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FIFA Lacks Unified Policy on Gender-Based Violence Amid 2026 World Cup Controversies
The 2026 World Cup, slated to feature 48 teams across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has already been marred by a litany of disputes—from soaring ticket prices to labor conflicts at stadiums. Amid these logistical headaches, a deeper, more troubling issue has surfaced: FIFA has yet to codify a single, comprehensive standard for confronting gender‑based violence among its players.
At the heart of FIFA’s disciplinary framework lie the Disciplinary Code, the Disciplinary Committee, and the Appeal Committee. The Ethics Committee, operating under the FIFA Code of Ethics, conducts investigations into misconduct. While these bodies have clear procedures for doping infractions and match‑fixing, no documented policy addresses sexual assault, rape, or intimate‑partner violence. Nor does FIFA mandate education programs, survivor‑centered protections, or independent reporting mechanisms for such cases.
By contrast, the National Football League and Major League Baseball have instituted Personal Conduct Policies that explicitly cover domestic and other forms of violence. These policies include investigative protocols, disciplinary actions, and mandatory educational components. FIFA’s silence on gender‑based violence stands in stark opposition to the standards set by these major sports leagues.
The issue has taken on personal urgency with the cases of Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi and former Brazilian international Dani Alves. Hakimi is scheduled to stand trial in France on a rape allegation, while Alves’ 2022 conviction was overturned on appeal. Both players remain active on the field while legal proceedings continue, highlighting the lack of a governing response from FIFA.
The expanded World Cup format has amplified scrutiny of FIFA’s governance. Gianni Infantino, president since 2016, has championed football as a vehicle for inclusion and social cohesion. Yet, despite the tournament’s heightened visibility, Infantino has issued no public statement addressing gender‑based violence within the sport.
Experts argue that sports institutions wield significant influence over societal norms. They contend that preventing gender‑based violence requires more than criminal law; it demands a robust framework that includes independent reporting channels, transparent investigations, survivor‑centered safeguards, mandatory education, and clear sanctions. Such a framework would align FIFA’s conduct standards with those of other major leagues and reinforce the organization’s professed commitment to human rights.
As of now, FIFA has not announced any disciplinary action against Hakimi or Alves, and the governing body has not released a policy on gender‑based violence. The upcoming trial for Hakimi, scheduled later this year, may serve as a catalyst for future discussions about player conduct and governance. Until then, the question remains: how will FIFA respond when the next case emerges?
At the heart of FIFA’s disciplinary framework lie the Disciplinary Code, the Disciplinary Committee, and the Appeal Committee. The Ethics Committee, operating under the FIFA Code of Ethics, conducts investigations into misconduct. While these bodies have clear procedures for doping infractions and match‑fixing, no documented policy addresses sexual assault, rape, or intimate‑partner violence. Nor does FIFA mandate education programs, survivor‑centered protections, or independent reporting mechanisms for such cases.
By contrast, the National Football League and Major League Baseball have instituted Personal Conduct Policies that explicitly cover domestic and other forms of violence. These policies include investigative protocols, disciplinary actions, and mandatory educational components. FIFA’s silence on gender‑based violence stands in stark opposition to the standards set by these major sports leagues.
The issue has taken on personal urgency with the cases of Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi and former Brazilian international Dani Alves. Hakimi is scheduled to stand trial in France on a rape allegation, while Alves’ 2022 conviction was overturned on appeal. Both players remain active on the field while legal proceedings continue, highlighting the lack of a governing response from FIFA.
The expanded World Cup format has amplified scrutiny of FIFA’s governance. Gianni Infantino, president since 2016, has championed football as a vehicle for inclusion and social cohesion. Yet, despite the tournament’s heightened visibility, Infantino has issued no public statement addressing gender‑based violence within the sport.
Experts argue that sports institutions wield significant influence over societal norms. They contend that preventing gender‑based violence requires more than criminal law; it demands a robust framework that includes independent reporting channels, transparent investigations, survivor‑centered safeguards, mandatory education, and clear sanctions. Such a framework would align FIFA’s conduct standards with those of other major leagues and reinforce the organization’s professed commitment to human rights.
As of now, FIFA has not announced any disciplinary action against Hakimi or Alves, and the governing body has not released a policy on gender‑based violence. The upcoming trial for Hakimi, scheduled later this year, may serve as a catalyst for future discussions about player conduct and governance. Until then, the question remains: how will FIFA respond when the next case emerges?
