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Fédération Internationale de Football Association

GUIDELINESfor FIFA Match Officials

– Match commissioner– Referees and assistant referees

– Referee assessor– Security officer

– Anti-discrimination match observer

Fédération Internationale de Football Association

President: Joseph S. BlatterSecretary General: Jérôme ValckeAddress: FIFA

FIFA-Strasse 20 P.O. Box 8044 Zurich Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (0)43 222 7777Fax: +41 (0)43 222 7878Internet: FIFA.com

GUIDELINESfor FIFA Match Officials

– Match commissioner– Referees and assistant referees

– Referee assessor– Security officer

– Anti-discrimination match observer

2 3Contents Contents

Article Page

Preamble 4

I. General provisions 5 1. Scope of application 5 2. Basic principles 5

II. The FIFA delegation and match operations 7 3. Role, obligations and general duties of the FIFA delegation 7 4. Emergency telephone numbers 8 5. Preparations 8 6. Travel 9 7. Insurance cover 11

III. The host association’s duties 12 8. Official notifications 12 9. Accommodation and transport 1210. Liaison officers 1311. Goal-line technology 13

IV. At the match venue 1412. Verification of the players’ identity 1413. Inspections of the stadium 1414. Match coordination meeting 1515. Use of the pitch for practice 1916. Pitch-watering policy 1917. Safety and security matters 2018. Matchday countdown 2219. Support for the referees and assistant referees 2620. Reporting: the commissioner’s, referee’s and referee assessor’s

match reports 2721. At the end of the match 2922. Note of expenses 3023. Doping 3024. Integrity and prevention of match manipulation 3025. Match cancellation/postponement 31

Article Page

V. Refereeing 3326. Duties of the referee assessor 3327. Responsibilities of the referee, the assistant referees and

the fourth official 33

VI. Security officer 3528. FIFA security officer 3529. Duties of the FIFA security officer 3530. National security officer 3631. Duties of the national security officer 3732. Requirements of the national security officer 3733. Reporting 38

VII. Anti-discrimination match observer 3934. FIFA anti-discrimination match observer 3935. Duties of FIFA anti-discrimination match observers 39

4 5I. General provisionsPreamble

FIFA’s final competitions have a large-scale and detailed event management structure. Every final competition is administered by FIFA with the operational support of the respective host association. The roles and responsibilities of all sides are clearly determined and the FIFA match officials who are appointed follow specific instructions, which are tailored to every tournament. In these final competitions, FIFA deploys many match officials in addition to its own employees in order to take care of the competition operations and administration, and those match officials form an integral part of the FIFA delegation.

During preliminary competitions, however, FIFA does not have the same capacity to deploy large delegations due to various factors, such as different host countries, formats and calendars, time differences, budget issues, etc. These guidelines thus contain the customary standard measures and activities that are expected to be in place and that are coordinated by the host association in order to support the FIFA match officials with the execution of their tasks and responsibilities to promote integrity, ethics and fair play for a successful match and in the interests of protecting the integrity of the game.

Being appointed as a match official at a FIFA preliminary competition should always be regarded as an honour. At the same time, accepting such an appointment brings with it a wide range of responsibilities. All FIFA match officials are expected to show enough flexibility to adapt to demanding or challenging situations that may not be covered, even by the following guidelines.

With the overall aim of ensuring that all match preparations go as smoothly as possible but also taking into account possible requirements for clarification and support, FIFA match officials may request further information from FIFA at any time. It goes without saying that the same procedure also applies to all participating member associations.

NB. For the purposes of these guidelines, the term “match officials” shall be understood as referring to match commissioners, referees, assistant referees, referee assessors, security officers, and anti-discrimination match observers.

Terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and vice-versa.

1 Scope of application

1.These guidelines are mainly intended to offer support to participating member associations and FIFA match officials with the correct delivery of FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers, which are played under the regulatory auspices and direct administration of FIFA.

2.These guidelines are also applicable to the qualifiers for the Olympic Football Tournaments, which are played under the regulatory auspices and direct administration of FIFA. If existing tournaments serve as the preliminary competitions for the Olympic Football Tournaments, the respective confederations shall be solely responsible for the organisation and delivery of such preliminary competitions.

3.These guidelines may also be used as additional guidelines by any association or confederation in order to arrange an event administered and governed by its own competition regulations.

2 Basic principles

1.To be eligible to officiate in preliminary competition matches of the FIFA World Cup™ and/or the Olympic Football Tournaments, the referees and assistant referees shall be included in the official FIFA Refereeing Lists for the year of the match in question.

2.FIFA shall review and consolidate its list of match commissioners with those of the confederations to ensure the best possible transition between a FIFA qualifying match and a match played under a confederation’s regulatory auspices on the same territory.

3.FIFA shall appoint security officers from its own panel of experts.

6 7II. The FIFA delegation and match operationsI. General provisions

4.Candidates for positions on FIFA’s panels of experts, especially match commissioners and security officers, shall only be considered if they have extensive experience and know-how of the area in question.

5.In principle, referee assessors shall be selected from among former FIFA international referees.

6.A match official is not automatically entitled to be appointed for all match dates of a competition.

7.Match officials may be invited to attend tailor-made workshops. If invited, attendance shall be deemed mandatory.

8.The match officials shall respect and strictly apply the provisions of all FIFA regulations and decisions, especially the Laws of the Game, the competition regulations for the FIFA World Cup™ and/or the Olympic Football Tournaments, as well as the FIFA Code of Ethics and the FIFA Code of Conduct. Any violation of the latter regulations, in particular, will automatically lead to the unequivocal removal of the match official from FIFA’s panels of experts.

3 Role, obligations and general duties of the FIFA delegation

The match commissioner is the head of FIFA’s delegation at any preliminary competition match for which he is appointed. The standard FIFA delegation at a preliminary competition match is completed by the four referees and the referee assessor. For high-risk matches, FIFA may also appoint a security officer to support the match commissioner with safety and security matters.

FIFA may also appoint a general coordinator and/or special observer to cover other specific areas. The match commissioner will always remain the head of the delegation, unless otherwise instructed.

The role of the match commissioner as FIFA’s official representative at a match is of paramount importance. FIFA entrusts him with ensuring that the match is organised according to FIFA’s regulatory provisions and smoothly delivered.

The match commissioner shall use diplomacy and tact in dealing with sensitive matters or sudden issues. He shall never go beyond his authority, but he shall immediately report any lack of cooperation or preparedness.

The match commissioner shall be absolutely objective and neutral, and his professional behaviour shall invariably reflect this principle. He shall ensure that the entire FIFA delegation follows this same principle. He shall always be alert to any issues and/or incidents around the build-up to the match itself and during its subsequent completion and delivery.

The match commissioner and all other match officials shall ensure that their personal contact details and all relevant information such as home airport, passport details, etc. are always kept up to date at FIFA. Any changes shall be immediately communicated to FIFA.

The match commissioner shall have a personal e-mail inbox with a large capacity and he shall check his e-mails regularly.

Upon receipt of an official invitation to conduct a FIFA match, the appointees shall confirm their participation by sending an e-mail within 48 hours to [email protected]. Before confirming acceptance of the assignment, the match officials shall thoroughly check that they are available for the entire duration of the assignment without any limitations. If a match official is unavailable, he shall decline the assignment by the same deadline so that FIFA

mailto:[email protected]

8 9II. The FIFA delegation and match operations II. The FIFA delegation and match operations

can find a suitable replacement. Any last-minute unavailability issues shall be immediately notified to FIFA ([email protected]).

The member association of the appointed referees shall confirm their collective participation within 48 hours by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. The association in question shall also make sure that any unavailability issues are duly and immediately communicated to FIFA. This shall also apply to any failed physical tests or temporary suspensions.

No member of a FIFA delegation may act as a FIFA spokesperson at any time. Statements to the media are strictly prohibited.

If the host association organises an official function (e.g. lunch or dinner) to welcome the visiting team, the match commissioner, if invited, may only attend if this function does not clash with his duties and activities. The referee assessor and referees shall not attend any such function. Instead, they shall always take their meals together.

4 Emergency telephone numbers

FIFA may be contacted at any time in the event of an emergency. FIFA will provide the relevant mobile telephone numbers in good time ahead of each match.

5 Preparations

Every appointed match official is expected to thoroughly prepare for the match, which mainly consists of studying the relevant FIFA regulations, especially the Laws of the Game, the competition regulations, the FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations, the FIFA Equipment Regulations, these guidelines and any other information sent by FIFA. The match commissioner shall ensure that he is in possession of a copy of each and every aforementioned booklet.

It is mandatory for the match commissioner to make contact with both teams prior to his departure. In this preliminary communication, he will make any arrangements that may be necessary and communicate his personal contact

details, while he will also require those of the local liaison officer. He may also suggest times for the various meetings that shall be held after his arrival at the venue.

6 Travel

As a general rule, the FIFA delegation is requested to reach the match venue two days before the match and to depart the day after the match, flight connections permitting. If any delegation member is prevented from adhering to the confirmed travel schedule, FIFA Travel & Transport shall be informed without delay. These instructions may be amended for specific regions and/or matches.

FIFA Travel & Transport will coordinate and finalise all travel arrangements according to the FIFA Travel Regulations for FIFA Delegates. In general, the journey shall start and end at the home airport specified by the match officials in the FIFA database. If for any instance this is not the case, the match officials shall announce this when confirming their acceptance of the mission.

FIFA will issue each match official with an electronic ticket, which includes at least one piece of checked baggage and is considered as sufficient. Changes to itineraries will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, and FIFA shall always be contacted for its review and approval.

In exceptional cases, if it is not possible for FIFA Travel & Transport to purchase a ticket for a specific means of transport, FIFA may ask the match official or one of the participating associations to reserve and purchase a ticket, for which FIFA will reimburse the costs.

All FIFA match officials should use the airline’s online check-in service – where available – in order to protect the seat from off-loading by the airline in the event of an overbooking situation.

In the event of an emergency during the trip, the match officials shall immediately contact FIFA on the emergency number provided in order to report the issue and so that an alternative solution can be provided.

FIFA will inform the host association of the exact travel arrangements of the FIFA delegation so that the necessary hotel reservations and airport collection arrangements can be made.



10 11II. The FIFA delegation and match operations II. The FIFA delegation and match operations

If a match official requires a visa, FIFA Travel & Transport shall inform him accordingly when confirming the itinerary. The match official concerned shall immediately undertake the necessary diplomatic steps to obtain the visa. Support from the host association may be requested in good time and FIFA will supervise the most intricate cases. The same procedure applies for transit visas.

In addition, FIFA Travel & Transport shall provide the match officials with all relevant information regarding entry and health regulations. Match officials are responsible for keeping their vaccinations up to date.

Match officials shall confirm receipt of their itinerary and/or ticket.

In the booking process, priority shall be given to ensuring that the match officials reach the match venue on time and in a safe manner. Special requests regarding routing or preferred carriers cannot be considered.

Travel by car may only be authorised in special cases upon prior request from the match officials to FIFA Travel & Transport.

Accommodation and transfers shall be provided by the host association. There shall be no related costs for either the match officials or FIFA.

FIFA match officials may not be accompanied by family members and/or friends while on an official FIFA assignment.

FIFA match officials may not extend their stay in the host country after the match, unless this is expressly approved by FIFA.

While travelling, FIFA referees shall always keep their match equipment (kits, boots and flags as well as communication systems) in their hand luggage.

7 Insurance cover

All official FIFA delegations are covered by several insurance policies voluntarily concluded by FIFA. Benefits and claims are exclusively regulated by the respective insurance contracts and conditions. The insurance limits arising from the existing “Group Personal Accident Insurance”, including “Travel Health Insurance” and “Luggage Insurance”, are briefly outlined as follows:

Group Personal Accident Insurance– In the event of death: USD 330,000– In the event of disability: up to USD 1,100,000– Daily allowance in the event of an accident (from 1st day): USD 300

Travel Health Insurance– Medical expenses in the event of acute illness: up to CHF 1,000,000

Luggage Insurance– Loss of luggage: up to CHF 15,000

Additional travel expenses incurred as the result of an accident or illness are also covered as follows:– search and rescue operations;– transportation to the nearest suitable hospital;– additional costs for direct repatriation or return transportation to a suitable

hospital.

Claims against the above insurance must be submitted to FIFA Finance, in writing, within seven days of the incident.

12 13III. The host association’s duties III. The host association’s duties

8 Official notifications

The host association shall officially notify FIFA of the full match details – venue, name of stadium and kick-off time – by the specified deadline and in accordance with the provisions stipulated by the competition regulations.

The host association shall also notify the FIFA delegation and FIFA ([email protected]) by e-mail of:– The name, address, telephone and telefax numbers and e-mail address of

the hotel that has been reserved for the FIFA delegation. The entire FIFA delegation shall stay at the same hotel;

– The name and contact details of the liaison officers who will be taking care of the FIFA delegation during its entire stay at the match venue;

– The date and time of arrival of the home team at the match venue;– The date and time of arrival of the visiting team at the match venue, which

the latter will have courteously disclosed as stipulated in the competition regulations;

– The names, addresses, telephone numbers, telefax numbers and e-mail addresses of the two different hotels chosen by the teams;

– The 24-hour mobile telephone number of the host association representative who will be in charge of the match (in operation from four days before the match until the departure of the teams and match officials).

If FIFA gives a confederation the right to operate a centralised marketing concept in the preliminary competition, this concept may stipulate that the participating member associations shall communicate the match details to the respective confederation. The confederation in question shall then submit all match details to FIFA. FIFA and the confederation shall inform the participating member associations accordingly.

9 Accommodation and transport

The host association shall provide and cover the cost of board and lodging for the entire FIFA delegation at a hotel of good international standard. Any extra charges shall be covered by the match officials. The FIFA delegation members shall stay in adjoining rooms in the same hotel.

The two teams shall be accommodated in two separate hotels different from the match officials’ hotel. If this is not possible, FIFA shall be contacted at least one month prior to the match date. In exceptional circumstances, FIFA shall take a final decision on the matter.

The host association shall provide the visiting team and the FIFA delegation with adequate transport services of good quality.

10 Liaison officers

The FIFA delegation shall be provided with chauffeur-driven cars/mini-vans from its arrival in the country of the host association until its departure. The arrival and departure times will determine the number of vehicles required.

The host association shall assign an official to assist the match commissioner with his duties and, if necessary, to act as an interpreter (this shall also apply to the remainder of the FIFA delegation). All contact details (including the mobile telephone number) of these officials shall be notified to FIFA and the FIFA delegation before its departure for the host country.

The host association shall appoint a person, preferably a former referee, to act as the refereeing group’s interpreter and liaison officer from their arrival in the host country until their departure. Contact details (including the mobile telephone number) of this person shall be notified to FIFA before the referees’ arrival.

11 Goal-line technology

The provisions of the FIFA competition regulations shall be applicable for the use of goal-line technology.

14 15IV. At the match venue IV. At the match venue

As soon as the match commissioner arrives at the match venue, he shall reconfirm the times with the host association for the following formalities and ensure a smooth delivery of all of them:

12 Verification of the players’ identity

This step is compulsory and shall take place at the official training session held at the stadium on the eve of the match. If this is not feasible for logistical reasons, the identity check may take place at the team’s hotel.

When checking the players’ identities against their passports, the match commissioner shall ensure that:– Apart from himself, the only persons allowed into the room are the

players themselves, the head of delegation, the head of administration, the president of the association (if desired), a representative of the other team’s delegation (if desired) and the delegation’s interpreter.

– The players selected for the match shall take turns to show their passports for verification. Should a player not be in possession of a passport, or if it has expired or has obviously been tampered with, he shall not be allowed to take part in the match. Identity cards or other documents cannot be used as a replacement for a passport, nor are any collective passports permitted. This decision is final.

– As stipulated in the FIFA regulations, player eligibility is the sole responsibility of the participating member associations. The match commissioner shall be responsible for reporting any potential issues to FIFA.

– Protests regarding the eligibility of players shall be submitted in writing to the match commissioner within one hour of the match in question. The provisions laid down in the FIFA regulations shall apply.

13 Inspections of the stadium

The entire FIFA delegation shall familiarise themselves with the match environment.

Upon arrival at the venue, the match commissioner shall inspect the stadium for the first time before the training sessions are held. He shall conduct a second and final inspection on matchday. The following aspects shall be carefully assessed and looked after:

– Availability and validity of the safety certificates;– Condition of pitch;– Completion of pitch (markings, goals, substitutes’ benches, corner flags,

flag posts – number and position – substitution panel, advertising boards, camera positions around the pitch area);

– Dressing rooms for the teams, the referees and assistant referees, as well as the doping control room and the office for the match commissioner;

– First-aid services;– Circulation flow for the various groups (teams, referees, media, VIPs,

general public).

As a general rule, the referees and assistant referees shall attend the second inspection. Should GLT be used at a match, the referees shall conduct an initial inspection earlier and then conduct the first tests on the eve of the match.

14 Match coordination meeting

The following persons are required to attend the match coordination meeting, which is the official meeting convened by the match commissioner:– The heads of both team delegations;– The heads of administration of both team delegations; – Both team doctors; – The referee assessor;– The referees and assistant referees;– The FIFA security officer, if appointed; – Any other FIFA match official, if appointed;– The relevant representatives of the host association; – The stadium authorities (stadium director); – The national security officers of the host association and of the visiting

team’s association;– The overall head of security of the host association; – The liaison officers to the FIFA delegation; – Chief of police; – Chief of medical services; – Chief of the fire brigade;– The interpreters, if required.

Media representatives or commercial partners shall not be admitted to this meeting, which is chaired by the match commissioner.


This meeting usually takes place at the stadium on the eve of the match. Should another practice be in place in a specific confederation, FIFA may allow the meeting to be held on the morning of the match provided that all of the duties and activities of the match commissioner are completed in time.

Before the start of the meeting, the match commissioner shall ask everyone present to write his name and position on a list of participants, which shall be retained by the match commissioner.

The match commissioner shall use the standard match coordination meeting form that he will receive from FIFA prior to his assignment. He shall ensure that all points and questions on this form are duly discussed and agreed upon by the attendees.

To facilitate the smooth proceedings of this meeting, the host association shall complete the available match data and arrangements ahead of the match commissioner’s arrival at the match venue. The match commissioner shall receive this completed form immediately upon arrival and he shall then enter any remaining missing data before the match coordination meeting, with the support of the liaison officer assigned to him and/or the host association.

It is strongly recommended that a photocopy of the pre-completed match coordination form be distributed to all meeting participants in order to ensure that all attendees have the same understanding of the confirmed match arrangements and can follow the meeting.

The match commissioner shall compile the minutes of the meeting and submit a copy to FIFA, if and when required.

The match commissioner shall comprehensively deal with all points on the agenda but he shall especially focus on the following aspects of match organisation:– Kick-off time: reconfirm the official kick-off time and immediately

contact FIFA if there are any problems; emphasise the importance of punctuality with regard to arrival at the stadium, kick-off and the start of the second half (15 minutes from whistle to whistle); schedule the match commissioner’s departure time from the hotel so that he arrives at the stadium at least four hours before kick-off, as well as for the referees, assistant referees, referee assessor and the two teams so that they arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off. Whenever it is deemed necessary, the FIFA delegation and the two teams shall be escorted by the police so that they arrive at the stadium safely and on time.

– No unilateral change of kick-off time at the match venue is permitted. The match commissioner shall always contact FIFA for its review of the circumstances around the request and for its necessary final written approval;

– Match timing and teams’ entrance and exit: see articles 18.1. and 18.2. below;

– The dressing rooms for the referees and assistant referees, the dressing rooms for the teams, and the doping control room shall be fully equipped, clean and tidy;

– Discipline: every participant (listed players and substitutes, coaches, other team officials, etc.) shall be called upon to respect fair play and diversity, the referee’s decisions and the spectators; not to feign injury; to show discipline on the bench (no interference with the duties of the assistant referees and/or the fourth official); and to be aware of the serious consequences of poor sportsmanship or a lack of discipline;

– Match manipulation: the two teams, the referee, the assistant referees, the match commissioner, the referee assessor and all other officials present at the match coordination meeting shall be reminded that all matches under FIFA’s jurisdiction are monitored on the gambling markets for suspicious activity indicative of match manipulation for betting purposes. Furthermore, any suspicious activity, illegal gambling or suspicions of match-fixing must be reported to the FIFA Security Division’s integrity hotline at [email protected]. Thus, in accordance with FIFA regulations, associations shall cooperate fully with FIFA with regard to match-manipulation inquiries and, whenever requested to do so, help with FIFA’s inquiries into the match and cooperate with interviews as required.

– Team colours and advertising: • The FIFA Equipment Regulations shall apply for all FIFA preliminary

competition matches. In addition, the Laws of the Game and the provisions stipulated by the competition regulations in this regard shall also apply. No advertising may be worn on match shirts.

• Referees and assistant referees are also prohibited from wearing advertising on their kit.

• The match commissioner shall report any violations to FIFA.• Each team shall take its reserve kit to every match as well as to the

match coordination meeting. If, in the opinion of the referee or the match commissioner, the colours worn by the two teams might lead to confusion or prove unsuitable for television broadcasts, they shall be modified, using either the entire reserve kit or a combination of both. It is thus strongly recommended that the two teams reach written agreements to avoid any issues on matchday, with such agreements



being adhered to. If there are any reasonable doubts or if a simple pre-check is required, FIFA may be consulted by the teams well in advance of each match.

• The goalkeepers shall wear colours contrasting with each other and those of the two teams and referees.

• The referees shall also check their own colours against the colours of the two teams. The referees shall always bring all of the available colours for each match that they officiate.

• The referees may only use the equipment (match shirts, shorts, socks and tracksuits) that they receive from FIFA for FIFA preliminary competition matches.

– Footballs: acceptance of a football for use in FIFA competitions is conditional upon the football bearing one of the following designations: the official “FIFA APPROVED” logo, the official “FIFA INSPECTED” logo, the reference “International Matchball Standard” (together with other such indications of technical conformity, as required by FIFA).

– If GLT is to be used, there shall be a compulsory GLT check 90 minutes before the match.

– Shinguards/appearance/jewellery: every player shall comply with instructions for compulsory shinguards and a tidy appearance throughout the match (shirts tucked into shorts and socks pulled up). The wearing of jewellery is prohibited, as stipulated in the Laws of the Game.

– Pitch markings shall be checked before the match, after the warm-up and during half-time.

– Substitutes’ benches: there shall be one covered bench for the substitutes and officials of each team, as well as one covered bench for the fourth official (a fully charged substitution panel and assistant referees’ flags shall also be kept ready).

– Technical area: only one person per team is authorised to convey tactical instructions to players at any given time from within the confines of the technical area during the match. This person shall always conduct himself in a responsible manner. The technical area shall be clearly marked. The fourth official is responsible for controlling activity in each team’s technical area.

– Ball kids: the number of ball kids and their positions during the match shall be checked and confirmed.

– Internet/fax connections and photocopier: check that such connections and devices are available in the match commissioner’s office and are in working order so that the post-match reporting process can be completed without delay.

The match commissioner shall give the floor to the referees and the referee assessor for all refereeing matters. In principle, the section concerning the referees should be placed at the start of the agenda so that they can leave the meeting once these matters have been dealt with.

For all matters related to safety and security, the match commissioner shall give the floor to the security officer, if appointed.

15 Use of the pitch for practice

As a general rule, the two teams are entitled to hold a light practice session not exceeding 60 minutes on the official match pitch on the eve of the match, but only if the ground and weather conditions permit. No practice sessions may take place at the stadium on matchdays. The practising team is entitled to refuse access to the media, if it so wishes, but shall allow 15 minutes of media presence, after which the media shall leave the stadium.

Prior to the visiting team’s arrival in the host country, the exact time and duration of the training sessions shall be mutually agreed upon by both teams, and then confirmed in writing by the host association. Should both teams wish to train at the same time, the visiting team shall be given priority.

In the event of severe adverse weather conditions or an extremely poor condition of the pitch, the match commissioner may cancel the training sessions. In this case, the visiting team shall be allowed to inspect the pitch and floodlights wearing training shoes.

The match commissioner shall supervise the training sessions of the two teams in the stadium.

16 Pitch-watering policy

The general pitch-watering policy remains valid and consistent with previous FIFA World Cups™, i.e. on matchdays, the pitch will typically be watered six hours, three hours and one hour before kick-off if conditions warrant such a schedule, i.e. rainfall during the day might reduce or eliminate the need to water the pitch, whereas hot/dry weather might prolong the pitch watering.


In addition to the pitch-watering policy above, a moistening of the grass surface may also take place after the warm-up, approximately 20 minutes before kick-off, as well as during half-time. The policy is to start each half with a moist surface.

The extent of pitch watering required will be determined by the match commissioner together with the groundskeeper.

17 Safety and security matters

Based on risk assessments (sporting as well as discriminatory and political factors) and a monitoring of the security situation, FIFA shall decide whether a match is declared as high risk or not. All parties shall be duly informed in due course. In principle, a FIFA security officer shall support the FIFA delegation and match organisers at such a categorised match.

The security officer shall be under the authority of the match commissioner for the entire duration of his assignment.

The FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations are the overall reference for this area in terms of match security coordination and delivery. The match organisers shall be familiar with their detailed provisions and with the subsequent implementation of the same.

Matches may only be played in all-seater stadiums. If only stadiums with both seating and standing areas are available, the standing space shall remain vacant.

At the match coordination meeting, the match commissioner, or the FIFA security officer if appointed, shall emphasise the following points that are applicable for high-risk matches. The match commissioner shall also discuss these items for normal-risk matches:– Establish good relations and coordination with the teams’ security officers

and the local security forces;– Verify the capacity of the stadium (number of seats) and the estimated

attendance;– Visiting supporters: how many are expected? How many tickets have been

allocated to them? Will foreign supporters be able to understand the signage in and around the stadium? Are their travelling arrangements known? What is the parking strategy for buses and cars (segregated from

home supporters)? What are the arrangements at the airport for their arrival and departure? What are the dispersal arrangements for after the match?

– Supervision of the sale of tickets (keeping spectator groups apart, police protection);

– No sale of tickets on matchday at the stadium or in its immediate vicinity;– Counterfeit tickets: is the demand for tickets such that there could be a

danger of counterfeit tickets coming into circulation? Are the authorities prepared for the late emergence of forged tickets?

– Check safety measures in and outside the stadium, as well as the need for the presence of adequate security forces on duty before, during and after the match (the security officers inside the stadium shall be immediately identifiable as such);

– A minimum of two security perimeters around the stadium;– Details of entry procedures; personal inspection of each spectator upon

entering the stadium (who will be responsible?); confiscation of dangerous items, especially pyrotechnics; incidents of verbal discrimination and items that display discriminatory messages;

– The match shall not kick off until the situation outside the stadium and in the stands is under complete control;

– Amenities in the stadium: individually numbered seats in each sector; easy access to refreshment stalls, public conveniences, medical and first-aid facilities, stand-by forces, etc.;

– All stadium exit doors and gates in the fence around the pitch shall always remain unlocked and each shall be permanently manned by a steward;

– Emergency evacuation arrangements;– Advertising boards and other portable material (e.g. loudspeakers) shall be

placed in such a way that they do not obstruct the opening of safety gates and do not represent a danger to the players nor obstruct the view of the spectators in lower rows;

– Spectators and all other unauthorised persons, such as media representatives, shall be barred from entering the pitch and the area surrounding it;

– Anyone authorised to enter the area surrounding the pitch, such as the ball kids, photographers, etc. shall be called upon to behave correctly and refrain from trespassing onto the pitch;

– Letting off fireworks of any kind is strictly prohibited; match organisers shall be discouraged from using fireworks in the stadium during ceremonies;

– The distribution of any drinks to the public in bottles or cans is strictly prohibited;

– Are the local authorities satisfied with the fire safety precautions?


– The match organisers shall designate a person for the commissioner/security officer to contact if emergency announcements need to be made over the stadium loudspeaker;

– Are loudspeaker announcers available in the required languages (home and visiting teams’ languages, etc.)?

– Are the security measures adequate for the visiting team’s arrival at and departure from the stadium and hotel?

– Does the FIFA delegation need a police escort (on matchdays, for training sessions, etc.)?

– Crisis group: during the match coordination meeting, agree on the formation of a small crisis group to meet in the event of a major crisis (e.g. police commander, fire chief, medical chief, stadium manager, head of delegation from each team, match commissioner, FIFA security officer) and on a central meeting point as well as a corresponding code to be used in the event of an emergency.

Any important and essential final questions on safety and/security matters: are the security, fire and medical authorities all perfectly satisfied with the match preparations – or is there anything that FIFA and/or the host association or the stadium authorities should do which has not yet been done?

All of these questions shall be asked and the responses duly noted.

18 Matchday countdown

1. Match timingThe host association shall appoint an official to ensure that all arrangements for the match run smoothly in line with the plans and schedules. He shall be the main link with the match commissioner throughout the whole match.

The countdown to kick-off below needs to be customised for each match based on the matchday specifics (stadium configuration, length of tunnel and location of dressing rooms, distance from hotels, weather, security factors, etc.):

Countdown to kick-off

– Arrival of the match commissioner – 4 hours

– Security tour and check by the match commissioner/FIFA security officer

– 4 hours

– Opening of the stadium – 3 hours

The following facilities shall now be ready for the match commissioner to check:

– Security service, loudspeakers, scoreboard, stadium personnel, dressing rooms for teams and referees, assistant referees’ flags, hoisted flags in the stadium, matchballs, pump, barometer, first-aid facilities, completion of pitch (markings, goals, substitutes’ benches, substitution panel, advertising panels around the pitch, camera positions around the pitch area, corner flags);

– Arrival of the referee assessor with referees and teams, meet team administrators to coordinate the release of line-up forms

– 90 minutes

– Line-up forms to be handed out to the teams – 90 minutes

(These may also be handed out at the match coordination meeting)

– Mandatory final GLT check by the referees (if GLT is to be used at the match venue)

– 90 min to 80 min

– Collection of completed line-up forms (copies to media and other services)

– 75 minutes

– Team kit and names/numbers, colours, equipment, jewellery and accreditations to be checked by fourth official according to instructions from referee assessor

– 75 minutes

– Teams warm up on the pitch depending on pitch condition

– 50 min to 20 min

– FIFA flag and FIFA Fair Play flag as well as national flags ready at the final regrouping position

– 20 minutes

– Last check of the pitch markings – 18 minutes

– Announcement of the team line-ups by the loudspeaker announcer

– 15 minutes

– Teams wait in the tunnel ready to come onto the pitch – 9 minutes

– Check of players’ equipment – 9 minutes

– Children carry on the national flags of the competing teams

– 8 minutes

– Children carry on the FIFA flag and FIFA Fair Play flag – 7 minutes

– Entrance of the teams onto the pitch to the tune of the FIFA anthem

– 7 minutes


– Line-up and national anthems – 6 minutes

– Team photographs – 2 minutes

– Toss of coin, Handshake for Peace – 1 minute

– Kick-off – 0 minute

2. Teams’ entrance and exitThe match commissioner shall arrange with the organisers the exact procedure to be followed before and after the match. Rehearsal ceremonies on the eve of the match and/or before the official opening of the stadium shall be coordinated to ensure a smooth delivery on matchday.

Formalities such as the entrance of the teams and referees and assistant referees onto the pitch, the national anthems being played, etc., should be kept brief (not more than ten minutes) so that the match can start punctually. The national anthems should, in principle, not exceed 90 seconds each.

The teams are led onto the pitch in two lines by the referees and assistant referees, as specified in the countdown to the match. The lines may be headed by children carrying the FIFA flags. The captain of each team heads the line of players and only the 11 starting players may enter the pitch (the substitutes and team officials shall have already taken their places on the bench before this ceremony starts). The home team forms the line on the left and the away team on the right, as viewed from the VIP box, unless agreed differently and approved by FIFA by no later than the match coordination meeting. Both lines stop approximately eight metres inside the pitch parallel to the touchline and face the VIP box, with the referees and assistant referees between the two teams.

During the march-in, the FIFA anthem is played until the teams have formed the line. The national anthem of each team is then played. Players shall respect the national anthems by standing still and quietly during both anthems. The national anthem of the visiting team is played first. After the anthems have been completed, the visiting team proceeds to shake hands with the referees and the home team before the home team proceeds to shake hands with the referees.

Before the match, the team captains and the match referee shall meet in the centre circle to take part in the Handshake for Peace, a simple gesture and powerful symbol representing reconciliation. After the match, all players will also be urged not to leave the pitch until they have greeted all opposing players and the match referees. The team coaches shall also greet each other and thank the referees in a polite and respectful manner.

3. Ceremonies and special activitiesIt is not customary for opening ceremonies and other entertainment to be organised at FIFA preliminary competition matches. Opening ceremonies and other entertainment before the match are permitted only on the condition that they do not affect the condition of the pitch and have been officially approved by FIFA in written form prior to the match coordination meeting. Improvised additional ceremonies and activities are not permitted. Approved activities shall be included in the official match countdown.

4. Transportation to the matchThe match commissioner shall ensure that he arrives at the stadium at least four hours before kick-off, and that the referees and assistant referees arrive together at least 90 minutes before. If necessary, a police escort shall be organised for them.

5. Warming up before the matchWeather permitting, the teams are entitled to warm up on the pitch, from 50 minutes to 20 minutes before kick-off. If the weather does not permit this, a suitable alternative location shall be designated.

6. Warming up during the matchEach stadium shall have sufficient space behind the goals to allow substitute players to warm up during the matches. A maximum of six (6) players shall warm up at the same time (with a maximum of two (2) officials). Only the goalkeeper may warm up with a ball. If there is insufficient space behind the goals, both teams shall warm up in the designated area beside the substitutes’ bench of the visiting team, behind assistant referee no. 1. In this case, only a maximum of three (3) players and one (1) official per team may warm up at the same time and without any balls.

Once the quota of substitutions has been completed, the unused substitutes are no longer entitled to warm up for the remainder of the match.


7. Match commissioner’s and referee assessor’s seats in the stadiumThe match commissioner shall be given a seat in the stadium (VIP stand) with the best overall view of the entire stadium. Immediately after the match coordination meeting, he shall walk from his seat to the referees’ dressing room and onto the pitch so that he can find his way about quickly and without delay on matchday.

The referee assessor shall be seated next to or very close to the match commissioner to facilitate contact during the match, if necessary.

The security officer may be positioned anywhere in the stadium, preferably in the venue operating centre, but he shall be in permanent contact with the stadium management and the match commissioner.

19 Support for the referees and assistant referees

1. Pre-match assistance for the referees and assistant refereesThe referee assessor shall give the referees and assistant referees as much assistance as possible. He shall ensure that the referees and assistant referees are left undisturbed to concentrate on the match and direct the organisers to keep unauthorised persons away from the referees’ dressing room. The referee assessor shall also provide any necessary support to the referees and assistant referees at any time. Adjoining hotel rooms shall be booked for them by the host association.

2. Instructions to the referees and assistant referees before the matchThe referee assessor shall instruct the referee to supervise the match in accordance with the directives issued by the FIFA Referees Committee and to assert his authority from the start in the event of any misconduct or foul play.

3. Extra time/penalty kicksFor matches played under the cup system (knock-out), the commissioner and the referee assessor shall, before the match, discuss with the referee the possibility of extra time having to be played, or penalty kicks if no goal is scored during extra time to decide the outcome, and which goal is to be used for penalty kicks. FIFA will provide further information on possible scenarios prior to each match.

4. InterviewsThe entire FIFA delegation shall adopt a reserved attitude towards the media and shall not pass comment on the referees and assistant referees or any of their decisions. The FIFA delegation shall not make any forecasts about forthcoming decisions by FIFA’s judicial bodies in connection with any incidents that may have occurred during a game.

5. Half-timeIf necessary, the commissioner or referee assessor may use the half-time interval to give specific instructions to the referees and assistant referees (but not in connection with the way they are officiating), to the officials responsible for the two teams, and/or to the organisers.

20 Reporting: the commissioner’s, referee’s and referee assessor’s match reports

1. Taking notes/making a reportThe match commissioner, referee and referee assessor shall each fill in an official report. They shall take notes during the match to enable them to complete the report without any omissions. The match commissioner’s and referee assessor’s comments will be of considerable importance in any cases that have passed unnoticed by the referees and assistant referees. The match commissioner shall be aware of incidents occurring off the pitch, such as racist or otherwise discriminatory and objectionable banners, chants as well as symbols and codes on clothes in the crowd, offences committed by players behind the referee’s back and disorderly situations such as disturbances and discriminatory behaviour.

The reports submitted by the match commissioner, the referee and the referee assessor are essential for the work of the FIFA Organising Committee, the FIFA judicial bodies and the FIFA Referees Committee.

The reports shall be compiled by each match official individually and shall, in particular, not contain an assessment of the performance of another match official, and also not consist of copying information provided in the report of another match official.

The reports shall contain an objective description of facts and not personal opinions such as e.g. “acted in bad faith”. Equally, the reports shall primarily contain the personal observations of the match official in question. In cases in


which an incident was witnessed by an assistant referee or the 4th official, this situation shall be indicated in the report.

Every incident shall be described in an accurate and complete manner. For example, the following information would be of particular relevance in the following cases:– For incidents related to a red card shown to a player: if there was an injury;

if the ball was in play; if the player immediately respected the order to leave the field of play;

– For incidents related to offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures: the exact words that were said and/or the exact gestures displayed as well as the addressee(s) of such;

– Spitting: against whom; indication of whether there was provocation beforehand;

– Political or racist banners, flags and other objects: the exact words/signs, etc. used on the banner; the time and duration during which the banners were shown; the place, size and visibility of the banners;

– Fireworks or missiles: number of objects; frequency; where the objects landed; from which sector they were thrown;

– Incidents caused by spectators: indication of followers of which team(s) involved; number of persons involved (from which sector).

Furthermore, the information provided in the report shall, if possible, be substantiated by evidence such as photos of the incidents, banners, etc.

The match commissioner shall send a flash report to FIFA on the eve of the match, along with the passport check lists.

As instructed by FIFA, the match commissioner shall be responsible for ensuring that all post-match reports are duly completed, signed and officially submitted to FIFA within two hours of the match. These reports are the referee’s report, the referee assessor’s report and his own report. If additional FIFA match officials are appointed for a match, they shall also report to FIFA before and after the match.

2. Number of spectatorsThe match commissioner shall ask the organisers for details on the number of spectators and include this information in the official report.

3. Proof of disturbancesIn special cases, or after particularly serious incidents, the match commissioner shall try to obtain as much information as possible for FIFA, including DVD/

video recordings of the match and any specific incidents. In the case of missiles or discriminatory displays, this may involve retrieving the offending object or, if this is not possible, an identical object or a picture of it. He may also collect reports from the local press etc. A note shall be made of racist and discriminatory banners or chants as well as of symbols and codes on clothes. In some cases, it may be useful to ask for written reports from the police and/or other authorities.

21 At the end of the match

– The match commissioner shall liaise with the host association to ensure a smooth departure from the stadium for all delegations (FIFA delegation, home and visiting teams). If disturbances are likely to occur, he shall take special precautions with the organisers.

– After the match, the match commissioner shall remain seated until the referees, assistant referees and players have returned to their dressing rooms. Depending upon the atmosphere in the stadium, it may be advisable for him to watch the spectators leave the stadium for a while in order to be a witness to any disturbances. These departures will be scrutinised by the FIFA security officer, if appointed.

– The match commissioner shall then go to the teams’ dressing rooms to ascertain whether any protests have been made.

– The match commissioner shall subsequently go to the referees’ dressing room to thank the referees and assistant referees.

– The match commissioner shall discuss any incidents that have occurred before, during or after the match with the referee and also check the details of players who were cautioned or sent off. He shall ensure that the referee has filled in his report correctly and objectively (without omitting any incidents). Any points that may seem unclear or irrelevant shall be clarified.

– If serious disturbances occur, it is of paramount importance that the match commissioner informs FIFA first by telephone and then in a written report to be sent immediately by e-mail or fax.

– After ensuring that all post-match reports have been duly sent to FIFA by e-mail or fax, the match commissioner shall send FIFA all the originals of all post-match reports by courier within 48 hours of the match.

– The match commissioner shall keep a copy of all post-match reports to safeguard against loss or failed transmission. FIFA may require him to resubmit all documents in such a case.


22 Note of expenses

– Each FIFA delegation member shall submit his individual note of expenses to FIFA within a month of the match in question, ensuring that all required data is provided, including the name and address of his bank and his personal bank account number. Third-party bank accounts or collective claims will not be accepted.

– Should claims for additional expenses be made, all original receipts for each justified expense shall be made available to FIFA. No extra expenses will be paid without the corresponding receipts.

– Expenses shall be claimed in the same year as the match took place. In principle, FIFA will make the corresponding payments within two months of the match, provided that all personal and bank information as well as additional receipts have been duly submitted.

23 Doping

FIFA reserves the right to conduct random doping control tests during preliminary competitions, as well as during training camps and/or training sessions. If so, FIFA will appoint a doctor to supervise the necessary procedure and conduct the tests.

24 Integrity and prevention of match manipulation

Protecting the integrity of the game is of paramount importance to FIFA. In accordance with FIFA regulations, FIFA reserves the right to appoint an investigator or investigators for any match or event that is under suspicion of illegal activities, illegal gambling or match-fixing without prior communication with the association, confederation or event organiser. All host associations and participating member associations shall cooperate fully with FIFA with regard to the above.

Furthermore, all FIFA World Cup™ qualifying matches are monitored on the gambling markets for suspicious activity indicative of match manipulation for betting purposes. Furthermore, all players, referees, and officials under FIFA’s jurisdiction are required to report any approaches or attempts to fix matches, as well as all other suspicious activity, illegal gambling, or suspicions of match-

fixing to the FIFA Security Division’s integrity hotline at [email protected] or the secretariat of the investigatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee.

25 Match cancellation/postponement

If the referee declares the pitch unfit for play or if a match is abandoned because of the weather or other reasons of force majeure, the match shall be postponed in compliance with the competition regulations. FIFA shall be immediately notified of the postponement in order to allow for the subsequent official coordination and confirmation of the new match details (kick-off time etc.) and the inherent organisational aspects.

If a match is abandoned as a result of force majeure for any reason after it has already kicked off, the match shall recommence with the same score at the minute at which play was interrupted rather than being replayed in full.

The following principles shall apply to the recommencement of the match:a) the match shall recommence with the same players on the pitch and

substitutes available as when the match was initially abandoned;b) no additional substitutes may be added to the list of players on the team

sheet;c) the teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were

still entitled when the match was abandoned; d) any players sent off during the abandoned match cannot be replaced; e) any sanctions imposed before the match was abandoned remain valid for

the remainder of the match;f) the kick-off time, date and location – in principle, the competition

regulations stipulate that the match shall be played or resumed on the next day – shall be decided by FIFA and/or the FIFA Organising Committee;

g) any matters requiring a further decision shall be dealt with by FIFA and/or the FIFA Organising Committee. Should the stadium floodlights break down partially or completely, every step shall be taken to correct the fault immediately. It is advisable to try to switch the lights on again after an interval of 15-20 minutes. Should the referee and the match commissioner be convinced that the damage cannot be repaired and that the lighting is no longer sufficient to continue the match, the referee is entitled to abandon it. Only the referee shall be entitled to decide on the duration of the interruption before a match is abandoned. Under no circumstances may the teams make this decision. In such an event, it is important for the host association to establish whether the failure is confined solely to the


32 33V. RefereeingIV. At the match venue

stadium or whether an entire neighbourhood around the stadium has been affected.

FIFA shall investigate the cause and possible consequences of the power failure. For this purpose, FIFA will require a detailed and accurate report.In all such cases, it is the match commissioner’s duty to immediately report the situation to FIFA on the mobile telephone number made available for emergencies.

The following guidelines supplement those concerned with refereeing under article 19 of these guidelines.

26 Duties of the referee assessor

FIFA shall appoint a referee assessor for each match, in addition to the match commissioner. The referee assessor shall be under the authority of the match commissioner for the entire duration of his assignment and shall carry out the following duties:– Accompany the refereeing group from the moment of their arrival until

their departure;– Take all main meals with the referees and assistant referees, including

dinner on the evening before the match and after the match itself;– Accompany the referees and assistant referees on any excursions;– Ensure that the referees and assistant referees do not attend any press

conferences or speak to the press before, during or after the match;– Ensure that the referees and assistant referees do not take part in any

events arranged by or attended by the teams;– Ensure that the referees and assistant referees do not accept any gifts or

offers which are more than mere souvenirs whilst in the host country;– Assist the referee in completing the post-match report form, and check any

expulsions, cautions and other incidents;– Assess the performances of the referee and assistant referees and submit

his own report to FIFA;– Analyse the match with the referees and assistant referees, explaining

the lessons to be learned and giving constructive advice for future matches;

– Always be available to the match commissioner and provide him with his full support whenever required.

27 Responsibilities of the referee, the assistant referees and the fourth official

– The referee, assistant referees and fourth official shall inspect the stadium and attend the match coordination meeting with the match commissioner and referee assessor.

– The referee appointed for the match will receive the post-match report form, a match summary sheet and the start list sheet (“List of Players”). The referee and the match commissioner shall coordinate each team’s

34 35VI. Security officerV. Refereeing

completion of its List of Players before the match, in accordance with the competition regulations.

– The post-match reports shall be thoroughly executed and completed as described above.

– The referee, the assistant referees and the fourth official shall enter the field of play together. The fourth official shall wear kit that is identical to that of his three colleagues.

– The duty of the fourth official is to replace any of the three officials in the event of injury. He shall also assist the referee with certain tasks directly connected with the match. His responsibilities are described in the Laws of the Game.

28 FIFA security officer

It is primarily the responsibility of the host association to classify the matches and to determine whether a match is to be regarded as high risk. This decision shall be taken as soon as possible after consultation with the relevant stakeholders. The association shall inform the FIFA general secretariat of its decision as soon as it has been taken. In exceptional circumstances, the FIFA general secretariat or the respective confederation may, on the basis of its own information, designate the match as high risk.

Whilst FIFA may decide at any time to appoint a FIFA security officer for its matches, a FIFA security officer will be appointed for all high-risk matches. FIFA alone is responsible for taking such a decision, which is final. The FIFA security officer shall ensure that he arrives at the stadium at least six to seven hours before kick-off.

29 Duties of the FIFA security officer

– Act as a liaison between stadium safety and security management (police and private stadium security) and FIFA

– Act as the safety and security point of contact for teams, officials and FIFA employees at the venue

– Ensure that the FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations are adhered to at the stadium as a minimum standard

– Provide guidance and advice to stadium safety and security management as needed

– Provide standard pre-match, match and post-match reports to FIFA as directed

– Bring to the match commissioner’s attention any issues that may affect the safety and security of the stadium, team hotels, or transport, or any other matter affecting the safety and security of players and officials

– Be aware of and be vigilant for signs of match-fixing and report any incidents to FIFA immediately

– Ensure that all stadium inspections are completed and that the stadium is prepared from a safety and security perspective

– Check the existence/presence of all requested safety certificates– Monitor the match, taking note of:

• Crowd flow into and out of the stadium• Crowd behaviour

36 37VI. Security officer VI. Security officer

• Acts of racism and other forms of discrimination• Standards and behaviour of stadium security staff, especially those

positioned around zone 1 (pitch) and zone 2 (FIFA offices and dressing rooms)

– Report on any safety and security incidents or potential incidents and ensure that appropriate follow-up and remedial action is taken to prevent reoccurrence

– Attend all safety and security briefings and, where required, chair such meetings between all relevant agencies and stadium staff

– Attend the match coordination meeting (see article 14)– Maintain regular contact with the venue operation centre (VOC) and the

senior police commander from kick-off –30mins until the stadium is clear of all spectators

– Oversee the arrival and departure of the teams and referees– Ensure that emergency vehicle access is in place and kept free of

obstructions throughout the match– Ensure that all first-aid and medical provisions are in place– Ensure that the FIFA zones are in place and effectively policed, with

particular attention to the integrity of zones 1 and 2– Supervise the players entering and leaving the pitch. If there is any

animosity between the teams, ensure that the teams are segregated– Supervise the players as they move through the mixed zone– Ensure that accreditations and SADs are being correctly used and adhered

to– Attend all pre-match meetings and provide information on:

• Safety and security situation• Expected attendance• Match-risk rating• Potential problems• Other safety and security issues

– Oversee pre-match steward briefings

30 National security officer

Every member association shall appoint a national security officer. This person must have experience of working with public authorities and the police services, as well as prior knowledge of event organisation issues, spectator supervision and event safety and security matters.

31 Duties of the national security officer

The national security officer shall be responsible for developing, coordinating and delivering the safety and security concept across a FIFA event, including at training sites, official hotels, transport hubs, etc.

The national security officer shall assume responsibility for the ongoing education and training of all stadium security officers employed during events. He shall also conduct all briefings, devise a training and education programme, and be available to provide guidance and advice to all stadium security officers.

The national security officer and stadium safety and security management team shall produce a spectator safety and security policy document for each stadium to be distributed to all stakeholders. The policy document should clearly state:– The event organiser’s and host nation’s philosophy on safety and security – With whom ultimate responsibility lies for safety and security at the

stadium– To whom responsibility is delegated– The chain of command and lines of reporting– How the safety and security policy is to be implemented and

communicated– Who the key stakeholders are

The national security officer will be responsible for ensuring that all stadium security officers appointed for FIFA events are properly trained and competent. He will provide guidance and advice to ensure that any stadium used for a FIFA event meets FIFA’s safety and security standards.

32 Requirements of the national security officer

In order to discharge his duties properly, the national security officer shall meet the following requirements:– Competence: a person will be regarded as occupationally competent for

the role of national security officer if he has sufficient training, experience and knowledge to be able to fully perform his roles and responsibilities.

38 39VII. Anti-discrimination match observerVI. Security officer

– Status: during FIFA events, the national security officer should be recognised as being in overall control of operational safety and security management issues relating to the event in conjunction with the senior police commander/senior national security adviser. On non-matchdays, he should be regarded as the principal adviser to the member association on all safety and security issues in relation to football stadiums and hosting FIFA events.

33 Reporting

The FIFA security officer shall be under the authority of the match commissioner for the entire duration of his assignment (see article 29 regarding the duties of the FIFA security officer).

The national security officer shall be under the authority of the event organiser/host association for the entire duration of his assignment (see article 31 regarding the duties of the national security officer)

34 FIFA anti-discrimination match observer

FIFA is responsible for determining whether a match is to be regarded as being at risk of possible incidents of discrimination, as defined in the FIFA Statutes (art. 3) and the FIFA Disciplinary Code (art. 58). A FIFA anti-discrimination match observer may be appointed for all matches that are at risk of possible incidents of discrimination. This decision will not be communicated to the host association.

FIFA anti-discrimination match observers are not part of the FIFA delegation and do not take part in match-related operations. FIFA anti-discrimination match observers do not release the match officials or the FIFA delegation from their obligation to report discriminatory incidents.

35 Duties of FIFA anti-discrimination match observers

– Act as additional support to the relevant match officials in order to detect and monitor discriminatory incidents as defined in the FIFA Statutes (art. 3) and the FIFA Disciplinary Code (art. 58).

– Monitor the match, taking note of/collecting evidence of discrimination involving anyone in the stadium during the match.

– Provide FIFA with a report within 24 hours if a discriminatory incident occurs.

These guidelines come into force immediately.

Zurich, June 2015

6.15 bru 1800 SCO/alm/pma

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