FIFA has made disciplinary proceedings for cases of sexual assault or harassment imprescriptible, the prescription of which was previously set at 10 years, according to the new version of its Code of Ethics which entered into force on Wednesday. Wishing to “strengthen integrity in football”, the body also provides that victims may in future be considered as parties in these disciplinary cases, with the possibility of being informed of the decision and of appealing against it. this one.
Similarly, the new Code of Ethics requires national federations or confederations to inform Fifa of “any decision rendered in matters of sexual abuse and match manipulation”.
The previous text provided for a 10-year prescription for offenses related to “the protection of physical and moral integrity”, which include sexual assault or harassment. This prescription could be interrupted in the event of the formal initiation of criminal proceedings against the defendant.
Sometimes complacent local authorities
“The changes aim in particular to improve the protection of certain parties in proceedings before FIFA’s judicial bodies, while providing the latter with additional instruments to combat illegal, immoral or unethical methods and practices.” , writes the international federation in a press release.
Several sexual assault scandals have shaken the world of football in recent years, particularly in Gabon, Haiti, the United States or Afghanistan, forcing Fifa to disciplinary proceedings, particularly in cases where local authorities refused to engage themselves.
Fifa had already tightened its disciplinary sanctions in the event of sexual assault in 2019, sanctioning any such offense with a ban on carrying out any football-related activity for a minimum of ten years.