<p>The assessment of sports exercise training programs is a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem under conditions of uncertainty, ambiguity, and expert reluctance. This paper describes a Complex Fermatean Fuzzy Faire Un Choix Adequate (CFF-FUCA) methodology, which integrates the complex Fermatean fuzzy sets (CFFS) with the FUCA method and which considers the degrees of priorities of the criteria and decision-makers. The analysis of the case study is conducted with the help of the framework on fifteen sports training programs that are ranked on seven criteria by four professionals. Results show that the technique can produce powerful, interpretative, and discriminative rankings, and the best programs, as per the findings, comprise the Speed and Agility Program and Recovery and Mobility Program. Compared to current CFF-based and classical MCDM techniques, the CFF-FUCA proves to be superior in ranking stability, ability to discriminate on closely competing alternatives and interpretation of findings in case of uncertainty. The proposed framework is an effective, valid, and realistic tool since it is able to generate consistent and discriminative rankings (effective), is backed up by sensitivity analysis and benchmark comparisons (valid), and models realistically in terms of expert uncertainty and priorities in sports training evaluation (realistic). The framework assists coaches and managers to make evidence-based decisions, optimize the performance of training and minimize risks in sophisticated sporting environments.</p>