FIFA has decided that disciplinary proceedings in cases of sexual assault will no longer lapse after the 10-year period, according to a new adaptation of its code of ethics, which takes effect on Wednesday.
In order to “enhance integrity in football”, FIFA also provides that victims may in future be considered as parties to these disciplinary cases, with the possibility of being informed of the decision and appealing.
The new code of ethics also requires national associations and confederations to report to FIFA “all decisions taken in matters of sexual abuse and game manipulation”.
The previous text provided for a statute of limitations after ten years for offenses linked to “protection of physical and moral integrity”, which include sexual aggression and abuse. This statute of limitations could be interrupted in the event of formal opening of criminal proceedings against the accused.
“The changes mainly seek to improve the protection of some parties in proceedings brought before FIFA’s jurisdictional bodies, providing the entity with additional instruments in the fight against illegal, immoral or unethical methods and practices”, writes the international federation in a statement.
Several sexual assault scandals have shaken the football world in recent years, especially in Gabon, Haiti, the United States and Afghanistan, forcing FIFA to open disciplinary proceedings, especially in cases where local bodies have refused to do so.
Fifa also updated its disciplinary code, providing, for example, that a bad paying club is prohibited from hiring until the decision of the Football Court is confirmed.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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