BFF DISCIPLINARY CODE
CONTENTS
PRELIMINARY TITLE
Article 1: Title and Scope
Article 2: Scope of application: material law
Article 3: Scope of application: natural and legal persons
Article 4: Scope of application: time
Article 5: Definitions
Article 6: Gender
FIRST TITLE: MATERIAL LAW
CHAPTER I: GENERAL PART
Section 1: Conditions for sanctions
Article 7: Culpability
Article 8: Acts amounting to attempt
Article 9: Involvement
Section 2: Various sanctions
Article 10: Sanctions common to natural and legal persons
Article 11: Sanctions applicable to natural persons
Article 12: Sanctions applicable to legal persons
Article 13: Warning
Article 14: Reprimand
Article 15: Fine
Article 16: Return awards
Article 17: Caution
Article 18: Expulsion
Article 19: Match suspension
Article 20: Ban from dressing rooms and/or substitutes’ bench
Article 21: Stadium ban
Article 22: Ban on taking part in any football related activity
Article 23: Transfer Ban
Article 24: Playing a match without spectators
Article 25: Playing a match on neutral ground
Article 26: Ban on playing in a particular stadium
Article 27: Annulment of the result of a match
Article 28: Exclusion from a competition
Article 29: Demotion to a lower division
Article 30: Deduction of points
Article 31: Forfeit
Section 3: Common rules
Article 32: Combined sanctions
Article 33: Partial suspension of implementation of the sanction
Article 34: Time sanctions- calculation of time limit
Section 4: Determining the sanction
Article 35: General rule
Article 36: Repeated infringements
Article 37: Concurrent infringements
Section 5: Limitation period
Article 38: Limitation period for prosecution
Article 39: Commencement of the limitation period
Article 40: Interruption
Article 41: Limitation period for the enforcement of sanctions
CHAPTER II: SPECIAL PART
Section 1: Infringements of the Laws of the Game
Article 42: Minor infringements
Article 43: Serious infringements
Section 2: Disorderliness at matches and competitions
Article 44: Misconduct against players or persons other than match officials
Article 45: Misconduct against match officials
Article 46: Brawl
Article 47: Unidentified aggressors
Article 48: Team misconduct
Article 49: Inciting hatred and violence
Article 50: Provoking the general public
Article 51: Ineligibility
Article 52: Failure to play and abandonment
Section 3: Offensive and racist behaviour
Article 53: Offensive behaviour
Article 54: Racism
Section 4: Intimidation
Article 55: Threats
Article 56: Coercion
Section 5: Forgery and falsification
Article 57: Forgery and falsification
Section 6: Corruption
Article 58: Corruption
Section 7: Doping
Article 59: Definition
Article 60: Therapeutic justification
Article 61: Sanctions
Article 62: Repeat testing
Article 63: Procedure
Article 64: Players’ obligations
Article 65: Government sanctions against doping
Article 66: Sanctions imposed by other international sports bodies
Section 8: Failure to respect disciplinary decisions
Article 67: Payment of sums of money
Section 9: Responsibilities of clubs and associations
Article 68: Organisation of matches
Article 69: Failure to comply
Article 70: Liability for Spectator conduct
Article 71: Other obligations
Section 10 Manipulating match results
Article 72: Manipulating match results
SECOND TITLE: ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 1: ORGANISATION
Section 1: Authorities
Article 73: Referee
Article 74: Judicial bodies
Article 75: Panel of Arbitration / Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Section 2: The Disciplinary Committee
Article 76: General jurisdiction
Article 77: Specific jurisdiction
Article 78: Jurisdiction of the Chairman ruling alone
Section 3: The Appeals Committee
Article 79: Jurisdiction
Article 80: Jurisdiction of the Chairman ruling alone
Section 4: Common rules for the judicial bodies
Article 81: Composition
Article 82: Meeting
Article 83: Chairman
Article 84: Secretariat
Article 85: Independence
Article 86: Incompatibility of office
Article 87: Withdrawal
Article 88: Confidentiality
Article 89: Exemption from liability
CHAPTER II PROCEDURE
Section 1: General rules
Sub-section 1. Time limits
Article 90: Calculation
Article 91: Compliance
Article 92: Interruption
Article 93: Extension of time limits
Sub-section 2. Right to be heard
Article 94: Contents
Article 95: Restrictions
Sub-section 3. Proof
Article 96: Various types of proof
Article 97 Absolute discretion regarding proof
Article 98 Match Officials’ Reports
Article 99 Burden of proof
Sub-section 4. Representation and assistance
Article 100: Representation and assistance
Sub-section 5. Language used in proceedings
Article 101: Language
Sub-section 6. Notification and communication
Article 102: Addresses
Article 103: Form- General Rule
Article 104: Form- Special Cases
Sub-section 7. Miscellaneous rules
Article 105: Obvious errors
Article 106: Costs and expenses
Article 107: Enforcement of decisions
Article 108: Closing of the proceedings
Section 2: Disciplinary Committee
Sub-section 1. Commencement of proceedings and investigation
Article 109: Commencement of proceedings
Article 110: Investigation
Article 111: Collaboration among the parties
Sub-section 2. Oral statements, deliberations, decision
Article 112: Oral statements, principles
Article 113: Oral statements, procedure
Article 114: Deliberations
Article 115: Passing the decision
Article 116: Form and contents of the decision
Sub-section 3. Proceedings before the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee
Article 117: Proceedings before the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee
Section 3: Appeal Committee
Article 118: Contestable decisions
Article 119: Eligibility to appeal
Article 120: Time limit for appeal
Article 121: Grounds for complaint
Article 122: Petition of appeal
Article 123: Deposit
Article 124: Effects of the appeal
Article 125: Sequence in proceedings leading up to the decision
Article 126: Conclusion to the proceedings
Article 127: Proceedings before the Chairman of the Appeal Committee
Section 4: Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Article 128: Cases for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Section 5: Special procedures
Sub-section 1. Provisional Measure
Article 129: Principle
Article 130: Procedure
Article 131: Decision
Article 132: Duration of provisional measures
Article 133: Appeal
Article 134: Approval of appeal
Sub-section 2. Deliberation and decision-taking without meeting
Article 135 : Tele/Video-Conference
Sub-section 3. Review
Article 136: Review
Final Title
Article 137: Scope of the Code, omissions, doctrine and jurisprudence
Article 138: Adoption and enforcement
BANGLADESH FOOTBALL FEDERATION
Disciplinary Code
PRELIMINARY TITLE
Article1: Title and Scope
1. This Code is called the “Bangladesh Football Federation Disciplinary Code”, hereinafter referred to as the “Code”.
2. The Code describes infringements of the rules in Bangladesh Football Federation (hereinafter referred to as BFF) regulations, determines the sanctions to be enforced, and regulates the organization and function of the bodies responsible for taking decisions and the procedures to be followed by these bodies.
Article 2: Scope of application-Material Law
1. This Code applies to every match and competition organized by BFF. Beyond this scope, it also applies if the regulations of BFF are violated and the violation is not punished by a body other than the disciplinary bodies of BFF, of Asian Football Confederation (hereinafter referred to as AFC) or of Federation International de Football Association (hereinafter referred to as FIFA).
2. Matches, tournaments and competitions organized by clubs, associations with BFF approved bye-laws on disciplinary matters shall be applicable in respect of the matches, tournaments and competitions for which such bye-laws are prepared provided that matters not covered by such bye-laws shall be governed by this code.
Article 3: Scope of application- Natural and Legal persons
The following are subject to this Code:
a) Direct and indirect members of BFF;
b) Officials;
c) Players;
d) Match officials;
e) Licensed match and players’ agent;
f) Anyone with an authorization from BFF, in particular with regard to a match, competition or other event organized by BFF;
g) Spectators.
Article 4: Scope of Application- Time
1. This Code applies to facts that have arisen after it has come into force. It also applies to previous facts if it is more favourable for the perpetrator of the facts and if the judicial bodies of BFF are deciding on these facts after the Code has come into force.
Article 5: Definitions
1. Article: an article of this Code.
2. Clause: a numbered part of an Article of this Code.
3. Post-match: the time between the final whistle from the referee and the team’s departure from the confines of the stadium.
4. Pre-match: the time between the teams’ arrival in the confines of the stadium and the whistle for kick-off from the referee.
5. International match: a match between two teams belonging to different associations (two clubs, one club and one representative team or two representative teams).
6. Friendly match: a match organized by a football organization, club or other person between teams chosen for the occasion and may be belonging to different spheres of operation; the score has effect only on the match or competition in question and, in the case of representative teams, on the FIFA rankings.
7. Official match: a match organized under the auspices of a football organization for all of the teams or clubs in its sphere of operations; the score has an effect on the rights of participation in other competitions unless the regulations in question stipulate otherwise.
8. Officials: anyone, with the exception of players, performing an activity connected with football at BFF or a club, regardless of his title, the type of activity (administrative, sporting or any other) and the duration of the activity; in particular, managers, coaches and medical staff are officials.
9. Match official: the referee, assistant referees, fourth official, match commissioner, referee inspector, the security officer, and any other persons appointed by BFF to assume responsibility in connection with a match.
10. BFF regulations: the Statutes, rules, regulations, bye-laws, instructions and circulars of BFF.
11. FIFA regulations: the Statutes, regulations, directives and circulars of FIFA as well as the Laws of the Game issued by the International Football Association Board.
12. Body: judicial body of BFF before which a matter is pending for adjudication under this Code.
Expressions not defined in this Code shall be deemed to have been defined by the BFF Statutes.
Article 6: Gender
The provisions of this Code apply to the male and female gender, regardless of the choice of words and expressions.
CHAPTER I: GENERAL PART
Section 1: Conditions for sanctions
Article 7: Culpability
1. Unless otherwise specified, infringements shall be punishable regardless of whether they have been committed intentionally or negligently.
2. Exceptionally, a match may have to be played without spectators or on neutral territory, or a certain stadium may be banned purely for safety reasons, without an infringement having been committed.
Article 8: Acts amounting to attempt
1. Acts amounting to attempt are also punishable.
2. In the case of acts amounting to attempt, the body may reduce the sanction envisaged for the actual infringement accordingly. It will determine the extent of mitigation as it sees fit; it shall not go below the general lower limit of the fine prescribed in Article 15.
Article 9: Involvement
1. Anyone who knowingly takes part in committing an infringement, either as instigator or accomplice, is also punishable.
2. The body will take into account the degree of guilt of the party involved and may reduce the sanction accordingly, but it shall not go below the general lower limit of the fine prescribed in Article 15.
Section 2: Sanctions
Article 10: Sanctions common to natural and legal persons
Both natural and legal persons are punishable by the following sanctions:
a) Warning;
b) Reprimand;
c) Fine; and
d) Return of awards.
Article11: Sanctions applicable to natural persons
The following sanctions are applicable only to natural persons:
a) Caution;
b) Expulsion;
c) Match suspension;
d) Ban from the dressing rooms and/or the substitutes’ bench;
e) Ban from entering a stadium;
f) Ban on taking part in any football related activity.
Article12: Sanctions applicable to legal persons
The following sanctions are applicable only to legal persons:
a) Transfer ban;
b) Playing a match without spectators;
c) Playing a match on neutral territory;
d) Ban on playing in a particular stadium;
e) Annulment of the result of a match;
f) Exclusion from a competition;
g) Defeat by forfeit;
h) Deduction of points;
i) Demotion to a lower division.
Article13: Warning
A warning is a reminder of the substance of a disciplinary rule allied with the threat of a sanction in the event of a further infringement.
Article14: Reprimand
A reprimand is an official written pronouncement of disapproval sent to the perpetrator of an infringement.
Article15: Fine
1. Any sanction of fine shall be expressed in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) and it shall be paid in the same currency.
2. The fine shall not be less than BDT 3,000 or in the case of a competition subject to an age limit not less than BDT 2,000 and not more than BDT 5, 00,000.
3. The body pronouncing the sanction shall decide the terms and time limits for payment. If the fine is added to a match suspension, it shall be paid before the suspension has ended.
4. The direct and indirect members of BFF are jointly liable for fines imposed on players or officials from their teams. The fact that the person subject to the fine has left the membership of BFF does not cancel out joint liability.
Article16: Return of awards
1. The person required to return an award shall return all of the benefits received, in particular sums of money and symbolic objects (medal, trophy, etc.).
2. The money received shall always be returned in full. The body pronouncing the sanction decides any interest that may be due as it sees fit.
Article17: Caution
1. A caution (yellow card) is a warning from the referee to a player during a match to sanction unsporting behaviour of a less serious nature as prescribed in Law 12 of the Laws of the Game.
2. Two cautions received during the same match incur an expulsion (indirect red card) and, consequently, automatic suspension from the next match as prescribed in Article 18. The two cautions that incurred the red card shall be deemed to have been rescinded.
3. The following shall incur automatic suspension from the subsequent match:
a) 4 cautions received in 4 different matches of the same competition in championships subject to age limits organized by BFF.
b) 3 cautions received in 3 different matches of the same competition in championships not subject to age limits organized by BFF.
4. If an abandoned match is to be replayed, any caution issued during the abandoned match shall be annulled. If the match is not to be replayed, the cautions received by the team responsible for causing the match to be abandoned are upheld; if both teams are responsible, all of the cautions are upheld.
5. If a player is guilty of serious unsporting behaviour as defined in Law 12 of the Laws of the Game and is sent off (direct red card), any other caution he has previously received in the same match is upheld.
Article 18: Expulsion
1. An expulsion is the order given by the referee to someone to leave the field of play and its surroundings, including the substitutes’ bench, during a match. The person who has been sent off may be allowed into the stands unless he is serving a stadium ban.
2. Expulsion takes the form of a red card for players. The red card is regarded as direct if it sanctions serious unsporting behaviour as defined by Law 12 of the Laws of the Game; it is regarded as indirect if it is the result of an accumulation of two yellow cards as referred to in Article 17.
3. An official who has been sent off may give instructions to the person replacing him on the substitutes’ bench. He shall, however, ensure that he does not disturb the spectators or disrupt the flow of play.
4. An expulsion automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match, even if imposed in a match that is later abandoned and/or cancelled. The Disciplinary Committee may extend the duration of the suspension.
Article19: Match suspension
1. A suspension from a match is a ban on taking part in a future match or competition or to attend it in the area immediately surrounding the field of play.
2. The player who has been suspended shall not be included on the players’ list for the match.
3. The suspension is imposed in terms of matches, days or months. Unless otherwise specified, it may not exceed 24 (twenty four) matches or 2 (two) years.
4. If the suspension is to be served in terms of matches, only those matches actually played count towards execution of the suspension. If a match is abandoned, cancelled or finally forfeited, suspension is only considered to have been served if the team to which the suspended player belongs is not responsible for the facts that led to the abandonment, cancellation or forfeiture of the match.
5. If a suspension is combined with a fine, the suspension may be prolonged until the fine has been paid in full.
Article 20: Ban from dressing rooms and/or substitutes’ benches
A ban from dressing rooms and/or substitutes’ benches deprives someone of the right to enter teams’ dressing rooms and/or the area immediately surrounding the field of play, and in particular to sit on the substitutes’ bench.
Article 21: Stadium ban
A stadium ban prohibits someone from entering the confines of one or several stadiums.
Article 22: Ban on taking part in any football-related activity
A person may be banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other).
Article 23: Transfer ban
A transfer ban prevents a club from signing any player during the period in question.
Article 24: Playing a match without spectators
The obligation to play a match behind closed doors requires a member or club to have a certain match played without spectators.
Article 25: Playing a match on neutral ground
The obligation to play a match on neutral ground requires a member or club to have a certain match played in another district or in a different stadium/area of the same district of Bangladesh.
Article 26: Ban on playing in a particular stadium
A ban on playing in a certain stadium deprives a member or club of the right to have their teams play in a certain stadium.
Article 27: Annulment of the result of a match
The result of a match is annulled if the result reached on the field of play is disregarded.
Article 28: Exclusion from a competition
Exclusion is the deprivation of the right of a member or club to take part in the current and/or future competitions.
Article 29: Demotion to a lower division
A club may be demoted to a lower division.
Article 30: Deduction of points
A club may have points deducted from those already accumulated in the current or a future championship.
Article 31: Forfeit
1. Teams sanctioned with a forfeit are considered to have lost the match by 0-3.
2. If the goal difference at the end of the match in question is greater than 0-3, the result on the pitch is upheld.
Section 3: Common rules
Article 32: Combined sanctions
1. Unless otherwise specified, the sanctions provided for in the general and special parts of this Code may be combined.
2. In less serious cases, the body may only pronounce a reduced sanction or a caution or a reprimand.
Article 33: Partial suspension of implementation of the sanction
1. The body that pronounces a match suspension as described in Article 19, a ban on access to dressing rooms and/or the substitutes’ bench as described in Article 20, a ban on taking part in any football-related activity as described in Article 22, the obligation to play a match without spectators as described in Article 24, the obligation to play a match on neutral ground as described in Article 25 or a ban on playing in a certain stadium as described in Article 26 may examine whether it is possible to suspend the implementation of the sanction partially.
2. Partial suspension is permissible only if the duration of the sanction does not exceed 6 (six) matches or 6 (six) months and if the relevant circumstances allow it, in particular the previous record of the person sanctioned.
3. The body decides which part of the sanction may be suspended. In any case, suspension shall be at least for half of the sanction.
4. By suspending implementation of the sanction, the body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of from 6 (six) matches to 2 (two) years.
5. If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement during the probationary period, the suspension is automatically revoked and the sanction applied; it is added to the sanction pronounced for the new infringement.
6. BFF may prescribe special provisions to apply in certain circumstances. In the case of doping offences, this provision is not applicable.
Article 34: Time sanctions - calculation of time limit
The duration of a time sanction can be interrupted by rest periods during or between seasons.
Section 4: Determining the sanction
Article 35: General Rules
1. The body pronouncing the sanction decides the scope and duration of it.
2. Sanctions may be limited to a geographical area or to one or more specific categories of match or competition.
3. Unless otherwise specified, the duration of a sanction is always defined.
4. The body shall take account of all relevant factors in the case and the degree of the offender’s guilt when imposing the sanction.
Article 36: Repeated infringements
1. Unless otherwise specified the body may increase the sanction to be pronounced, as deemed appropriate, if an infringement has been repeated.
2. These provisions are subject to the special rules governing repeated doping infringements.
Article 37: Concurrent infringements
1. If several fines are pronounced against someone as a result of one or more infringements, the relevant body bases the fine on the most serious offence committed and, depending on the circumstances, may increase the sanction by up to fifty per cent of the maximum sanction specified for that offence.
2. The same applies if a person incurs several time sanctions of a similar type 2 (two) or more match suspensions, 2 (two) or more stadium bans, etc as the result of one or several infringements.
3. The body that determines the fine in accordance with the Articles in Part 1 is not obliged to adhere to the general upper limit of the fine described in Article 15.
Section 5: Limitation period
Article 38: Limitation period for prosecution
1. Infringements committed during a match may no longer be prosecuted after a lapse of 2 (two) years. As a general rule, other infringements may not be prosecuted after a lapse of 10 (ten) years.
2. Doping offences may not be prosecuted after 8 (eight) years have elapsed.
3. Prosecution for corruption as described in Article 58 is not subject to a limitation period.
Article 39: Commencement of the limitation period
The limitation period runs as follows:
a) From the day on which the perpetrator committed the infringement;
b) If the infringement is recurrent, from the day on which the most recent infringement was committed;
c) If the infringement lasted a certain period, from the day on which it ended.
Article 40: Interruption
The limitation period no longer applies if the Disciplinary Committee reaches a decision before it has expired.
Article 41: Limitation period for the enforcement of sanctions
Sanctions shall not be subject to any limitation period for enforcement thereof unless BFF decides otherwise in special circumstances upon representation from a person who is subject of the sanction.
CHAPTER II: SPECIAL PART
Section 1: Infringements of the Laws of the Game
Article 42: Minor infringements
A player is cautioned if he commits any of the following offences as referred to in Law 12 of the Laws of the Game and Article 17;
a) Unsporting behaviour such as minor foul play, dangerous play or holding on to an opponent’s shirt or any part of his body;
b) Showing dissent towards match officials by word or action (criticizing decisions, protesting);
c) Persistently infringing the Laws of the Game;
d) Delaying the restart of play;
e) Failing to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner or free kick;
f) Entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee’s permission;
g) Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission; and
h) Simulation.
Article 43: Serious infringements
A player is sent off if he commits any of the following offences as referred to in Law 12 of the Laws of the Game and Article 18:
a) Serious foul play such as excessive or brute force;
b) Violent conduct such as brutal or aggressive actions;
c) Spitting at an opponent or any other person;
d) Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball;
e) Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by committing an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick;
f) Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures;
g) Second caution during the same match as referred to in Article 17.
Section 2: Disorderliness at matches and competitions
Article 44: Misconduct against players or persons other than match officials
1. Including the automatic suspension incurred in accordance with Article 18 the overall suspension imposed on any person receiving a direct red card shall be for:
a) At least 1 (one) match for denying the opposing team a clear goal scoring opportunity (particularly by deliberately handling the ball);
b) At least 2 (two) matches for serious foul play (particularly in the case of the use of excessive or brute force);
c) At least 2 (two) matches for unsporting conduct towards an opponent or a person other than a match official, subject to Articles 49, 50 and 53 to 56;
d) At least 2 (two) matches for assaulting (elbowing, punching, kicking etc.) an opponent or a person other than a match official; and
e) At least 6 (six) matches for spitting at an opponent or as a person other than a match official;
2. A fine may also be imposed in all cases;
3. The right is reserved to punish an infringement in accordance with Article 77 a.
Article 45: Misconduct against match officials
1. Including the automatic suspension incurred in accordance with Article 18, the overall suspension imposed on any person receiving a direct red card shall be for:
a) At least 4 (four) matches for unsporting conduct towards a match official, subject to Article 49, 50 and 53 to 56;
b) At least 6 (six) months for assaulting (elbowing, punching, kicking etc.) a match official; and
c) At least 12 (twelve) months for spitting at a match official.
2. A fine may also be imposed in all cases;
3. The right is reserved to punish an infringement in accordance with Article 77 a.
Article 46: Brawl
1. Involvement in a brawl is sanctioned with a suspension for at least 6 (six) matches.
2. Anyone who has tried to prevent a fight, shield others or separate those involved in a brawl is not subject to punishment.
Article 47: Unidentified aggressors
1. If, in the case of a group of people involved in violence, it is not possible to identify the perpetrator(s) of an offence, the body will sanction the club or association to which the aggressors belong. The person sanctioned may be reprieved by naming the guilty person(s) to the Disciplinary Committee.
2. If, in the case of group violence, it is impossible to establish each participant’s exact share of guilt, the Disciplinary Committee shall consider every participant identified as a perpetrator of the infringements committed.
Article 48: Team misconduct
1. The following constitute misconduct by a team and are sanctioned by a maximum fine of BDT 1,00,000:
a) When at least 4 (four) players are cautioned during one match;
b) When at least 3 (three) players are sent off during one match;
c) When several players together make threats as referred to in Article 55 or show force as referred to in Article 56 against a match official.
2. When determining the amount of the fine, the type of competition shall be taken into account.
Article 49: Inciting hatred and violence
1. A player or official who publicly incites others to hatred or violence will be sanctioned with match suspension for no less than 12 (twelve) months and with a minimum fine of BDT 25,000.
2. In serious cases, in particular when the infringement is committed using the mass media (such as the press, radio or television) or if it takes place on a match day in or around a stadium, the minimum fine will be BDT 50,000 with match suspension no less than 12 (twelve) months.
Article 50: Provoking the general public
Anyone who provokes the general public during a match will be suspended for 2 (two) matches and sanctioned with a minimum fine of BDT 20,000.
Article 51: Ineligibility
1. If a player takes part in an official match despite being ineligible, his team will be sanctioned by forfeiting the match as referred to in Article 31 and paying a minimum fine of BDT 30,000.
2. If a player takes part in a friendly match despite being ineligible, his team will be sanctioned by forfeiting the match and paying a minimum fine of BDT 20,000.
Article 52: Failure to play and abandonment
1. If a team refuses to play a match or to continue playing one which it has begun, it will be sanctioned with a minimum fine of BDT 1,00,000 and will, in principle, forfeit the match as referred to in Article 31 and 3 (three) points will also be deducted as referred to in Article 30.
2. In serious cases, the team will also be disqualified from the competition in progress.
Section 3: Offensive and racist behaviour
Article 53: Offensive behaviour
1. Anyone who insults someone in any way, especially by using offensive gestures or language, will be sanctioned with a match suspension. If the perpetrator is a player, he will be suspended from at least 2 (two) matches; if he is an official, he will be suspended from at least 4 (four) matches. A fine as well as a ban on performing any football related activity, as referred to in Article 22, may also be pronounced.
Article 54: Racism
1. Anyone who publicly disparages, discriminates against or denigrates someone in a defamatory manner on account of race, colour, language, religion or ethnic origin, or perpetrates any other racist and/or contemptuous act, will be subject to match suspension for at least 5 (five) matches at every level. Furthermore, a stadium ban and a fine of at least BDT 2,00,000 will be imposed on the perpetrator. If the perpetrator is an official, the fine will be at least BDT 3,00,000.
2. If spectators display banners bearing racist slogans, or are guilty of any other racist and/or contemptuous behaviour at a match, the appropriate body will impose a sanction of at least BDT 3,00,000 on the association or club that the spectators concerned support and force it to play its next official match without spectators. If the spectators cannot be identified as supporters of one or the other association or club, the host association or club will be sanctioned accordingly.
3. Any spectator who is guilty of any of the offences specified under clause 1 and/or 2 of this article will be banned from entering any stadium for at least 2 (two) years.
4. If any player, association or club official or spectator perpetrates any kind of racist or contemptuous act as described by clause 1 and/or 2 of this article, 3 (three) points will automatically be deducted from the team concerned, if identifiable, after the first offence. In the case of a second offence, 6 (six) points will automatically be deducted, and for a further offence, the team will be relegated. In the case of matches without points, the team concerned, if identifiable, will be disqualified.
5. Sanctions imposed on the basis of this article may be reduced or even disregarded if the player, team, or club concerned can prove that it was not or was only minimally responsible for the offences in question or if other major reasons justify it, particularly if the offences were provoked intentionally to cause a player, team, or club to be sanctioned in accordance with this article. The procedure for assessing mitigating circumstances shall be governed by this Code.
Section 4: Intimidation
Article 55: Threats
Anyone who intimidates a match official with serious threats will be sanctioned with a fine of at least BDT 30,000 and a match suspension.
Article 56: Coercion
Anyone who uses violence or threats to pressure a match official into taking certain action or to hinder him in any other way from acting freely will be sanctioned with a fine of at least BDT 30,000 and a match suspension.
Section 5: Forgery and falsification
Article 57: Sanction for forgery or falsification
1. Anyone who, in football related activities forges a document or falsifies an authentic document or uses a forged or falsified document to deceive in legal relations will be sanctioned with a suspension for at least 6 (six) matches.
2. If the perpetrator is an official, the body will impose a ban on performing any football related activity for a period of at least 12 (twelve) months.
3. A minimum fine of BDT 25,000 may also be pronounced.
Section 6: Corruption
Article 58: Corruption
1. Anyone who offers, promises or grants an unjustified advantage to a body of BFF, a match official, a player or an official on behalf of himself or a third party in an attempt to incite it or him to violate BFF regulations, will be sanctioned:
a) With a minimum fine of BDT 1,00,000;
b) With a ban on performing any football related activity; and
c) With a ban on entering any stadium;
2. Passive corruption (soliciting, being promised or accepting an unjustified advantage) will be sanctioned in the same manner.
3. In serious cases, and in the case of repetition, sanction prescribed under clause 1b) may be pronounced for life.
4. In any case, the body will declare confiscation of the assets involved in committing the infringement. These assets will be used for the football development programmes.
Section 7: Doping
Article 59: Definition
1. Doping and doping offences are defined in the Doping Control Regulations for FIFA Competitions and Out of Competition.
2. These acts constitute doping whether detected during or out of a competition.
Article 60: Therapeutic justification
1. Any player who consults a doctor and is prescribed treatment or medication for therapeutic reasons shall enquire whether the prescription contains prohibited substances or methods as described in the list in the FIFA Doping Control Regulations for FIFA Competitions and Out of Competition.
2. If so, the player shall request alternative treatment or medication.
3. If there is no alternative treatment, the player shall obtain a medical certificate explaining the circumstances. This certificate shall be sent to the relevant body of BFF within 48 (forty eight) hours of the medical consultation. If a match takes place during this period, the certificate shall reach the relevant body before the match begins or be produced at the doping test. Once this time limit has passed, no medical certificate will be accepted.
4. The prohibited substance or treatment will only be considered justifiable only if endorsed by the relevant body of BFF.
5. These provisions are subject to the FIFA Doping Control Regulations for FIFA Competitions and Out of Competition.
Article 61: Sanctions
1. The following sanctions will, in principle, apply to doping offences in accordance with Chapter II of the Doping Control Regulations for FIFA Competitions and Out of Competition:
a) Any violation of-
1) Chapter II. 1 (The presence of a prohibited sub-stance or its metabolites or markers),
2) Chapter II. 2 (Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method),
3) Chapter II. 3 (Refusing, or failing without compelling justification, to submit to sample collection),
4) Chapter II.5 (Tampering or attempting to tamper with any part of a doping control test), and
5) Chapter II. 6 (Possession of prohibited substances and methods),
shall incur a 2 (two) years suspension for the first offence and a lifelong ban in the case of repetition.
b) If any specified substances contained in the list of prohibited sub-stances and methods as described in Appendix A of the Doping Control Regulations for FIFA Competitions and Out of Competition are detected, for which proof can be produced that the specified substances were not intended to enhance sporting performance, at least a caution shall be given for the first offence and a 2 (two) years suspension in the case of repetition. A third offence shall incur a lifelong ban.
c) Any violation of Chapter II. 7 (Trafficking in any prohibited sub-stance or prohibited method) or Chapter II.8 (Administration of a prohibited substance or method) shall incur a suspension of at least 4 (four) years. If any of the players concerned are under the age of 21, and the offence does not involve a specified substance, a lifelong ban shall be imposed on the perpetrator.
d) Any violation of Chapter II.4 (Failure to provide the required information on the whereabouts of players or their availability for testing) shall incur a suspension of at least 3 (three) months and no more than 2 (two) years.
2. If the suspect can prove in each individual case that he bears no significant fault or negligence, the sanction may be reduced, but only by up to half of the sanction applicable under clause 1; a lifelong ban may not be reduced to less than 8 (eight) years.
3. If the suspect can prove in each individual case that he bears no fault or negligence, the sanction otherwise applicable under the terms of provision 1 becomes irrelevant.
4. If help given by a suspect leads to the exposure or proof of a doping offence by another person, the sanction may be reduced, but only by up to half of the sanction applicable under the terms of clause 1; a lifelong ban may not be reduced to less than 8 (eight) years.
5. If more than one player from the same team is sanctioned for doping offences, the team may also be sanctioned. The team may have points deducted and in a final competition the team’s results may be annulled. The club concerned may also be subject to disciplinary sanctions.
6. A fine may also be imposed in all cases.
Article 62: Repeat testing
BFF may order any player sanctioned for a doping offence to undergo further doping tests while serving a suspension.
Article 63: Procedure
The formal and technical aspects of the doping control procedure shall comply entirely with the Doping Control Regulations for FIFA Competitions and Out of Competition.
Article 64: Players’ obligations
1. Every player taking part in a competition or other event organised by BFF, or in training leading up to such a competition or event, shall agree to undergo any tests conducted by the relevant bodies of BFF.
2. He agrees to samples being taken so as to detect the presence of any prohibited substances or to establish the use of any prohibited methods.
Article 65: Government sanctions against doping
Even if a state body imposes legal sanctions for a doping offence, the legal bodies of BFF shall still review the case and decide whether to impose a sanction in line with its own regulations.
Article 66: Sanctions imposed by other international sports federations
Any legally binding sanctions imposed by another international sports federation or a national doping organisation that comply with fundamental legal principles shall, in principle, automatically by adopted by BFF.
Section 8: Failure to respect decisions
Article 67: Payment of sums of money
1. Anyone who fails to pay another person (such as a player, a coach, or a club) a sum of money in full or partly, even though instructed to do so by a body, a committee or an instance of BFF:
a) Will be fined at least of BDT 50,000 for failing to comply with a decision;
b) Will be granted a final time limit by the legal bodies of BFF in which to pay the due;
c) If it is a club, it will be warned and threatened with deduction of points or relegation to a lower division if it has not paid by the final time limit. A transfer ban may also be pronounced.
2. If the club disregards the final time limit, the body shall implement the sanctions threatened.
3. If points are deducted, they shall be proportionate to the amount owed.
4. A ban on any football-related activity may also be imposed against natural persons.
Section 9: Responsibilities of clubs and associations
Article 68: Organization of matches
Associations or clubs that organize matches shall:
a) Assess the degree of risk posed by matches and notify the bodies of BFF of those matches that are especially high-risk;
b) Comply with and implement existing safety rules and take every safety precaution demanded by circumstances before, during and after the match and if incidents occur;
c) Ensure the safety of players and officials of the visiting team during their stay;
d) Keep local authorities informed and collaborate with them actively and effectively;
e) Ensure that law and order are maintained in the stadiums and immediate surroundings and that matches are organized properly.
Article 69: Failure to comply
1. Any association or club that fails to fulfil its obligations in accordance with Article 68 shall be fined.
2. In the case of a serious infringement as set out in Article 68 b) and c), the body may impose other sanctions, such as a stadium ban as described in Article 26 or ordering a team to play on neutral ground as described in Article 25.
3. The right is reserved to pronounce certain sanctions for safety reasons, even if no infringement has been committed as described in Article 7, clause 2.
Article 70: Liability for spectator conduct
1. The home club is liable for any improper conduct among spectators, regardless of the question of culpable conduct or culpable oversight, and, depending on the situation, may be fined. Further sanctions may be imposed in the case of serious disturbances.
2. The visiting club is liable for improper conduct among its own group of spectators, regardless of the question of culpable conduct or culpable oversight, and, depending on the situation, may be fined. Further sanctions may be imposed in the case of serious disturbances. Supporters occupying the away sector of a stadium are regarded as the visiting association’s supporters, unless proven to the contrary.
3. Improper conduct includes violence towards persons or objects, letting off incendiary devices, throwing missiles, displaying racist or insulting slogans in any form, or uttering racist or insulting sounds, or invading the pitch.
4. The liability described in clauses 1 and 2 also includes matches played on neutral ground, especially during final competitions.
Article 71: Other obligations
Associations and Clubs shall also:
a) Actively vet the age of players shown on the identity cards they produce at competitions that are subject to age limits;
b) Ensure that no one is involved in the association’s management who is under prosecution for action unworthy of such a position (especially doping, corruption, forgery etc) or who has been convicted of a criminal offence in the past 5 (five) years.
Section 10: Manipulating match results
Article 72: Manipulating match results
Anyone who conspires to influence the result of a match in a manner incompatible with sporting ethics will be sanctioned with a match suspension and a minimum fine of BDT 1,50,000. The body will also pronounce a ban on taking part in any football-related activity; in serious cases this sanction will apply for life.
SECOND TITLE: ORGANISATION AND PROCEDURE
CHAPTER I: ORGANISATION
Section 1: Authorities
Article 73: Referee
1. During matches, disciplinary decisions are taken by the referee.
2. These decisions are final.
3. In certain circumstances, the jurisdiction of the judicial bodies prescribed in Article 77 may apply.
Article 74: Judicial bodies
The judicial bodies of BFF are the Disciplinary Committee and the Appeal Committee.
Article 75: Panel of Arbitrators/ Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
1. Decisions passed by BFF Appeal Committee may be appealed against before a Panel of Arbitrators nominated one each by the concerned parties and one by BFF.
2. Certain decisions passed by the BFF Appeal Committee or by the Panel of Arbitrators may be appealed against before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland as enshrined in the statutes of BFF.
Section 2: The Disciplinary Committee
Article 76: General jurisdiction
The Disciplinary Committee is authorized to sanction any breach of the regulations of BFF which does not come under the jurisdiction of another body.
Article 77: Specific jurisdiction
The Disciplinary Committee is responsible for:
a) Sanctioning serious infringements which have escaped the match officials’ attention;
b) Rectifying obvious errors in the referee’s disciplinary decisions;
c) Extending the duration of a match suspension incurred automatically by an expulsion as described Article 18, clause 4;
d) Pronouncing additional sanctions, such as a fine.
Article 78: Jurisdiction of the Chairman ruling alone
1. The Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee may take the following decisions alone:
a) Suspend a person for up to 3 (three) matches or for up to 2 (two) months;
b) Pronounce a fine of up to BDT 1,00,000;
c) Settle disputes arising from objections to members of the Disciplinary Committee;
d) Pronounce, alter and annul provisional measures as described in Article 129.
2. Whenever the Disciplinary Committee meets on such occasions as a final competition, the Chairman may decide to take the decisions mentioned under provision 1 for the Committee.
Section 3: The Appeal Committee
Article 79: Jurisdiction
The Appeal Committee is responsible for deciding appeals against any of the Disciplinary Committee’s decisions that the BFF regulations do not declare as final or referable to another body.
Article 80: Jurisdiction of the Chairman ruling alone
1. The Chairman of the Appeal Committee may take the following decisions alone:
a) Resolve disputes arising from objections to members of the Appeal Committee;
b) Rule on appeals against provisional decisions passed by the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee;
c) Pronounce, alter and annul provisional measures as provided for in Article 129.
2. Whenever the Appeal Committee meets on such occasions as a final competition, the Chairman may decide to take the decisions mentioned under clause 1 for the committee.
Section 4: Common Rules for the Judicial Bodies
Article 81: Composition
1. Disciplinary Committee and Appeal Committee: The Executive Committee appoints the members of the Disciplinary Committee and Appeal Committee for a period of 4 (four) years. It designates the number of members deemed necessary for the Committees to function properly. The Executive Committee appoints the Chairman of each Committee from among the members for the same period of 4 (four) years.
2. Panel of Arbitrators - Composition and Procedure: Any aggrieved party opting for arbitration by Panel of Arbitrators against any decision/decisions of the Appeal Committee shall nominate its Arbitrator within 7 (seven) days from receipt of the Appeal Committee decision and shall notify BFF and other party or parties involved about its intention calling upon them to nominate their arbitrators in two weeks time. BFF shall notify constitution of the Panel of Arbitrators. Arbitration shall be concluded within three months from date of constitution. Arbitration shall not pronounce any ad hoc or interim order / decision, nor shall suspend any decision by any judicial body of BFF. The Panel of Arbitrators decide by majority, when no such majority decision could be reached arbitration shall be deemed to have ended without any decision in which case previous decision of BFF judicial body on the matter shall prevail.
Article 82: Meetings
1. The Committee meetings are deemed to be valid if at least 3 (three) members are present.
2. At the behest of the Chairman, the BFF Secretariat shall call the number of members deemed necessary to each meeting.
Article 83: Chairman
1. The Chairman conducts the meetings and delivers the decisions.
2. If the Chairman is prevented from attending, the deputy Chairman replaces him. If the deputy Chairman is prevented from attending, the longest-serving member replaces him.
Article 84: Secretariat
1. The General Secretariat of BFF provides the judicial bodies with a secretariat and the necessary staff at BFF headquarters.
2. The General Secretariat designates the Secretary.
3. The Secretary takes charge of the administrative work and writes the minutes and decisions of the meetings.
4. The Secretary takes care of the filing. The decisions passed and the relevant files shall be kept for at least 10 (ten) years.
Article 85: Independence
1. The judicial bodies of BFF pass their decisions entirely independently; in particular, they shall not receive instructions from any other body.
2. A member of another body of BFF may not stay in the meeting room during the judicial bodies’ deliberations unless they have explicitly summoned him to attend.
Article 86: Incompatibility of office
The members of the judicial bodies may not belong either to the Executive Committee or a Standing Committee of BFF.
Article 87: Objection
1. Members of the judicial bodies of BFF shall decline to participate in any meeting concerning a matter where there are serious grounds for questioning their impartiality.
2. This applies in the following cases (among others):
a) if the member in question has a direct interest in the outcome of the matter;
b) if he is associated with any of the parties; and
c) if he has already dealt with the case under different circumstances.
3. Members against whom an objection might be raised shall notify the Chairman immediately. Each party may also raise an objection to a member.
4. In the case of a dispute, the Chairman decides.
5. Proceedings that have involved someone to whom an objection has been raised will be considered null and void.
Article 88: Confidentiality
1. The members of the judicial bodies shall ensure that everything disclosed to them during the course of their duty remains confidential (facts of the case, contents of the deliberations and decisions taken).
2. Only the contents of those decisions already notified to the addressees may be made public.
Article 89: Exemption from liability
Except in the case of gross culpability, neither the members of the BFF judicial bodies nor the Secretariat may be made liable for any deeds or omissions relating to any disciplinary procedure.
CHAPTER II: PROCEDURE
Section 1: General rules
Sub-section 1. Time Limits
Article 90: Calculation
1. Time limits to which the parties shall adhere commence the day after they have received the relevant decision.
2. If the last day of the time limit coincides with a public holiday required to comply with the document by a certain deadline, the time limit will expire on the next day that is not a public holiday.
Article 91: Compliance
1. The time limit has been met only if the action required has been carried out before expiry of the time limit.
2. The document is submitted to the relevant authority or to its address at a post office no later than midnight on the last day of the time limit.
3. If the document is sent by telefax, the time limit has been met if the document reaches the authority on the last day of the time limit and the original document reaches it within another 5 (five) days.
4. Parties are not permitted to observe time limits by sending electronic mail.
5. In the case of appeals, the deposit demanded as per Article 123 is considered to have been paid in time if the payment has irreversibly been made to the account of BFF by midnight on the last day of the time limit.
Article 92: Interruption
1. Time limits are interrupted during the period starting 2 (two) days before the BFF Congresses and up to 2 (two) days after.
2. In certain circumstances, the special procedures may apply.
Article 93: Extension of time limits
1. The Chairman may extend the time limits he has set, upon request. The time limits fixed in this Code may not, however, be extended.
2. A time limit may not be extended more than twice and, the second time, only in exceptional circumstances.
3. If the Chairman refuses to extend the time limit, the applicant will be granted 2 (two) extra days. In emergencies, the Chairman may announce his negative decision to the applicant orally.
Sub-section 2. Right to be heard
Article 94: Contents
1. The parties shall be heard before any decision is passed.
2. They may, in particular:
a) Refer to the file;
b) Present their argument in fact and in law;
c) Request production of proof;
d) Be involved in the production of proof;
e) Obtain a reasoned decision.
Article 95: Restrictions
1. The right to be heard may be restricted in exceptional circumstances, such as when confidential matters need to be safeguarded or the proceedings to be conducted properly.
2. In certain circumstances, the special procedures may apply.
Sub-section 3. Proof
Article 96: Various types of proof
1. Any type of proof may be produced.
2. Proof that violates human dignity or obviously does not serve to establish relevant facts shall be rejected.
3. The following are, in particular, admissible: reports from referees, assistant referees, match commissioners and referees inspectors, declarations from the parties and witnesses, material evidence, expert opinions and audio or video recordings.
Article 97: Absolute discretion regarding proof
1. The bodies will have absolute discretion regarding proof.
2. They may, in particular, take account of the parties’ attitudes during the proceedings, especially the manner in which they cooperate with the judicial bodies and the secretariat as referred to in Article 111.
3. They decide on the basis of their personal convictions.
Article 98: Match Officials’ Reports
1. Facts contained in match officials’ reports are presumed to be accurate.
2. Proof of the inaccuracy of the contents of these reports may be provided.
3. If there is any discrepancy in the reports from the various match officials and there are no means of resolving the different versions of the facts, the referee’s report is considered authoritative regarding incidents that occurred on the field of play; the match commissioner’s report is considered authoritative regarding incidents that took place outside the field of play.
Article 99: Burden of proof
1. The burden of proof regarding disciplinary infringements rests on BFF.
2. In the case of a doping offence, it is incumbent upon the suspect to produce the proof necessary to reduce or cancel a sanction. The suspect shall also prove how the prohibited substance entered his body for the sanction to be reduced.
Sub-section 4. Representation and Assistance
Article100: Legal Assistance
1. The parties may arrange to be assisted by a third party.
2. They may be represented even if they are not required to appear personally.
3. The parties are free to choose their own assistance and representation.
Sub-section 5. Language used in proceedings
Article 101: Language
1. The language used in all proceedings shall be Bangla or English.
2. BFF may, if necessary, use the services of an interpreter.
Sub-section 6. Notification and communication
Article 102: Addressees
1. All of the parties are notified of the decisions.
2. Decisions and other documents intended for players or officials are addressed to the club concerned on condition that it forwards the documents to the parties concerned. These documents are considered to have been communicated properly to the ultimate addressee 4 (four) days after communication of the documents to the club.
3. If an appeal has not been lodged by the specified deadline, doping decisions passed by the Disciplinary Committee shall be communicated to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Doping decisions passed by the Appeal Committee shall be communicated simultaneously to the parties concerned and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Any violation of anti-doping provisions shall be publicly announced by BFF within 30 (thirty) days.
Article 103: Form - General Rule
1. Decisions communicated by telefax shall be legally binding. Alternatively, decisions may be communicated by registered letter, which shall also be legally binding.
2. The communication of decisions by electronic mail is not permitted.
3. In certain circumstances, the special provisions set out in Article 104 may apply.
Article 104: Form - Special Cases
If justified by the circumstances, the parties may be informed solely of the outline of the decision. The reasoned decision shall then be sent within 30 (thirty) days. The legal time limits do not begin until the reasoned decision has been delivered.
Sub-section 7. Various rules
Article 105: Obvious errors
A body may rectify any mistakes in calculation or any other obvious errors at any time.
Article 106: Costs and Expenses
1. Costs and expenses shall be paid by the unsuccessful party.
2. If there is no unsuccessful party, they will be borne by BFF.
3. If considered fair to do so, they may be split among several persons.
4. The body that rules on the substance of the matter decides how costs and expenses will be allocated and the relevant amounts are stipulated by the Chairman. These rulings are not subject to appeal.
5. The Chairman may exceptionally decide to curtail or dispense with costs and expenses.
Article 107: Enforcement of decisions
Decisions come into force as soon as they are communicated.
Article 108: Closing of the proceedings
Proceedings may be closed if:
a) the parties reach an agreement;
b) a party declares bankruptcy;
c) it became baseless.
Section 2: Disciplinary Committee
Sub-section 1. Commencement of proceedings and investigation
Article 109: Commencement of proceedings
1. Disciplinary infringements are automatically prosecuted.
2. Any person or authority may report conduct that he or it considers incompatible with the regulations of BFF to the judicial bodies. Complaints shall be made in writing.
3. Match officials are obliged to expose infringements which have come to their notice.
Article 110: Investigation
The Secretariat carries out the necessary preliminary investigation ex officio under the Chairman’s guidance.
Article 111: Collaboration among the parties
1. The parties are obliged to collaborate to establish the facts. In particular, they shall comply with requests for information from the judicial bodies.
2. Whenever deemed necessary, the secretariat verifies the parties’ versions of the facts.
3. If the parties are dilatory in responding, the Chairman of the judicial body may, after warning them, impose a fine of up to BDT 25,000.
4. If the parties fail to collaborate, especially if they ignore the stipulated time limits, the judicial bodies will reach a decision on the case using the file in their possession.
Sub-section 2. Oral statements, deliberations, decision
Article 112: Oral statements, Principles
1. As a general rule, there are no oral statements and the Disciplinary Committee decides on the basis of the file.
2. At the request of one of the parties, the body may arrange for oral statements to be heard, to which all the parties shall be summoned.
3. Oral statements are always heard behind closed doors.
Article 113: Oral statements, procedure
1. The Chairman decides on the sequence of the oral statements.
2. Once the preliminary proceedings have ended, the Chairman allows the person against whom proceedings are being conducted a final opportunity to speak.
3. The oral statements terminate with the parties’ closing statement.
Article 114: Deliberations
1. The Disciplinary Committee deliberates behind closed doors.
2. If any oral statements have been heard, they will immediately be followed by deliberations.
3. The deliberations shall proceed without interruption, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
4. The Chairman decides in which order the various questions will be submitted for deliberation.
5. The members present express their opinion in the order set out by the Chairman, who always speaks last.
6. The committee Secretary has consultative powers.
Article 115: Passing the decision
1. Decisions are passed by a simple majority of the members present.
2. Every member present shall vote.
3. If the votes are equal, the chair has the casting vote.
Article 116: Form and contents of the decision
1. The decision contains:
a) the composition of the committee;
b) the names of the parties;
c) a summary of the facts;
d) the legal reasons for the decision;
e) the provisions on which the decision was based;
f) the terms of the decision;
g) notice of the channels for appeal.
2. The decisions are signed by the committee secretary.
Sub-section 3. Proceedings before the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee
Article 117: Rules for Chairman deciding alone
The rules governing the Disciplinary Committee similarly apply whenever the Chairman decides alone.
Section 3: Appeal Committee
Article 118: Contestable decisions
An appeal may be lodged to the Appeal Committee against any decision passed by the Disciplinary Committee, unless the sanction pronounced is:
a) a warning;
b) a reprimand;
c) a suspension for less than 3 (three) matches or of up to 2 (two) months;
d) a fine of less than BDT 50,000 imposed on an association or a club or of less than BDT 25,000 in other cases.
Article 119: Eligibility to appeal
1. Anyone who is affected by a decision and has an interest justifying amendment or cancellation of the decision may submit it to the Appeal Committee.
2. Clubs may appeal against decisions sanctioning their players, officials or members. They shall have the written consent of the person concerned.
Article 120: Time limit for appeal
1. Any party intending to appeal must inform BFF of its intention to do so in writing within 3 (three) days of notification of the decision.
2. Reasons for the appeal shall then be given in writing within a further time limit of 7 (seven) days, commencing upon the expiry of the first time limit of 3 (three) days.
3. If this requirement has not been complied with, the appeal is not admitted.
Article 121 Grounds for appeal
The appellant may object to inaccurate representation of the facts and/or wrong application of the law.
Article 122: Petition of appeal
1. The appellant shall submit his petition of appeal in triplicate.
2. The petition shall include the claim, reasons and means of proof and be signed by the appellant or his representative, subject to Article 119, clause 2.
Article 123: Deposit
1. Anyone wishing to lodge an appeal shall deposit an appeal fee of BDT 10,000 to BFF before expiry of the time limit of 7 (seven) days to formalise the appeal.
2. If this requirement has not been complied with, the appeal is not admitted.
3. This amount will be reimbursed to the appellant if he wins the case.
Article 124: Effects of the Appeal
1. An appeal lodged shall be reviewed by the Appeal Committee.
2. The appeal does not have a suspensive effect except with regard to orders to pay a sum of money.
Article 125: Sequence in proceedings leading up to the decision
1. Article 110 to 116 (Clause 1) shall apply similarly to the procedure to be followed by the Appeal Committee.
2. The decisions are signed by the Committee Secretary.
3. Decisions may not be amended to the detriment of the party contesting them.
Article 126: Conclusion to the proceedings
1. The Appeals Committee rules, in principle, as a body in the last instance.
2. The right is reserved for an appeal to be made to the Panel of Arbitrators and Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as set out in Article 128.
Article 127: Proceedings before the Chairman of the Appeal Committee
The rules governing the Appeal Committee similarly apply whenever the Chairman of the committee decides alone.
Section 4: Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Article 128: Cases for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
The BFF Statutes stipulate which decisions passed by the judicial bodies of BFF may be taken before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. In absence of such stipulation it will be open for any aggrieved party to take any decision passed by the judicial bodies of BFF to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with prior intimation to BFF.
Section 5: Special Procedures
Sub-section 1. Provisional measures
Article 129: Principle
1. If an infringement appears to have been committed and a decision on the main issue cannot be taken early enough, the Chairman of the judicial body may, in emergencies, provisionally pronounce, alter or revoke a sanction.
2. In similar circumstances, he may take other provisional measures at his discretion, especially to ensure compliance with a sanction already in force.
3. He will take action upon request or ex-officio.
Article 130: Procedure
1. The Chairman shall make his decision based on the evidence available at the time.
2. He is not obliged to hear the parties.
Article 131: Decision
1. The Chairman delivers his decision immediately.
2. That decision may be implemented immediately.
Article 132: Duration of provisional measures
1. Provisional measures shall not be valid for longer than 30 (thirty) days.
2. This period may be extended only once by 20 (twenty) days.
3. If a sanction has been pronounced provisionally, the duration shall be offset against any final sanction.
Article 133: Appeal
1. An appeal against a decision regarding provisional measures may be taken before the Chairman of the Appeal Committee.
2. The time limit for lodging the appeal is 2 (two) days commencing from the communication of the decision.
3. The petition of appeal shall be sent direct to BFF within the same time limit.
4. The appeal shall not have a suspensive effect.
Article134: Approval of appeal
The appeal will be admitted if the facts stated in the contested decision are inaccurate or if the law has been violated.
Sub-section 2. Deliberations and decision-taking without meeting
Article135: Tele/Video-Conference
1. If the circumstances so require, the secretariat may arrange the deliberations and decision-taking to be conducted via telephone conference, videoconference or any other similar method.
2. Article 112, clause 2 shall, in this case, no longer be applicable.
3. The Secretary takes minutes as if it were an ordinary meeting.
Sub-section 3. Review
Article 136: Review
1. A review may be requested after a legally binding decision has been passed if a party discovers facts or proof that would have resulted in a more favourable decision and that, even with due diligence, could not have been produced sooner.
2. A request for review shall be made within 10 (ten) days of discovering the reasons for review.
3. The limitation period to request a review shall be one year as from the time the decision had become legally binding.
Article 137: Scope of the Code, omissions, custom, doctrine and jurisprudence
1. This Code governs every subject to which the text or the meaning of its provisions refers.
2. If there are any omissions in this Code, the judicial bodies will decide in accordance with the association’s custom or, in the absence of custom, in accordance with rules they would lay down if they were acting as legislators.
3. During their entire operations, the judicial bodies of BFF draw on settlements already established by sports doctrine and jurisprudence.
4. All matters under this code shall come solely under the jurisdiction of BFF, the judicial bodies of the BFF, BFF Panel of Arbitration, and Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and recourse to any other court is shall be deemed illegal and violation of this code.
Article 138: Adoption and enforcement
1. The Executive Committee of BFF adopted this Code on …………………., 2008.
2. This Code comes into force on …………………….., 2008.
For the Executive Committee of BFF
President: .............................. General Secretary: ............................
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