Appealing a misconduct result

Clubs can appeal any proven result for a misconduct case heard by County Disciplinary Commissions to The Football Association.

Lodging an Appeal

Intention to appeal must be lodged in writing to the Football Association by email to JudicialServices@TheFA.com or via their online form within seven days of the decision.

Full written reasons must then be lodged within fourteen days of the decision, along with the relevant Appeal Fee (£100 (Steps 5 - 6) or £50 (Non-NLS/Youth). 

If you want the original sanction be set aside while the appeal is considered, you must request this when the appeal is submitted. If no request is made, or the request is denied by The FA, the original sanction will remain in effect.

The written reasons must state on which of the following four grounds the appeal is being lodged:

That the body whose decision is appealed against…

1. failed to give the appellant a fair hearing; and/or
2. misinterpreted or failed to comply with the rules or regulations relevant to its decision; and/or
3. came to a decision to which no reasonable such body could have come; and/or 
4. imposed a penalty, award, order or sanction that was excessive.

An appeal can only be lodged by the party against which the decision was taken (ie the victim cannot appeal the decision).

What happens next?

The FA will work with the appellant to confirm the grounds of the Appeal and that all relevant documentation has been provided.  Notice of the Appeal will then be served on the County FA, requesting their observations and copies of all relevant documents within 21 days of the notice of appeal.  An Appeal Board will then be convened to consider the appeal.  

New evidence will only be accepted by either party when an application to submit new evidence has been made and approved at the time their initial submissions are provided.  

What happens at the appeal board?

Both parties will have the opportunity to present their case to the Appeal Board, who may ask questions in return.  The appeal board is not a re-hearing of the original case; it purely considers the grounds of the appeal.  The Appellant and Respondent will not have the opportunity to question each other. 

The Appeal Board has the power to allow or dismiss the appeal, request a new hearing, take any action the original deciding body could have taken, or any other action it sees fit.

The result of the appeal will be announced as soon as applicable.  Decisions of the appeal board are final and binding.

Should the appeal be unsuccessful, the appeal fee may be retained by The FA.  Further costs may also be awarded against the unsuccessful party.

More Information

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