Is the right to a fair trial secure under the FA’s Whole Game System? – Football Law
‘The recent decision of an FA Appeal Board in Craig Walton v Birmingham County FA (“Walton”) [1], wherein this author represented the appellant, raises several questions of procedural fairness and natural justice: Firstly, can FA disciplinary proceedings brought against a Participant, without their knowledge, ever be considered fair? Secondly, is the answer to that question dependent upon the severity of the potential sanctions for the relevant charge(s)? Thirdly, if the second question is answered “yes”, is that a fair approach? The Appeal Board’s decision in Walton also offers some answers to those questions in the context of the FA’s Whole Game System (“WGS”) (an online portal used by the FA and grassroots football for administrative tasks). This article argues that the Appeal Board’s answers set a concerning approach for individuals’ right to a fair hearing in FA disciplinary proceedings. This article also argues that recent changes to the FA’s Disciplinary Regulations 2024/25 do not do enough to safeguard that interest, and that, in any event, there are shortcomings in the WGS meriting review.’
Football Law, 2nd December 2024
Source: www.footballlaw.co.uk
