03/07/2025
⚠️ FIFA Rules on Competition Integrity and Title Ownership
FIFA strictly prohibits the transfer of competition titles, cups, or trophies between clubs outside of sporting results. Here's why such actions are not recognized and may lead to sanctions:
⚖️ 1. Integrity of Competitions
According to Article 18 of the FIFA Statutes:
“Leagues and clubs must ensure that all matches and competitions are played in accordance with the principles of fair play, integrity, and sporting merit.”
🔒 This means:
Titles can only be won through official match results.
Clubs cannot donate, transfer, or assign league trophies to other clubs by agreement or symbolism.
🏛 2. National Associations Must Uphold Integrity
Each national football federation (e.g., the Ethiopian Football Federation – EFF) is mandated by FIFA to:
Operate independently, without political or emotional interference.
Enforce that titles and trophies are awarded only based on match outcomes.
Reject symbolic gestures that undermine competition fairness or statistical accuracy.
📚 3. Historical Record and Recognition
FIFA, CAF, and national federations:
Only recognize the team that officially won on the field.
Will not register any symbolic "title transfer" in historical records.
Maintain a strict database of winners based on sporting results.
📌 Example:
If Club A wins the league but later announces that they are "giving the trophy" to Club B, only Club A will remain the official champion.
🟥 4. Potential Violations
Such actions may constitute:
Bringing the game into disrepute
Sporting fraud or manipulation
Violation of Article 27 (FIFA Code of Ethics)
Undermining the authority of the federation
FIFA or CAF may launch an integrity investigation and impose:
Warnings or fines
Suspensions
Disqualification of clubs or officials
🔍 Enforcement Example:
If the EFF were to recognize a symbolic "trophy transfer" between clubs, it could trigger:
Review by CAF and FIFA
Questions of impartiality and