Author(s): Manish Raj and Dr. Sandeep Bhalla

Abstract:
FIFA’s comprehensive “Compliance Programme” helps to build transparency, foster ethical behaviour, identify risks, define policies and create procedures. FIFA developed a comprehensive compliance programme for the FIFA World Cup to build transparency, foster ethical behaviour, identify risks, define policies, create transparency, foster ethical behaviour, identify risks, define policies and create procedures. FIFA provides compliance information, guidance and training to employees, committee members and other members of the FIFA family, directly inspired by FIFA 2.0 and its primary ambition to build a stronger institution. Launched in December 2017, the revised FIFA Code of Conduct defines both FIFA’s core values and the compliance responsibilities of its employees and the wider association. The code sets out clear rules and guidance for FIFA team members, placing their obligations within the context of FIFA’s values and commitment to conducting business with integrity. Following the launch of the revised Code of Conduct, FIFA launched a new set of guidelines tailored to FIFA’s business on specific compliance topics: anti-bribery and corruption, conflicts of interest, gifts and hospitality, international trade controls and reputational risk. The Third FIFA Compliance Summit, a five-day online event, provided a platform to "highlight the necessity of integrating compliance into decision-making processes. The FIFA Compliance Handbook is a practical, interactive and easy-to-use PDF document for member associations and other sports stakeholders that outlines the basic principles and benefits of implementing compliance guidelines. Stakeholders will be able to develop their individual compliance programmes by extracting the parts they need from the handbook, depending on where they are on their compliance journey. In order to reach its member associations, FIFA also launched a variety of different international initiatives and partnerships to strengthen good governance and compliance, including a compliance handbook which facilitates the implementation of a compliance program at a national level. The compliance program follows the classic three-line model of defense: establish processes, tools, and guidelines; embed leadership, training, objectives, and decision-making.; and evaluate auditing, monitoring and reporting, and testing. FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee consists of independent members, all of whom are subject to integrity and background checks. The committee oversees the newly established compliance department. A confidential whistle-blower system was established to encourage a culture of speaking up when things look amiss. Special attention was paid to income-generating activities, such as media rights, sponsorships, and ticketing.

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