I at PUMA, Bas van den Bemt said: “Continuing our partnership with the EFL symbolizes PUMA's dedication to the heart and spirit of football in the UK. Since 2021, we've been honoured to be the Official Match Ball partner for the EFL, and this extension is a testament to the strong bond we’ve cultivated with the League, its clubs, and most importantly, the fans.
“Here’s to more shared moments, goals, and memories in the seasons to come.”
Studio Director at Sports Interactive, Miles Jacobson said: “We are delighted to announce the renewal of our partnership with the EFL.
“The League’s clubs are among the most popular with our players; in FM23, more than 40 million games were played with EFL clubs across 1.5 million unique careers. After three terrific Play-Off finals back in May, we’re looking forward to the start of the season and continuing our partnership with the EFL.”