While some candidates were granted an opportunity to resit the exam on June 30, many others were denied that remedy and informed they would need to wait an entire year to reattempt, with no formal right of appeal. This disparity prompted the coordinated legal response. FIFA maintains that it conducted a thorough review of the complaints it received and considers the matter “already resolved,” stating that the majority of candidates completed the exam without incident. [The Guardian]
Basis for CAS Involvement
The claimants argue that the examination was not administered under fair and consistent conditions, in breach of FIFA’s own regulatory framework. Furthermore, they contend that the unequal treatment of affected candidates with some being offered a resit, others not. This violates basic principles of procedural fairness. They are requesting that CAS mandate an extraordinary resit before the 2026 exam cycle, rather than enforcing the one-sitting-per-season rule.
Potential Outcomes
If the claim is upheld
CAS could order FIFA to organise a special resit or review the disputed results. Such a ruling would establish a precedent requiring stricter minimum standards for the delivery of high-stakes online assessments, including enhanced technical infrastructure, standardised emergency protocols, and consistent remedial measures in the event of failure.
If the claim is rejected
the one-year waiting period remains in effect. FIFA’s position would be legally validated, and affected candidates would be excluded from the profession until 2026. The case would also set a high evidentiary bar for future challenges, potentially encouraging aspiring agents to meticulously document their examination experience including screenshots, system logs, and correspondence with proctors.
Significance
This case extends beyond the specific complaints of a single exam cohort. It raises broader questions about the governance and accountability of digital assessment mechanisms in professional football. The outcome at CAS will likely shape the structure and safeguards of FIFA’s licensing process for years to come.
