Two tennis players sanctioned under Tennis Anti-Corruption Program

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm sanctions for two tennis players under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). 
 
The sanctions are linked to a recently concluded criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium. Collaboration between the ITIA and Belgian authorities led to a five-year custodial sentence for the leader of the syndicate, Grigor Sargsyan.  Five other players related to the case had previously been sanctioned after failing to respond to ITIA charges in 2023.
 
Sanctions were imposed by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Professor Richard McLaren following a formal hearing held between 4-5 March 2024. The sanctions are effective from 4 April 2024. 
 
Alejandro Mendoza Crespo, a 34-year-old Bolivian who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 741 in 2016, was issued the maximum penalty by AHO McLaren for committing 20 major offenses under the TACP, resulting in a lifetime ban from the sport and a $250,000 fine. 
 
Mendoza was found by AHO McLaren to have “engaged in a continuous pattern of corruption” between 2016 and 2018, including initiating corruption offenses by encouraging other players to contrive the outcome of matches for financial gain.  
 
Jorge Panta Herreros, a 28-year-old Peruvian with a career-high world singles ranking of 447 reached in 2022, has been suspended for three years and fined $10,000, having been found liable for four major offenses under the TACP, including contriving the outcome of two of their own matches over a period of two years. Panta’s suspension will end at midnight on 3 April 2027. 
 
During their periods of ineligibility, Mendoza and Panta are prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.   

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.    

To access the full decision, click here.

Premier League and Fanatics Collectibles announce landmark partnership

Fanatics Collectibles will become the exclusive provider of Premier League trading cards, trading card games and stickers from June 2025

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and Union Sportive Medina D'Alger (USM Alger) File an Appeal at The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Regarding the Shirts of RS Berkane

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has registered the appeal filed by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and Union Sportive Medina d'Alger (USM Alger) (“the Appellants”) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Royal Maroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and Club Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RS Berkane) (“the Respondents”) against the decision taken by the CAF Appeals Jury dated 21 April 2024 (“the Challenged Decision”). This decision confirmed the earlier decision taken by the CAF Interclubs Committee, which validated the use of RS Berkane's shirts for the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup.

Together with their appeal, the Appellants filed an urgent request to immediately suspend the execution of the Challenged Decision. This request was rejected ex parte by the President of the CAS Appeals Arbitration Division on 26 April 2024.

In their appeal on the merits, the Appellants ask CAS to annul the Challenged Decision and to rule that the RS Berkane shirt, which the Appellants consider presents a political message, contravenes the laws of the game, CAF regulations and FIFA rules.

In relation to the arbitration procedure, the parties are currently exchanging written submissions and the arbitral panel that will be decide the matter is being appointed. Once constituted, the arbitral panel will issue instructions for the next phase of the proceedings, including the holding of a hearing.

At this juncture, it is not possible to give any further details on the timetable for this procedure.

USA Fencing Decision Is Lenient on Match Fixing and Undermines the Integrity of Sport

30 April 2024: USA Fencing athletes are aggrieved by the recent decision by USA Fencing to enact a weak and futile suspension on two American fencing referees.

Yesterday’s decision by USA Fencing to sanction Mr. Jacobo Morales and Mr. Brandon Romo for only nine months after being found guilty of violating the USA Fencing Referee Code of Ethics, the FIE Technical Rules and the FIE Ethical Code undermines the ethics of the sport and every athlete who strives for success on the grounds of fair play.

Fencers, like all athletes, are required and expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity when competing. When athletes fail to do so, swift sanctions and consequences are enacted. This decision, however, highlights the discrepancy in accountability standards between athletes and officials, with the latter often receiving minimal repercussions for breaking the rules of sport, as evidenced in this case. This decision provides zero deterrence for match manipulation and leaves athletes, who dedicate their lives to the sport, vulnerable to unfair refereeing and match-fixing.

These officials, who are not competing for medals, are expected to uphold the rules of the sport with integrity. Yet, they have undermined the very fiber of sport – a level playing field – and are facing inconsequential repercussions. If USA Fencing is committed to protecting the rules and integrity of their sport, these officials must receive multi-year suspensions.

Furthermore, based on this decision and with a pending second investigation yet to be complete, USA fencing has set a precedent that leniency is afforded to officials who break the rules. How can athletes have confidence that the sport will abide by its own rules that were established to protect athletes and fair play when decisions, as per this case, indirectly endorse match manipulation?

Importantly, the investigation and USA Fencing has failed to recognize this event was an Olympic qualifier. USA Fencing has yet to redistribute competition points to ensure justice prevails. If USA Fencing cares about fair sport this must be immediately implemented.

As athletes head into the Paris Olympic Games, USA Fencing and the International Fencing Federation have a responsibility to clean up the sport and enact tough sanctions on match manipulation to not only avoid a cloud of suspicion overshadowing the performances in Paris but to ensure that all fencers in Paris have fairly earnt their position and will compete on a level piste.

On behalf of,

Select members of the USA Fencing Team

FIFA launches fourth edition of the Executive Programme in Sports Arbitration

FIFA has launched the fourth edition of its programme which provides participants with a practical and theoretical guide to proceedings at the CAS. 

Aimed at lawyers with an interest in sports law, in-house legal counsel of confederations, FIFA Member Associations, clubs, leagues and player unions, the Executive Programme in Sports Arbitration draws on FIFA's long and varied understanding of dealing with CAS cases.

FIFA is the international sports federation with the most experience of dealing with CAS procedures and has been involved in thousands of cases covering the whole spectrum of legal disputes, including disciplinary, anti-doping and contractual.

The programme offers a practical, personalised learning method, backed up by the theory and research that focuses primarily on proceedings and practical aspects before CAS, as well as exploring arbitration in other sports bodies. It consists of three modules, each lasting four days, which will take place in Miami, Buenos Aires and Zurich in the final quarter of 2024.

EFL Statement: Gateshead Football Club

Gateshead Football Club will not be permitted by the National League to participate in this season’s Play-Offs as the terms of the Club’s occupation at the Gateshead International Stadium, owned by the Borough Council of Gateshead, does not meet the relevant qualifying criteria to enable the Club to become a Member of the EFL.

All other Clubs permitted to play in the National League play-offs adhered to the requirements as set out in EFL Regulations.

Despite the League working with Gateshead throughout last season and again in recent months, the Club has been unable to attain security of tenure to play matches at its Stadium for a minimum of 10 seasons.

All National League Clubs are required to apply annually to the EFL should they wish to be eligible for promotion, which Gateshead did alongside other Clubs by the 30 November deadline. Working with the EFL, Clubs then had until 1 March to ensure that all the relevant criteria of EFL Regulations were met.

As Gateshead failed to meet the security of tenure requirement, the EFL rejected its application. The Club appealed the League's decision claiming that it was irrational or unreasonable, but that appeal has now been rejected after consideration by an independent Arbitrator.

As the EFL strongly believes in the principles of promotion and relegation it is therefore highly disappointing that appropriate solutions have not been put in place over the previous two-year period, as avoidable circumstances are preventing Gateshead from progressing up the pyramid even if the Club achieves success through sporting merit.

The League hopes that Gateshead and the relevant stakeholders can address this matter so that the Club can meet the obligations of EFL membership and be eligible for promotion in future seasons

The Decision of the independent Arbitrator and written reasons are available to view on EFL.com.

Developing Professional Sport in Ireland: Networking Evening & Roundtable

We are hosting a networking evening on 26 April 2024, for people interested in sport, business and the law in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in partnership with 12KBW Chambers.

The aim of this event is to bring together those interested in sports business & law in Ireland, who may not otherwise have a chance to meet. It will bring together those working in sports organisations such as clubs, leagues, federations & player associations as well as those working in professional service & accountancy firms.

If you would like to connect with people that share your interest in the subject of sports law & business, this networking evening will be of interest to you. It will also provide an excellent opportunity for those who are considering a career in sports law to meet industry professionals and gain insights into this exciting field.

PLEASE NOTE: there are only a limited number of spaces available so tickets will be on a first come first served basis. You can register for the networking evening here.

Developing the Professional Game: Roundtable

Prior the the networking evening, we will also be hosting a private roundtable on ‘Developing the Professional Game: How lawyers are being used within and outside sports organisations’ where the following will be discussed:

• Identifying where the legal community can help sports organisations in Ireland
• How to get a return on investment when using the legal community
• How the legal community can help create sustainability in sports organisations in Ireland

This roundtable is exclusive for those working in sports organisations including athletes, governing bodies and leagues, clubs and teams, broadcasters and media companies, agencies, sponsors and investors.

Please register your interest in attending here. We will then be in touch to confirm availability. Once capacity has been reached, we will operate a waitlist.

Registration

The event is free for LawInSport Plus members and Institutional members and will be of interest to anyone interested in or who shares a passion for sports law and would like to meet, and build relationships, with like minded people.

You can register here.

Attending Organisations

• 12 King's Bench Walk
• B.F.P. Sports & Management Consulting s.r.l.
• Bar of Ireland
• BCL Solicitors LLP
• Crusaders FC
• DLA Piper LLP
• Edge Hill University
• European Sports Business School
• Geaney Solicitors LLP
• Grayfield Solicitors LLP
• Horwich Farrelly
• IRFU
• Irish Football Association
• ISDE
• Lewis Silkin
• MaCauley & Ritchie Solicitors
• Mills & Reeve
• NI PFA
• NIFL - Northern Ireland Football League
• Queen's University
• Sheridans
• The Bar of Ireland
• The Financial Times
• University of Westminster
• Wexford FC
• Wiggin LLP

Weightlifting Athlete Aaron Babet Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Aaron Babet, of Avon, Ohio, an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, has accepted a one-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.

Babet, 19, tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a urinary metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish, above the urinary Decision Limit, as the result of a sample collected in-competition at the North American Open Series 1 & National University Championships on February 29, 2024.

Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are Specified Substances in the class of Cannabinoids and are prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

In the 2021 Code, THC is classified under a special category that allows for a reduced three-month sanction if the athlete establishes that their use of the substance occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. The sanction may be further reduced to one month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a treatment program approved by USADA.

Babet’s period of ineligibility was reduced to one month because his use of cannabis occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance, and because he successfully completed a substance of abuse treatment program regarding his use of cannabis.

Babet’s one-month period of ineligibility is the minimum allowed under the rules and began on March 18, 2024, the date he was provisionally suspended. In addition, Babet has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on February 29, 2024, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

WADA seeks input on each year’s updated version of the Prohibited List. USADA has advocated and will continue to advocate to WADA, the rule maker, to treat marijuana in a fairer and more effective way to identify true in-competition use.

Everton FC appeal decision of independent Commission

Everton Football Club has appealed the decision of an independent Commission to impose a two-point deduction on the club following its admission of a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

An Appeal Board has been appointed to hear the case after the club lodged the appeal to the Chair of the Judicial Panel today. The case will be heard on an expedited basis, in accordance with the League’s Standard Directions.

For clarity and certainty for all clubs and fans, the Premier League will be seeking to have the appeal resolved urgently with the outcome confirmed in advance of Sunday 19 May, the last day of this season. 

EFL Statement: Morecambe Football Club

An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Morecambe Football Club are to be deducted three points from the 2023/24 League Two table for failing to adhere to the terms of an Agreed Decision.

The Club had previously received a three-point deduction, to be suspended until 30 June 2024, after admitting a breach of EFL Regulations for failing to pay its player wages on or around 28 March 2023. The Club’s ultimate beneficial owner was also required to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill in a designated Club account.

Following the failure to keep the account at the required levels, the suspended three-point deduction has now been activated.

Owner Mr Jason Whittingham has also been fined £10,000, payable immediately, whilst a suspended fine of £20,000 has also been imposed, to be activated on 31 May 2024, unless he complies in full with his obligation to replenish the Deposit Account under the terms of the Agreed Decision dated 17 August 2023.

The IDC’s Decision and written reasons are available to view on EFL.com.

JAMS announced as Gold Sponsor for the 5th Edition of LawInSport’s Sports Law Arbitration Moot

With the Grand Finals of the 5th edition of the global Sports Law Arbitration Moot (SLAM) competition just a few days away, we are delighted to announce JAMS as a Gold Sponsor. The SLAM Grand Finals of the competition will take place on 12-13 April 2024 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Grand Finals involve privately held quarter final and semi-final rounds followed by a pre-finals drinks reception on 12th April kindly hosted by World Aquatics. We then host a sports law seminar on 13th April with topics such as political neutrality in sport and athletes’ freedom of expression, winning damages cases in sports arbitration and the journey in transitioning from a lawyer to a sports executive. If you would like to attend, please register your interest here and we will confirm your seat soon. 

The SLAM is a student moot competition, organised to promote greater knowledge of the values and rules of international sports arbitration, the go to dispute resolution mechanism in the sector.

SLAM provides students from around the world the opportunity to:

1. Develop and showcase their legal and advocacy skills before the world’s leading arbitrators and practitioners virtually and in-person;
2. Gain real world experience of international sports arbitration under the leading procedural rules;
3. Receive complimentary training on drafting written submissions and advocacy from some of the world’s leading advocates and arbitrators in world sport.

Students compete for the chance to win:

• £1500 for the winners of the competition
• £1000 for the runners-up of the competition

Jeffrey Benz, Mediator and Arbitrator at JAMS, said “The SLAM provides a unique opportunity for aspiring sports lawyers to participate in the world leading sports arbitration moot court, with the chance to argue in the semifinal and later rounds in the home of the world's supreme court of sport, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, before the top sports law advocates and arbitrators in the world. We use cases drawn from real life sports disputes, across doping, football, governance, and safeguarding and only accomplished CAS arbitrators judge the later rounds. The topical on site seminar adds another dimension to the learning process. JAMS is proud to sponsor this leading event.”

Sean Cottrell, CEO at LawInSport added “We're delighted to welcome JAMS as a sponsor for the SLAM competition. Their involvement as a leading alternative dispute resolution provider adds tremendous value to the experience we offer students. Their support empowers us to equip future sports lawyers with a well-rounded skillset, preparing them for the ever-evolving landscape of the legal industry."

About SLAM 

SLAM welcomes legal students from all over the world and strives to be diverse in its student and judging base. Deserving students are provided with financial assistance for both the registration fee and the costs of appearing in the in-person rounds of the competition (if they advance), where there is demonstrated financial need, to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from receiving the exposure to sports law through the competition.

SLAM is a non-for-profit initiative that brings together people from around the world to support and provide opportunities for students to connect, gain valuable experience that will help them in their career in law and sport. SLAM has seen:

• 120 teams from 20+ countries entering the competition
• 80+ teams have benefited from receiving written submission and oral advocacy training from leading advocates and arbitrators.  
• 80+ CAS Arbitrators & 100+ advocates, from 20 countries, have volunteered their time and expertise to help judged the written submissions. 23 CAS arbitrators judged the oral rounds (which were all judged solely by CAS arbitrators

For more information on the competition, please visit here or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information on sponsoring SLAM, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

About JAMS

JAMS successfully resolves business and legal disputes by providing efficient, cost-effective and impartial ways of overcoming barriers at any stage of conflict. JAMS offers customized, in-person, virtual and hybrid dispute resolution services through a combination of first class client service, the latest technology, top-notch facilities and highly trained mediators and arbitrators.

“Our panel includes more than 400 retired state and federal court judges, attorneys and other ADR professionals with proven track records and extensive practice area and industry expertise. JAMS neutrals and clients are supported by more than 200 associates, including ADR systems design experts and case managers with decades of experience.”

For more information on JAMS, please visit here.

About LawInSport

LawInSport is the world leading sports law knowledge hub and global community that provides practically focused expert analysis and commentary on the latest legal developments in sport. LawInSport collaborates with our community of over 30,000 lawyers, sports executives, sports administrators, athletes, coaches, academics and students and their organisations helping them to “understand the rules of the game”™

Rugby Union Athlete Receives Ban

Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges that Rugby Australia has imposed a three-year ban on athlete Marlon Jones for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance and/or its metabolites or markers and Use and Possession of a Prohibited Substance/s.

Mr Jones, who played with Bond University in the Queensland Premier Rugby Competition at the time, returned an Adverse Analytical Finding from an Out-of-Competition doping control test on 19 April 2022.

Mr Jones’ sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, and the presence of Di-hydroxy LGD-4033 (metabolite of LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)) and 4-hydroxy-clomiphene and hydroxy-methoxyclomiphene (metabolites of Clomiphene) were detected.

The substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is listed under Class S1.2 (Other Anabolic Agents) of the World Anti-Doping Code – International Standard – Prohibited List 2022 and the World Anti-Doping Code – International Standard – Prohibited List 2021 and is prohibited at all times. Clomiphene is listed under Class S4.2 (Anti-Estrogenic Substances) and is also prohibited at all times.

It was also determined that:

• On and/or before 19 April 2022, Mr Jones Used the Prohibited Substance/s LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and Clomiphene;
• From on and/or around 24 November 2021 to on and/or around 5 March 2022, Mr Jones Possessed the Prohibited Substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol); and
• From on and/or around 1 March 2022 to on and/or around 8 April 2022, Mr Jones Possessed the Prohibited Substance Clomiphene.

Mr Jones’ ban was reduced by 12 months following a full admission of the alleged anti-doping rule violations.

Rugby Australia thereby imposed a three-year ban on Mr Jones commencing on 5 March 2022. 

Mr Jones is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 5 March 2025. He is also not permitted to compete in a non-Signatory professional league or Event organised by a non-Signatory International Event organisation or a non-Signatory national-level Event organisation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

Clomiphene, also known as Clomid, is intended for the treatment of infertility, primarily in women but is also used off-label for male infertility. The use in males can cause increased testosterone. Clomiphene is not currently medically approved for male use and can cause side effects including headaches, gynaecomastia and blurred vision.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol), originally developed for the treatment of muscle wasting conditions such as aging, osteoporosis, muscular dystrophy and cancer, is promoted as a selective non-steroidal anabolic agent. It is claimed to be a substance that induces muscle (and bone) growth without the side effects associated with steroid use. However, information on the safety of LGD-4033 is scarce due to a lack of medium and long-term clinical trials - hence the medium and long-term health impacts are unknown.

It should be noted that a number of SARMs have associated health-risks, particularly for the heart and liver.

The ITA has notified fencer Anna Kun (Hungary) of a potential anti-doping rule violation

The ITA confirms that Hungarian fencer Anna Kun has been notified of a potential Anti-Doping Rule Violation pursuant to article 2.4 of the FIE Anti-Doping Rules (“FIE ADR”), namely the occurrence of three Whereabouts Failures within a twelve month period¹.

The case will be referred to the FIE Doping Disciplinary Tribunal in charge of hearings and adjudication of anti-doping matters.

Pursuant to the FIE ADR and World Anti-Doping Code, Anna Kun is not subject to a mandatory provisional suspension pending the resolution of the matter.

Given that the case is underway, there will be no further comments during the ongoing proceedings.

Italian tennis official sanctioned

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm that Italian tennis official Manuel Guion has been suspended from the sport for a period of five years and six months following breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).

Guion, a national-level official, admitted to five breaches of the TACP, including conspiring to commit a Corruption Offense, soliciting a player to commit a Corruption Offense, encouraging tennis betting, and betting on events in which they were officiating.  

Guion, who has officiated at ITF $15k tournaments and served as a line judge at ATP Challenger level, co-operated fully with the ITIA investigation and waived their right to a hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO).

The decision on sanction length was made by AHO Philippe Cavalieros (France), after Guion agreed to the sanction proposed by the ITIA. Guion has also been fined $6,000. The suspension began on 5 February 2024 and will end at midnight on 4 August 2029.

During the suspension, Guion is prohibited from officiating at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA).

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.

FEI Tribunal issues Consent Award in equine anti-doping case

The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse Quastina (FEI ID 107MC69/BRA), tested positive for the Banned Substance Stanozolol following samples taken at the CSI5*-W São Paulo SP (BRA), 22 - 27 August, 2023.

The athlete, Lucio Vinicius De Oliveira Osório (FEI ID 10080702/BRA), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the athlete; the provisional suspension he already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. The athlete was also fined CHF 1,500.

The full Decision is available here.

WADA publishes Guidelines for Implementing the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA)

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to publish Guidelines for Implementing the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA Guidelines) that support version 9.0 of the TDSSA.  

The TDSSA is a mandatory Level 2 document that must be implemented by all Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) that are Signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. These new TDSSA Guidelines replace the TDSSA Supporting Document A - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and will assist ADOs in implementing the TDSSA requirements, giving practical examples and suggestions. 

ADOs can find information on the analysis capacity per WADA-accredited laboratory for the Prohibited Substances within the scope of the TDSSA on WADA’s website. For Prohibited Substances outside the scope of the TDSSA, ADOs can also find the full list of specific methods that are not included in the standard sample analysis menu and are available in WADA-accredited laboratories on WADA’s website. 

Application for Flexibility 

ADOs are also reminded that in accordance with Article 4.7.2 of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, ‘an ADO may apply to WADA for flexibility in the implementation of the MLA specified for Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods as outlined in the TDSSA’. ADOs can apply for flexibility (up to 50%) in the implementation of the MLAs against set criteria listed in Articles 3 and 6 of the TDSSA. 

TDSSA Testing Guides 

Finally, information on the Prohibited Substances and Methods within the scope of the TDSSA and guidance on Testing strategies for each Prohibited Substance is provided within the TDSSA Testing Guides. A Testing Guide on Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is also available. ADO staff involved in test planning and target testing of athletes are advised to be familiar with these Testing Guides, which can be requested by contacting WADA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Should you have any questions or comments regarding the TDSSA Guidelines, the TDSSA Testing Guides, or the application for flexibility, we invite you to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Athlete testing in 2023: UKAD conducted over 8,800 doping tests, with football the most tested sport

• 8,816 tests completed in the 2023 calendar year by UKAD 

• Football, rugby union, rugby league, boxing, athletics and cricket were the most tested sports 

• UKAD to continue emphasis on testing athletes likely to compete in Paris 2024  

UK Anti-Doping’s (UKAD) total test numbers for the calendar years 2022 and 2023 averaged 9,000 tests a year. Since 2020 and the start of the coronavirus pandemic when testing was reduced temporarily, testing numbers have bounced back from 7,724 (in 2021) to 9,064 (in 2022) and 8,816 last year, reflecting a robust intelligence-led testing programme. 

UKAD has today shared its latest quarterly testing report which covers October to December 2023 (quarter three of the 2023/24 financial year). 1,789 tests were conducted during the quarter. The report, read alongside UKAD’s published quarterly reports, show the split of testing by calendar year. 

UKAD tests across more than 40 professional sports. Their most tested sports in 2023 were football, rugby union, rugby league, boxing, athletics and cricket. Football accounted for 32% of all tests. The football anti-doping testing programme is one of several UKAD testing programmes, supported by additional funding from the sport’s national governing body, which allows UKAD to conduct more testing on that sport throughout the year.  

Testing of sports is also informed by the delivery of comprehensive testing programmes in the build-up to major events. Last year, this included the Women’s Football World Cup, the Men’s Rugby World Cup, the Men’s Cricket World Cup, the World Athletics Championship and ongoing qualification and preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.   

UKAD introduced new science and technological advances in 2023 to help evolve the testing programme and strategy. The organisation began its implementation of the endocrine module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) in quarter three (October – December 2023). The endocrine module is a new module which collects information on markers of human growth hormone (hGH) doping and aims to identify hGH abuse. UKAD will continue its implementation throughout 2024.   

Hamish Coffey, UKAD’s Director of Operations said, “The figures released today build a positive picture of the testing that UKAD undertakes with athletes across many sports. UKAD has a multi-faceted approach to keeping sport clean which includes a world-class education system directed at all roles in sport, and an intelligence-led testing programme which targets the greatest risks to clean sport. Through our Assurance Framework we have made great progress with national governing bodies of sport to ensure anti-doping is embedded at every level of their organisation, and this work continues.  

“2024 is a significant year for sport with the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming up, as well as UEFA Euro 2024, just two of a number of major events taking place. The world will be watching, and a new generation of young athletes will be inspired to take up sport. It is vital that UKAD and our partners in clean sport show that sport is true, sport is trusted and that integrity and ethics remain at its forefront.” 

UKAD is a public body and receives funding annually from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). In 2022, DCMS provided UKAD with £9 million of funding for its operations. A significant amount of this funding is allocated to UKAD’s athlete testing, results analysis and legal services. The organisation generates additional income from its contracted testing programme and major events services.

Czech tennis player provisionally suspended

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that Nikola Bartunkova, an 18-year-old tennis player from Czechia, has been provisionally suspended under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).   

The ITIA sent the player a pre-charge notice of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation on 16 April 2024 under Article 2.1 of the TADP (presence of a Prohibited Substance in a Player’s Sample) and/or Article 2.2 (Use of a Prohibited Substance without a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)). 

Bartunkova, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 226 in April 2024, provided samples while competing at an ITF W50 event in Trnava, Slovakia, in February 2024, and an ITF W75 event in Maribor, Slovenia, in March 2024.

Both the February and March samples were split into A and B samples and the subsequent analysis found that the A samples contained trimetazidine, which is prohibited under the TADP, in the category of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators (section S4 (4.4) of the 2024 Prohibited List). Trimetazidine is a non-Specified substance, and Bartunkova did not possess a valid TUE for the substance. Analysis of the B samples have since confirmed findings in the A samples.

Findings for non-Specified Substances carry a mandatory provisional suspension – in Bartunkova’s case, this is effective from 16 April 2024. 

While provisionally suspended, Bartunkova is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.   

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.   

The ITA reports that Italian athlete Vincenzo Tomasello has accepted a 14-month period of ineligibility

THE ITA, ON BEHALF OF IRONMAN, HEREBY REPORTS THAT ITALIAN ATHLETE VINCENZO TOMASELLO HAS COMMITTED AN ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATION (ADRV) UNDER ARTICLE 2.1 OF THE IRONMAN ANTI-DOPING RULES (IRONMAN ADR) FOR THE PRESENCE OF PREDNISOLONE AND PREDNISONE IN A SAMPLE COLLECTED IN-COMPETITION BY IRONMAN ON 25 NOVEMBER 2022 IN THE SCOPE OF THE 2022 IRONMAN ISRAEL. VINCENZO TOMASELLO PARTICIPATED IN THE EVENT IN THE AGE GROUP CATEGORY.

Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali Sanctioned

An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali for misconduct in relation to The FA’s Betting Rules. 

The FA charged the midfielder with 50 breaches of FA Rule E8 for placing bets on football matches between 12 August 2023 and 12 October 2023, and he admitted to this. 

The independent Regulatory Commission imposed a two-month suspension from all football and football-related activity, which is suspended until the end of the 2024/25 season pending any further breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules, as well as a £20,000 fine and warning. 

The independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for these sanctions can be read in full here. 

Premier League statement

The Premier League and Fulham FC have entered into a sanction agreement following the Club’s accepted breaches of the Premier League Rules in relation to player registrations.   

The Club will face a six-month ban (suspended for one year) from registering any Academy players currently or previously registered with another club and will pay a £75,000 fine.

The suspended registrations ban commenced on 15 April 2024.

Click here to read the sanction agreement. As required by the Premier League Rules, the sanction agreement has been ratified by three members of the Independent Judicial Panel.

UKAD statement concerning WADA, CHINADA and the positive test results of 23 Chinese swimmers

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) notes with concern the current media and sporting world commentary and speculation about serious anti-doping issues involving 23 Chinese swimmers.   

UKAD, along with WADA and all Anti-Doping Organisations, has a fundamental responsibility to protect athletes’ rights to participate in doping-free sport and promote health, fairness and equality for athletes worldwide. Clean participation is essential and must be delivered in a coordinated manner linked to the International Standards and the World Anti-Doping Code.

The recent media reports and responses by WADA and several National Anti-Doping Organisations have led many athletes and the wider sporting community to question the consistency with which anti-doping processes work and how anti-doping rules are applied worldwide.

Without public access to the full details, and with speculation continuing in the media, a more transparent approach is needed.

We call on WADA, in this specific case, to now initiate an independent review of the regulatory framework and processes applied. 

We hope that WADA, by expediting this process, can help ensure trust and confidence is restored in anti-doping worldwide, and clean athletes can continue to be protected and championed.

Bulgarian tennis official banned for life

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can confirm that Bulgarian tennis official Pavel Atanasov has been banned from the sport for life following 21 breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).

Atanasov, a national-level official, initially contested the charges before withdrawing their appeal ahead of a hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO). The case was ruled on by AHO Richard Young, who also issued Atanasov a $10,000 fine. The ban is effective from 4 March 2024.

In withdrawing from proceedings, Atanasov effectively admitted liability for numerous TACP offenses between 2019 and 2023, including the manipulation of scoring data of matches for betting purposes, facilitating wagering, conspiring to commit corruption offenses, wagering on tennis matches, and failure to report corrupt approaches.

Atanasov, who has officiated at ITF $15K and $25K tournaments in Bulgaria, is permanently prohibited from officiating at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association. 

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.  

To access the written decision, click here.

NBPA Statement on the Jontay Porter Ruling

Today, the NBA permanently disqualified Jontay Porter for violating league gambling rules. The NBPA exists to protect and support the interests of all 450 NBA players – both as individual players and as a collective. Adherence to league gambling policies is paramount to maintaining the integrity of our athletes and protecting the future of the sport. 

The NBPA will make sure Jontay has access to the resources he needs during this time, in light of the NBA’s decision. All players, including Jontay, should be afforded appropriate due process and opportunity to answer to any charges brought against them.

The NBPA will continue to provide all players with training materials to ensure they understand how to properly navigate the complex sports betting landscape.

U.S. Track & Field Athlete Jaron Flournoy Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Jaron Flournoy, of Inkster, Mich., an athlete in the sport of track and field, has accepted a three-year suspension for his possession of a prohibited substance while a member of USA Track & Field.

In addition to education and testing, robust anti-doping programs enable investigations stemming from various sources, including positive tests, tips (Play Clean Tip Line), and whistleblowers. This type of information, specifically information stemming from the positive test of another athlete, led USADA to discover that Flournoy purchased ostarine online, and the ostarine was delivered in December 2022. Although Flourney also used the prohibited substance, his use occurred after his membership with USA Track & Field expired, at which time he was not subject to the anti-doping rules.

Ostarine is classified by WADA as a Non-Specified Substance in the class of Anabolic Agents. It is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List.

Under Article 10.8.1 of the Code, an athlete who faces an anti-doping rule violation that carries a period of ineligibility of four or more years may receive a one-year sanction reduction if the athlete admits the violation and accepts the asserted sanction within 20 days of notification of the alleged anti-doping rule violation charge. Per the rule, Flournoy qualified for a one-year reduction to the otherwise applicable four-year period of ineligibility as he admitted and accepted the sanction within the time allowed.

Flournoy’s three-year period of ineligibility began on February 14, 2024, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Flournoy has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to December 1, 2022, the approximate date he obtained ostarine, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.

In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.

USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.

Commercial Disputes & Winning In Advocacy: Seminar & SLAM Grand Finals

The SLAM Grand Finals weekend is now underway (12-13 April 2024), LawInSport is hosting the 5th Edition of the International Sports Law Arbitration Moot (SLAM) at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Grand Finals is a fantastic occasion to celebrate the contribution of the sport and legal community who have helped develop this world-class competition; and to give an opportunity for top law students from around the globe to showcase their legal and advocacy skills in the setting of international sports arbitration.

Across the two days, 8 teams from 6 different countries will battle it out in front of 14 CAS Arbitrators for the right to be crowned SLAM 2024 Winners and receive the £1,500 prize money.

Drinks Reception at World Aquatics

To mark the Grand Finals a drinks reception is being hosted by World Aquatics on the 12 April 2024 following the quarter finals and semi-finals which take place earlier in the day.

Sports Law Seminar

The Grand Finals is preceded by a Sports Law Seminar bringing together experts to discuss and debate important topics in sports disputes and career development in sports.

There a limited spaces left to attend but you can register here if you would like to attend and support the event.

Political Neutrality & Athletes' Freedom of expression

Our expert panel will discuss athlete rights to freedom of expression and how this influences and sports regulation and commercial interest in sport. Speakers:

Assessing Damages in Sport Disputes

Our expert panel will be exploring the financial tools that can be used to assess damages in commercial arbitration and its application and future influence on awarding damages in sports disputes.

From In-House Counsel to Sports Executive - How Build a Successful Career in Sport

In a fire-side chat, Ian Smith, Managing Director at Relevent Sports Group, will share his experience and lessons learned from his successful career across some of leading sports organisations, and sports agencies and media, and moving from legal director to sports executive.

Previously, Ian has held roles including Director, Commercial & Operational Legal, FIFA, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Catalyst Media Group Ltd & Senior Business Affairs Counsel, TEAM Marketing AG and Director, Legal Affairs, Sportfive.

Winning in Advocacy: Keynote Speech

After the SLAM Grand Finals am award ceremony will following a keynote speech by the esteemed barrister, arbitrator and judge, Michael Beloff KC, where he will share his secrets on "Winning in Advocacy".

We would like to thank the arbitrators, advocates, the LawInSport team, volunteers, sponsors and supporters for making this possible, and of course the students who have participated which is the reasons for the SLAM being established.

Agenda

FRIDAY 12 April 2024

10:00 – 11:30: Quarter Finals Round 1 and 2 (Private)

12:00 – 13:30: Quarter Finals Round 3 and 4 (Private)

16:00 – 17:30: Semi Finals 1 and 2 (Private)

19:00 – 21:00: Drinks reception at World Aquatics

Day 2: 13 April 2024 (Saturday)

10:00 – 10:30: Welcome reception

10:30 – 10:40: Welcome address by Matthieu Reeb, Director General, Court of Arbitration for Sport

10:40 – 11:30 - Political neutrality in sport and athletes' freedom of expression

Our expert panel will discuss athlete rights to freedom of expression and how this influences and sports regulation and commercial interest in sport. Speakers:

• Dr. David Stadtfeld, Senior Associate, ASD Law
• Vincent Warnecke, Associate, ASD Law
• Lea Krüger, German National Athlete (Fencing)
• Stephen Townley, JAMS Mediator & Arbitrator & CAS Arbitrator

11:35 – 12:30 - Winning damages cases in sports arbitration: Our expert panel will be exploring the financial tools that can be used to assess damages in commercial arbitration and is application and future influence on awarding damages sports disputes. Speakers:

• Shalabh Gupta, Associate Director, Secretariat Advisors
• Amran Nawaz, Manager, Secretariat Advisors
• Mark Hovell, Partner, Mills & Reeve & CAS Arbitrator
• Andre Brantjes, Founder & Managing Partner, BrantjesAdvocaten & CAS Arbitrator

12:45 – 13:45 - Lunch

13:45 - 14:30 -  From Lawyer to Sports Executive

A fireside chat with Ian Smith about his career from … and reflection on transitioning to a

• Ian Smith, Managing Director, International Business DevelopmentRelevent Sports Group & Former Director, Commercial & Operational Legal, FIFA
• Sean Cottrell, CEO, LawInSport

14:45 – 16:00: Grand Finals

16:00 - 17:15 - Refreshments & networking

17:15 - 18:30 - Awards & Keynote Speech by Michael Beloff KC - Winning in advocacy

Michael Beloff KC will provide a keynote speech will provide insights and advice on how to win in advocacy, drawying on his illustratus career as an advocate, arbitrator and judge.

The confirmed judging line up for the semi-finals and finals of the competition are:

• Michael Beloff KC, Barrister, Blackstone Chambers
• Raphaëlle Favre Schnyder, Attorney at law, Partner - Barandun & Alternate Judge at Appellate Court of Valais/Wallis
• Mark Hovell, Partner, Mills & Reeve
• Martina Spreitzer-Kropiunik, Vice President, Criminal Court Vienna
• Frans de Weger, Chairman, FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber & Partner/Founder, BMDW Advocaten
• Stephen Townley, JAMS Mediator and Arbitrator
• André Brantjes, Founder & Managing Partner, BrantjesAdvocaten
• Despina Mavromati, Of Counsel, BianchiSchwald LLP
• Marianne Saroli, Senior Legal Counsel, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
• Prof Luigi Fumagalli, Professor, Università degli Studi
• Bernhard Welten, Founder, KanzleiWelten
• Kwadjo Adjepong, CAS Arbitrator
• Jeffrey Benz, Mediator Arbitrator Referee Special Master, JAMS & Door Tenant, 4 New Square

The teams in the finals rounds are:

• University of Ghent (Belgium)
• 2 teams from University of Chicago (USA)
• O.P Jindal Global University (India)
• UCLA School of Law (USA) & University of Essex (UK)
• University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
• Australian National University (Australia)
• University of Law (UK)

Sponsors

We would like to thank our Sponsors for their support:

• Secretariat Advisors (Gold Sponsors)
• JAMS (Gold Sponsors)
• Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein (ASD Law) (Silver Sponsors)
• 39 Essex Chambers (Silver Sponsors)
• BianchiSchwald (Supporting Sponsor)
• Blackstone Chambers (Supporting Sponsor)
• Brantjes Advocaten (Supporting Sponsor)
• Global Sports Advocates (Supporting Sponsor)
• The Law Offices of Howard Jacobs (Supporting Sponsor)
• Lombardi Associates (Supporting Sponsor)
• Mills & Reeve (Supporting Sponsor)

About SLAM

The international Sports Law Arbitration Moot ("SLAM") is a world class competition, with the aim to promote greater knowledge of the values and rules of international sports arbitration, the go to dispute resolution mechanism in the sector.

SLAM provides students from around the world, no matter their background, the opportunity to:

1. Develop and showcase their legal and advocacy skills before the world’s leading arbitrators and practitioners virtually and in-person;
2. Gain real world experience of international sports arbitration under the leading procedural rules;
3. Receive training on writing submissions and advocacy from some of the world’s leading advocates and arbitrators in world sport.

EFL Statement: Sheffield United Football Club

Spanish tennis player suspended for 15 years

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Spanish tennis player Aaron Cortes has been suspended for a period of 15 years after admitting to 35 breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).  

Following a thorough investigation conducted by the ITIA and law enforcement, Cortes, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 955 in September 2017, admitted to 35 breaches of the TACP between 2016 and 2018, including contriving the outcome of events, accepting money to contrive the outcome of events, failure to report corrupt approaches, wagering on tennis, and providing money to tournament officials in exchange for a wild card. The player has been fined $75,000, of which $56,250 is suspended.  

29-year-old Cortes co-operated fully with the ITIA investigation and accepted an agreed sanction, waiving their right to a hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer. The player’s period of ineligibility began on 27 March 2024 and ends at midnight on 26 March 2039.   

During the period of ineligibility, Cortes is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.   

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.   

Premier League statement

An independent Commission has given an immediate two-point deduction to Everton FC for a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) for the period ending Season 2022/23. 

Over a three-day hearing last month, the independent Commission heard evidence and arguments from the club in respect of a range of potential mitigating factors for its admitted breach of £16.6million, including the impact of its two successive PSR charges. Having done so, the Commission determined the appropriate sanction to be a two-point deduction, taking effect immediately.

The independent Commission reaffirmed the principle that any breach of the PSRs is significant and justifies, indeed requires, a sporting sanction.

Click here to read the independent Commission’s full written reasons. 

Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission were appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel.

Grand Finals of our Sports Law Arbitration Moot (SLAM 2024)

We are thrilled to announce that the Grand Finals of our Sports Law Arbitration Moot (SLAM 2024) competition will be taking place on 12-13 April 2024, at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) offices in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The SLAM 2024 organising committee extends their appreciation to every team that participated in this year’s competition. All teams, no matter the result, showed great skills and dedication, adding to the lively atmosphere of the competition.

The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals promise thrilling matchups as the final 8 teams contend for the title of SLAM 2024 champions at the CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 12-13 April 2024.

The teams in the finals rounds are:

• University of Ghent (Belgium)
• 2 teams from University of Chicago (USA)
• O.P Jindal Global University (India)
• UCLA School of Law (USA) & University of Essex (UK)
• University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
• Australian National University (Australia)
• University of Law (UK)

This year's competition saw:

• 50 teams enter from 15+ countries
• Teams participate in written submission and oral advocacy training course
• 76 Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Arbitrators & 55 advocates involved in judging the competition (find out more information here).

Grand Finals Judges

• Michael Beloff KC, Barrister, Blackstone Chambers
• Raphaëlle Favre Schnyder, Attorney at law, Partner - Barandun & Alternate Judge at Appellate Court of Valais/Wallis
• Mark Hovell, Partner, Mills & Reeve
• Martina Spreitzer-Kropiunik, Vice President, Criminal Court Vienna
• Frans de Weger, Chairman, FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber & Partner/Founder, BMDW Advocaten
• Stephen Townley, JAMS Mediator and Arbitrator
• André Brantjes, Founder & Managing Partner, BrantjesAdvocaten
• Despina Mavromati, Of Counsel, BianchiSchwald
• Marianne Saroli, Senior Legal Counsel, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
• Prof Luigi Fumagalli, Professor, Università degli Studi
• Bernhard Welten, Founder, KanzleiWelten
• Kwadjo Adjepong, CAS Arbitrator
• Jeffrey Benz, Mediator Arbitrator Referee Special Master, JAMS & Door Tenant, 4 New Square

Agenda

This event will bring together individuals interested in both sports and law. Attendees will consist of sports law arbitrators, advocates, in-house counsel, sports business executives, academics, students, and current and former professional athletes.

Schedule

Day 1: Friday, 12 April 2024

19:00 - 21:00 - Pre-Grand Finals Drinks Reception at World Aquatics

Day 2:  Saturday, 13 April 2024

10:00 – 10:30 - Welcome Reception

10:30 – 10:40 - Welcome address by Matthieu Reeb, Director General, CAS

10:40 – 11:30 - Political neutrality in sport and athletes' freedom of expression

11:35 – 12:30 - Winning damages cases in sports arbitration

12:30 - 13:45 - Lunch

13:45 - 14:30 - From Lawyer to Sports Executive

14:30 - 15:00 - Coffee Break

15:00 - 16:15 - Grand Finals

16:15 - 17:15 - Coffee Break

17:15 - 18:30 - Awards & Keynote Speech by Michael Beloff KC - Winning in advocacy

The Moot Problem

Each team will be advocating for one party on a recent topical safeguarding issue in equestrian sport.

Sponsors

We would like to thank our Sponsors for their support:

• Secretariat Advisors (Gold Sponsors)
• JAMS (Gold Sponsors)
• Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein (ASD Law) (Silver Sponsors)
• 39 Essex Chambers (Silver Sponsors)
• BianchiSchwald (Supporting Sponsor)
• Blackstone Chambers (Supporting Sponsor)
• Brantjes Advocaten (Supporting Sponsor)
• Global Sports Advocates (Supporting Sponsor)
• The Law Offices of Howard Jacobs (Supporting Sponsor)
• Lombardi Associates (Supporting Sponsor)
• Mills & Reeve (Supporting Sponsor)

Date and Location

Date: 12-13 April 2024

Location: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Palais de Beaulieu, Av. Bergières 10, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland

About The Sports Law Arbitration Moot (SLAM)

Sports Law Arbitration Moot (SLAM) is a not-for-profit world class mooting competition designed to promote greater knowledge of the values and rules of international sports arbitration, a key dispute resolution mechanism in the sector.

SLAM gives students, no matter of their location or financial circumstances, from around the world the opportunity to:

• Develop and showcase their legal and advocacy skills before the world’s leading arbitrators and judges virtually and in-person;
• Gain real world experience of international arbitration under the procedural rules;
• Receive training on writing submissions and advocacy from some of the world’s leading advocates and arbitrators in world sport.

Additional Updates

To see the progress of this year’s SLAM 2024 rounds, see:

• The final 16 teams qualify for the next round of SLAM 2024
• Fight to the Finish! Top 8 Battle for the SLAM 2024 Grand Prize

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Dismisses The Appeal Filed By The International Boxing Association (IBA) Against The Decision Of The IOC Session Withdrawing The Recognition Of The IBA As The International Federation For The Sport Of Boxing

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by the International Boxing Association (IBA) against the decision taken by the IOC Session on 22 June 2023 withdrawing the IOC’s recognition of the IBA as the IF for the sport of boxing. The IOC Session took its decision based on the recommendation issued by the IOC Executive Board (IOC EB) on 7 June 2023 following a long process, initiated shortly after the Olympic Games Rio 2016, during which the IOC requested the IBA to undertake various measures to address serious concerns related to its governance and financial stability. Such process included the implementation of a roadmap, recommended by the IOC to the IBA in December 2021, in order to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the IOC EB that the IBA had successfully addressed ongoing areas of concerns ahead of the IOC Session in 2023 where the inclusion of boxing in the Olympic programme would be discussed. 

On 27 June 2023, the IBA filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the
decision of the IOC Session and sought to have it “annulled and set aside in full”. The CAS Panel
constituted to handle this matter heard the parties and their legal representatives on 16 November 2023 at the CAS Headquarters in Lausanne/CH.

In its final award, the CAS Panel noted that, as at the date of the Appealed Decision, the IBA had not complied with the conditions set down by the IOC for recognition, namely: 

a. The IBA had not increased its financial transparency and sustainability including through
diversification of revenues. 

b. The IBA had not changed its process relating to referees and judges to ensure its integrity,
including a monitoring period for IBA’s own competitions ahead of the Olympic Games Paris
2024. 

c. The IBA had not ensured the full and effective implementation of all the measures proposed
by the “Governance Reform Group” established by the IOC, including a change of culture.

As a consequence, the Panel determined that these three elements justified the IOC Session’s decision
to withdraw recognition of the IBA and emphasized that the IOC’s right to control the circumstances in and the conditions on which it confers recognition outweighed the IBA’s personality rights. 

The full reasoned award has been notified to the parties and will be published by CAS unless the parties request confidentiality. 

Court of Arbitration for Sport dismisses Tunisian umpire’s appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed an appeal from Tunisian chair umpire Abderahim Gharsallah against a disciplinary sanction imposed in July 2022.  
 
An appeal hearing was held in Lausanne, Switzerland on 26 April 2023, from which the CAS tribunal upheld the seven-year suspension from tennis issued by Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Jane Mulcahy KC in the first instance hearing. 

Gharsallah, a national-level official, was found by the CAS to have committed four breaches of the TACP relating to an event held in Tunisia in 2020.  For full details, click here. 
 
The official’s period of ineligibility remains unchanged, beginning on 6 November 2020 – the date of their provisional suspension from tennis - and will end at midnight on 5 November 2027.   

During the period of ineligibility, Gharsallah is prohibited from officiating at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.   

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.  

The RFEF to submit to the Management Committee forensic audit

All doubts that may arise from irregular conduct and decisions will be clarified through the audit.

The RFEF distances itself from the actions of its former president and all those who may be involved and wishes to reiterate that this institution is more important than its figureheads.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation will submit to the Management Committee calls for the implementation of a forensic audit on any type of contract that may be under suspicion due to the actions of its former president, Luis Rubiales.

The RFEF wants to show its total disapproval of any such irregular conduct and actions of its former president and all those who may be involved, as well as stressing that the institution is bigger than any one of its leaders.

Likewise, the RFEF, which is involved in the case, will demand accountability from those responsible for sending the documentation required by the courts, if it is confirmed that they failed to comply with their obligations. In addition, it will also examine any other culpability that may arise from irregular conduct or decisions.

The Federation is a fundamental institution of Spanish football, the home of the national teams and made up of professionals who carry out their work efficiently and who, together, seek to watch over the progress of this sport with great responsibility and effort. For this reason, the reputation of the Federation should not be linked to conduct of one individual or individuals , especially those who have allegedly engaged in unwanted, if not illegal, conduct.

This is exactly what the president of the management committee, Pedro Rocha, expressed, considering it "essential to separate and disassociate the institution from the allegedly criminal conduct" of individuals, assuring, moreover, that "we will stop at nothing to purge any existing questionable conduct".

During the last six months, every effort has been made to achieve this stabilisation and to turn the page following the crisis that has arisen, working to get people talking about football again.

The RFEF is aware of the importance of the current situation, only months away from a European Championship, the Olympic Games and the presentation of the bid to host the World Cup. For this reason, the stability of this institution is guaranteed before FIFA, UEFA, the CSD and all the fans of Spanish football. Our game is much more than its former presidents or leaders, and this is what we want to convey to the public.

Culture Secretary to drive forward growth of women’s sport

• The FA, NewCo and others brought together by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer to bring momentum to delivery of recommendations made in Karen Carney MBE’s Review of Women’s Football 
• News comes as the Sports Minister convenes academics and industry stakeholders to explore further opportunities to propel women’s sport forward
• Meetings build on the Government’s existing commitment to support the growth of women and girls’ sport, including the £30 million Lionesses Futures Fund 

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer will today convene the first Women’s Football Review Implementation Group, bringing together leaders to deliver the recommendations made in Karen Carney MBE’s blueprint for the domestic women’s game. 

Representatives from NewCo - the new independent body responsible for the management of the women’s professional game - the FA, Football Foundation, Sport England, the Sports Ground Safety Authority, Professional Football Association, the English Football League, the Department for Education and the Premier League will be challenged to update the Culture Secretary on progress so far. 

The group will be responsible for implementing world-leading standards for players, fans and staff; improving the talent pathway; and carving out a dedicated broadcast slot for women’s football amongst other recommendations. 

In December 2023, the Government supported in full the recommendations made in Carney’s review to deliver bold and sustainable growth of women’s football. This came following the publication of the Government’s new sport strategy to get 3.5 million more people active by 2030, including 1.25 million more women. 

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

"We are sticking to our plan to deliver increased growth and participation in women’s sport, so that we meet our ambitious target of getting 1.25 million more women active by 2030.

"Last year, the Government supported in full the recommendations made in Karen Carney’s Review of Women’s Football. 

"We are now delivering on recommendations made for the Government, including bringing together those responsible for bringing about change to ensure that progress is delivered at pace."

One key recommendation made in the Review was for Government to increase investment to accommodate meaningful access for women and girls to play sport alongside local authorities, the FA and the Premier League.

Progress on this has already been made with the Government’s commitment to invest £30 million to deliver 30 new state of the art 3G pitches at sites supporting women’s and girls’ teams across England via the Lionesses Futures Fund. Government is also taking action to improve equal access through unprecedented investment in grassroots facilities, with over 2,200 projects already delivered across the UK.

Offering her experience and industry knowledge, Carney will join the meeting to hear about what has been delivered so far when it comes to improving the talent pathway and addressing a lack of diversity in women’s football. 

Karen Carney MBE said:

"It’s great to see how far we’ve come and the commitment made by the government to women’s football, but we cannot become complacent. It is my hope that the implementation group will ensure that we can progress further at a faster pace, working to get the review’s recommendations in play.

"I am encouraged to see a wide range of stakeholders involved. Through collaboration, investment, and hard work, I truly believe we can make the sport world-leading in every aspect, from playing standards to access for fans and career opportunities for women. The growth of women’s sport represents a wider movement towards equity and I am proud to be part of it."

Three additional independent figures have also joined the Group, providing knowledge and guidance: Kelly Simmons, Sport Consultant and Board Advisor; Jane Purdon, Director and Consultant in both Football and Rugby; and Deborah Dilworth, Head of Women’s Football at the FSA.

In her review, Carney outlined the importance of raising minimum standards, specifically looking at salaries, training facilities and mental and physical wellbeing. During the meeting, NewCo and the FA are expected to outline the initial steps they are taking to deliver a fully professional environment. 

Alongside driving progress in women’s football, the Government is committed to raising standards across all women’s sport. Sports Minister Stuart Andrew today chaired the first Board of Women’s Sport meeting, bringing industry leaders and academics together. 

The Board will connect relevant leaders from across women’s sport to share insights and look at future opportunities to help women’s sport continue to grow in a sustainable way, with a particular focus on the elite and professional levels. 

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:

"It has been brilliant to see women and girls’ sport on an upward trajectory for the past few years, but we know there is more to be done. 

"We have listened to recommendations in Karen’s Review and brought together key stakeholders from across women’s sport to share best practice on issues female athletes face. 

"We want to create a shared vision across women and girls’ sport, helping it go from strength to strength."

Attendees of the first meeting will include representatives from Sport England, UK Sport, UK Sports Institute, alongside experts from FIFA, The Concussion Research Forum and The Well HQ amongst others. Karen Carney MBE and Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, will also join as independent members. The creation of the Board also comes as a recommendation from the Review of Women’s Football.

Discussion is expected to focus on the physical welfare of female athletes including issues such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and concussion, as well as the impact of female health life stages on an athlete. 

Future meetings will focus on topics including sustainable investment in women’s sport and physical and mental health and support, helping create new opportunities and allow women’s sport to reach its full potential. 

This comes as the Review of Women’s Football highlighted the lack of cross-sport sharing of best practices around issues that impact elite female athletes. It has been estimated that only 6% of sport exercise and science research involves only women, demonstrating the significant need for research solely based on women.

Argentinian tennis player suspended for five years

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Argentinian tennis player Eduardo Agustín Torre has been suspended for a period of five years following 35 breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).

The sanction is linked to a recently concluded criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium. Collaboration between the ITIA and Belgian authorities led to a five-year custodial sentence for the leader of the syndicate, Grigor Sargsyan. Charges against Torre relate to offenses from 2017, but the ITIA’s case was deferred until after the conclusion of criminal proceedings.

Torre, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 596 in September 2014, did not respond to the ITIA’s charges. The case was ruled on by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Amani Khalifa, who also issued Torre a fine of $35,000.

In failing to respond to the ITIA charges, Torre effectively admitted liability for all charges and acceded to sanctions.

The breaches included facilitation of wagering, contriving the outcome of matches, soliciting money or benefit to negatively influence a player’s best efforts, failure to report corrupt approaches, and failure to report corruption offenses.

The suspension will run from the date of the decision (26 April 2024) and end at midnight on 25 April 2029.

During the period of ineligibility, Torre is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association. 

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.  

Independent Appeal Board decision on Nottingham Forest

An independent Appeal Board has upheld the decision of a Commission to deduct four points from Nottingham Forest following an admitted breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

The PSR sanction applied to the assessment period ending Season 2022/23 and was appealed by the club on two grounds. The club argued that the independent Commission committed an error in not treating its sale of a high-profile player shortly after the assessment period as a mitigating factor, and that it committed a further error in electing not to suspend some or all of the points deduction it imposed. Each of these grounds was rejected by the Appeal Board, which found the independent Commission was entitled to immediately impose the sanction it did. The four-point deduction will therefore remain in place.

Click here to read the independent Appeal Board’s full written reasons.

Appeal Boards are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The Appeal Board in this case comprised of the Rt Hon Lord Dyson (chair), David Phillps KC and Daniel Alexander KC, each of whom was appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel.

Weightlifting Athlete Joshua Mauk Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Joshua Mauk of Battle Creek, Mich., an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.

Mauk, 32, tested positive for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Carboxy-THC), a urinary metabolite of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish—above the urinary Decision Limit as the result of a sample collected in-competition at the North American Open Series 1 & National University Championships on March 2, 2024.

Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are Specified Substances in the class of Cannabinoids and are prohibited in competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

Under the 2021 Code, THC is classified under a special category, “Substances of Abuse,” that allows for a reduced three-month sanction if the athlete establishes that their use of the substance occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. The sanction may be further reduced to one month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a treatment program approved by USADA.

Mauk qualified for a reduced sanction because his use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. Mauk accepted a three-month period of ineligibility that began on March 18, 2024, the date he was provisionally suspended. In addition, Mauk has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on March 2, 2024, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

Athlete Maria Antonieta Ortiz receives reprimand for breaching terms of her sanction

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has issued a reprimand to Para powerlifting athlete Maria Antonieta Ortiz for breaching the terms of a previous suspension under the IPC Anti-Doping Code.

The Chilean athlete was found to have committed a violation of the prohibition against participation during Ineligibility, pursuant to IPC Anti-Doping Code Article 10.14.3.

The athlete had previously been sanctioned by the IPC with a two-year period of ineligibility starting on 4 August 2021 and ending on 3 August 2023. This resulted from an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) in respect of an adverse analytical finding for methylhexanamine (a specified stimulant listed in class S6 of the World Ant-Doping Code Prohibited List).

The athlete violated her period of ineligibility by competing in the women’s up to 79 kg competition at the 2023 Rancagua Invitational Para Powerlifting Cup held between 2-4 August 2023. More specifically, she participated in the weigh-in process, which took place on the final day of her period of Ineligibility (3 August 2023). Under the World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) Rules and Regulations (sport technical rules), the weigh-in process forms part of the competition.

Prior to participating in the competition, the athlete (through her NPC) had contacted WPPO to check her eligibility to compete. She was provided with an erroneous response confirming her eligibility to compete, without consideration of the weigh-in process.

The athlete cooperated fully with the IPC’s investigation and accepted she had breached the IPC Anti-Doping Code, having relied on the erroneous information provided to her by WPPO.

In these specific circumstances, the IPC deemed that the athlete bore little or no fault for her violation. Having considered all the circumstances of this case, the IPC proposed a reprimand and no additional period of ineligibility as a consequence of the ineligibility violation.

The results obtained by the athlete in the women’s up to 79 kg competition at the 2023 Rancagua Invitational Para Powerlifting Cup were also disqualified, with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

The athlete accepted the consequences proposed by the IPC.

This case highlights the potential challenges for anti-doping organisations, National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), National Federations (NFs) and athletes in navigating a return to competition close to the end of an athlete’s period of Ineligibility.

Athletes are reminded that the prohibition against participation during Ineligibility or provisional suspension contained in IPC Anti-Doping Code Article 10.14.1. is very broad, and prohibits athletes from participating in any capacity in any competition or activity (other than authorised anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs) authorised or organised by any relevant organisation, including but not limited to the IPC, international federations, NPCs and NFs.

NPCs and NFs are encouraged to check in advance whether suspended athletes who are reaching the end of their period of Ineligibility will be permitted to attend a specific competition or carry out any other specific activity.

As a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code (the WADC), the IPC remains committed to a doping-free sporting environment at all levels. The IPC has established the IPC Anti-Doping Code in compliance with the general principles of the WADC, including the WADC International Standards, expecting that, in the spirit of sport, it will lead the fight against doping in sport for athletes with an impairment.

Public Statement on Sanction Outcome for Roheen “Goon”

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) announces the conclusion of an investigation into the conduct of Roheen “Goon” during his participation in a CS2 tournament. Our investigation confirmed Mr. Roheen’s engagement in prohibited betting activities on the tournament events in which he was a participant, a clear violation of the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code.

Key findings from the investigation include evidence from live game footage and verified screenshots of communications with betting operators, which substantiate that Mr. Roheen placed bets on the tournament. His engagement in these activities and subsequent failure to report these activities to ESIC constituted a breach of our Anti-Corruption Code, specifically under items 2.2.1 and 2.4.5.

Given the serious nature of these breaches, ESIC has imposed a Rejection Order against Mr. Roheen “Goon,” effective for a period of nine months starting from 3 April 2024 to 3 January 2025. This sanction, represents a penalty for a reduced period of nine months due to Mr. Roheen’s early plea and responsive measures in removing his bets on the events which form the substance of the sanction.

During this period, Mr. Roheen is prohibited from participating in ESIC member tournaments. The decision to impose this sanction reflects ESIC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of esports competitions and upholding the highest standards of conduct.

ESIC remains dedicated to ensuring fair play and the ethical conduct of all participants in esports events. We will continue to enforce strict compliance with our Anti-Corruption Code to protect the integrity of the esports industry.

EFL Statement: FA Cup Replays

The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). 

The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.  Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL Clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.  

In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with Clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions. As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.

This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its Clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.  

The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our Clubs.

A separate issue is the role of the EFL representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB) in agreeing to the 2024/25 overall fixture calendar. PGB is there to make technical decisions across the game as opposed to key policy decisions such as competition changes or formats.

Any decisions taken on the calendar involving EFL representatives are in no way an endorsement of the joint deal agreed between the FA and Premier League that imposes changes to the FA Cup competition format in isolation.

As part of the discussions the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that Clubs would be comfortable with no replays. They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented. It is also important to note that this matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, a separate group that oversees the competition across the professional and national game.

Powerlifting Athlete William Porter Receives Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that William Porter of New Braunfels, Texas, an athlete in the sport of powerlifting, has received a two-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.

“This case demonstrates the importance of Powerlifting America’s commitment to a robust anti-doping program with USADA, and the need to safeguard both athletes and the sport,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “The program will give athletes the knowledge and tools they need to compete clean, while also ensuring that those who choose to use performance-enhancing substances to get a competitive advantage are held accountable.”

Porter, 38, tested positive for an anabolic agent as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected on January 27, 2024 at the 2024 Powerlifting America Bench Press National Championships, where he declared the use of testosterone during sample collection. USADA was contracted by event organizers to conduct testing and results management for the event and collected Porter’s sample in accordance with the WADA International Standard for Testing.

Porter’s urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test known as Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), which is capable of measuring the carbon isotope ratio of urinary steroids and confirming their synthetic origin—in this case, testosterone or its precursors. IRMS is a powerful tool that unequivocally differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and AAS of synthetic origin. Anabolic agents like testosterone have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors.

All AAS are Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and are prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Powerlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

After investigating, USADA determined that Porter was taking testosterone at the direction of a physician but lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic medical condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Although the substance was taken at the direction of a physician, Porter chose not to pursue a TUE. Under the applicable rules, Porter was eligible for a reduction from the default period of ineligibility based on the specific circumstances of his case.

Porter’s two-year period of ineligibility began on February 16, 2024, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Porter has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and after January 27, 2024, the date of his positive test, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

Italian tennis official suspended

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm that Italian tennis official Antonio Casa has been suspended from the sport for a period of seven years and six months following breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).

Casa, a national-level official, admitted to seven breaches of the TACP, including attempting to commit a Corruption Offense, manipulation of match scoring for betting purposes, and facilitation of betting.

Casa, who has officiated at ITF $15K and $25K events and served as a line judge at ATP Challenger level, co-operated fully with the ITIA investigation and waived their right to a hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer. Casa has also been fined $25,001, of which $17,001 is suspended. The official’s agreed sanction began on 28 March 2024 and will end at midnight on 27 September 2031.

During the suspension, Casa is prohibited from officiating at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA).

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.

Premier League statement on Semi-Automated Offside Technology

At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today, clubs unanimously agreed to the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology. 

The new system will be used for the first time in the Premier League next season, and it is anticipated the technology will be ready to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks.

The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters. 

Weightlifting Athlete Ruben Martinez Jr. Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Ruben Martinez Jr. of Austin, Texas, an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.

Martinez, 29, tested positive for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Carboxy-THC), a urinary metabolite of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish—above the urinary Decision Limit as the result of a sample collected in-competition at the North American Open Series 1 & National University Championships on March 2, 2024.

Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are Specified Substances in the class of Cannabinoids and are prohibited in competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

Under the 2021 Code, THC is classified under a special category, “Substances of Abuse,” that allows for a reduced three-month sanction if the athlete establishes that their use of the substance occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. The sanction may be further reduced to one month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a treatment program approved by USADA.

Martinez qualified for a reduced sanction because his use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. Martinez accepted a three-month period of ineligibility that began on March 18, 2024, the date he was provisionally suspended. In addition, Martinez has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and after March 2, 2024, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

WADA seeks input on each year’s updated version of the Prohibited List. USADA has advocated and will continue to advocate to WADA, the rule maker, to treat marijuana in a fairer and more effective way to identify true in-competition use.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.

In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.

USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.

Peruvian tournament director fined

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm that former tennis player and Peruvian tournament director and Davis Cup captain Luis Horna has accepted a sanction for breaching tennis’ betting sponsorship rules. Horna co-operated fully with the investigation and did not contest the charge. 
 
As a tournament director and team captain, Horna is considered a “covered person”, who must comply with the sport’s rules around relationships with betting operators. 
 
The Tennis Anti-Corruption Program rules state that: “No Covered Person shall directly or indirectly, facilitate, encourage and/or promote Tennis Betting (‘Facilitation’).” In 2023, Horna entered into a contract with a betting operator to provide professional services and promote tennis betting. Upon receiving contact from the ITIA, Horna expressed remorse, withdrew from the arrangement and deleted all promotional material related to the betting brand.

There is no suggestion of any corrupt behaviour linked to the rule violation, and the ITIA accepted that the violation was inadvertent. As such, Horna has been issued a six-month suspended ban and fined $10,000. The suspension will not come into force unless there is a further breach of the rules during the six-month period, which began on 5 April 2024. 

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.  

39 Essex Chambers announced as Silver Sponsors for the 5th Edition of LawInSport’s Sports Law Arbitration Moot

Ahead of the Grand Finals, we are delighted to announce 39 Essex Chambers as a Silver Sponsor for the 5th edition of the global Sports Law Arbitration Moot (SLAM) competition. The SLAM Grand Finals of the competition will take place on 12-13 April 2024 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The SLAM is a student moot competition, organised to promote greater knowledge of the values and rules of international sports arbitration, the go to dispute resolution mechanism in the sector.

SLAM provides students from around the world the opportunity to:

1. Develop and showcase their legal and advocacy skills before the world’s leading arbitrators and practitioners virtually and in-person;
2. Gain real world experience of international sports arbitration under the leading procedural rules;
3. Receive complimentary training on drafting written submissions and advocacy from some of the world’s leading advocates and arbitrators in world sport.

Students compete for the chance to win:

• £1500 for the winners of the competition
• £1000 for the runners-up of the competition

Peter Campbell, Director of Clerking, at 39 Essex Chambers said “It is always a pleasure to be part of SLAM.  Not only does the event offer the opportunity for sports lawyers to meet and discuss the sector, watching the burgeoning talent on the horizon makes it all the more special.”

Sean Cottrell, CEO at LawInSport added “We are delighted to have 39 Essex Chambers on board as sponsors for SLAM. Their support allows us to remove financial barriers for deserving students, ensuring a truly diverse and talented pool of participants. By investing in this competition, we're investing in the future of sports law, and we're thrilled to have 39 Essex Chambers join us on this journey."

About SLAM 

SLAM welcomes legal students from all over the world and strives to be diverse in its student and judging base. Deserving students are provided with financial assistance for both the registration fee and the costs of appearing in the in-person rounds of the competition (if they advance), where there is demonstrated financial need, to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from receiving the exposure to sports law through the competition.

SLAM is a non-for-profit initiative that brings together people from around the world to support and provide opportunities for students to connect, gain valuable experience that will help them in their career in law and sport. SLAM has seen:

• 120 teams from 20+ countries entering the competition
• 80+ teams have benefited from receiving written submission and oral advocacy training from leading advocates and arbitrators.  
• 80+ CAS Arbitrators & 100+ advocates, from 20 countries, have volunteered their time and expertise to help judged the written submissions. 23 CAS arbitrators judged the oral rounds (which were all judged solely by CAS arbitrators

For more information on the competition, please visit here or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information on sponsoring SLAM, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

About 39 Essex Chambers

In the sports law sector members of 39 Essex Chambers offer a full service, multi-disciplinary approach, with expertise in commercial contracts, service agreements, image rights, intellectual property, competition law, state aid, insurance coverage, governance, disciplinary, licensing, gaming, tax, VAT, planning, stadium construction and safety, immigration, anti-doping, selection and eligibility, judicial review and safeguarding. When required, members are able to call on their commercial experience in dealing with fraud and corruption issues.

Members act for domestic and international sport governing bodies, clubs, owners, agents, sportspersons, employees, other participants, sponsors, corporates, commercial contracting parties, insurers, policyholders and educational institutions.

Recently members of chambers have been involved in some of the most high-profile sports arbitrations. Their recent feat of having 20 (re) appointments to the Sports Resolutions Panel demonstrates the breadth and size of our sports team.  

For more information on 39 Essex Chambers, please visit here.

About LawInSport

LawInSport is the world leading sports law knowledge hub and global community that provides practically focused expert analysis and commentary on the latest legal developments in sport. LawInSport collaborates with our community of over 30,000 lawyers, sports executives, sports administrators, athletes, coaches, academics and students and their organisations helping them to “understand the rules of the game”™

LawAccord at SportAccord Conference 2024

We are excited to announce our participation and support in the upcoming LawAccord Conference, taking place at SportAccord on 9 April 2024, in Birmingham, UK. This conference marks a pivotal occasion where leading legal experts and international sports federations come together for a day dedicated to invaluable insights, engaging debates, and in-depth discussions.

With representatives from 40 key international sports federations, this conference will feature prominent speakers from the sports and legal industry, ensuring a varied and comprehensive range of perspectives. Don’t miss an interview with our CEO Sean Cottrell and Matthieu Reeb, Director General, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), focusing on annual updates from CAS.

With a variety of organisations and leading legal experts set to attend, this is an ideal networking and learning opportunity. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Speakers

On the day, we'll hear from notable speakers in the sports and legal industry, ensuring a diverse mix of viewpoints, valuable insights, lively debates, and thorough discussions.

Speakers include:

• Emilio Garcia, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, FIFA
• Alexandra Gómez Bruinewoud, Senior Legal Counsel, FIFPRO
• Matthew Graham, Interim Executive Director, World Players Association
• Áine Power, Deputy Legal Director, FEI
• David Casserly SC, Barrister, Head of Sports Law, Kellerhals Carrard
• Michael B. Lenard OLY, ICAS Vice President
• Simon Geinoz, Case Manager, Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF)
• Tanja Haug, Board Member, Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU)
• Julia Lowis, Legal Counsel, International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)
• Huw Roberts, Head of Case Management, Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU)
• Jean-Pierre Morand, Partner, Kellerhals Carrard
• Vincent Jäggi, Partner, Kellerhals Carrard
• Christophe Rapin, Partner, Kellerhals Carrard
• Sean Cottrell, Founder and CEO, LawInSport
• Matthieu Reeb, Director General, CAS
• Dr Leanne O’Leary, CAS Arbitrator
• Ross Wenzel, General Counsel, WADA
• James Drake KC, 7 King’s Bench Walk
• Brent Nowicki, Executive Director, World Aquatics
• Dr Seema Patel, Nottingham Law School; author of Inclusion and Exclusion in Competitive Sport, Socio-Legal and Regulatory Perspectives
• Prof. Yannis Pitsiladis, Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, IOC Medical and Scientific Commission Member
• Jonathan Taylor KC, Partner, Bird & Bird
• Andreas Zagklis, Secretary General, FIBA
• Louise Reilly BL, Barrister, Kellerhals Carrard

Agenda

09:30-16:20 Opening Remarks (5 min)

David Casserly SC, Barrister, Head of Sports Law, Kellerhals Carrard

09:35-10:25 ROUNDTABLE 1: Benefits and challenges of independent integrity units in international sport (50 min)

Moderator: Michael B. Lenard OLY, ICAS Vice President

• Simon Geinoz, Case Manager, Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF)
• Tanja Haug, Board Member, Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU)
• Julia Lowis, Legal Counsel, International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)
• Huw Roberts, Head of Case Management, Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU)

10:25-11:05 Practical consequences for international sport of the recent decisions of the European Court of Justice: legal update from Kellerhals Carrard (40 min)

Moderator: Jean-Pierre Morand, Partner, Kellerhals Carrard

• Vincent Jäggi, Partner, Kellerhals Carrard
• Christophe Rapin, Partner, Kellerhals Carrard

11:05-11:30 - COFFEE

11:30-12:10 - Court of Arbitration for Sport – Annual Report (40 min)

Moderator: Sean Cottrell, Founder and CEO, LawInSport

Annual presentation and Q&A with Matthieu Reeb, Director General, CAS

12:10-13:10 - LUNCH – Exhibition Hall

13:10-13:50 - World Anti-Doping Agency – Annual Report (40 min)

Moderator: Dr Leanne O’Leary, CAS Arbitrator

Annual presentation and Q&A with Ross Wenzel, General Counsel, WADA

13:50-14:50 ROUNDTABLE 2: Examining the implementation and development of rules for transgender athletes in International Federations (60 min)

Moderator: James Drake KC, 7 King’s Bench Walk

• Brent Nowicki, Executive Director, World Aquatics
• Dr Seema Patel, Nottingham Law School; author of Inclusion and Exclusion in Competitive Sport, Socio-Legal and Regulatory Perspectives
• Prof. Yannis Pitsiladis, Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, IOC Medical and Scientific Commission Member
• Jonathan Taylor KC, Partner, Bird & Bird

14:50-15:15 - COFFEE

15:15-16:15 - ROUNDTABLE 3: Integrating the athlete’s voice in sports governance exploring internal and external models of athlete representation (60 min)

Moderator: Andreas Zagklis, Secretary General, FIBA

• Emilio Garcia, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, FIFA
• Alexandra Gómez Bruinewoud, Senior Legal Counsel, FIFPRO
• Matthew Graham, Interim Executive Director, World Players Association
• Áine Power, Deputy Legal Director, FEI

16:15-16:20 - Closing Remarks (5 min)

Louise Reilly BL, Barrister, Kellerhals Carrard

Date, Time and Location

Date: 09 April 2024

Time: 9:00-16:30

Location: SportAccord, Birmingham, UK.

Tickets

The LawAccord Conference at SportAccord is fast approaching, on 9 April 2024, in Birmingham, UK. Therefore, the registration deadline is getting closer, so don't miss your chance to join us and many others at this unique learning and networking event.

Tickets and further information on LawAccord at SportAccord is available here.

Organisations Attending

• 160over90
• 2AC International
• 7 King's Bench Walk
• Access All Areas
• ACTIVE TRAVEL ENGLAND
• Africa For Hope Sweden Radio
• Afro plug television
• AIMS
• AISTS
• Albachiara International Srl
• Altman Solon
• Archery GB
• Arup
• Arup - Birmingham
• ASOCIACIÓN DE CONFEDERACIONES DEPORTIVAS PANAMERICANAS - ACODEPA
• ASOIF
• International Golf Federation
• Aston University
• Atlanta Falcons
• Badminton England
• BBC Midlands Today
• BDO LLP
• Beijing Olympic City Development Association
• Biathlon Integrity Unit
• Bird & Bird LLP
• Birmingham City Council
• Birmingham City University
• Bornan Sports Technology
• British Biathlon
• British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association
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Sandro Tonali Charged With Alleged Betting Breaches

Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.

It’s alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August 2023 and 12 October 2023.

Sandro Tonali has until 5 April 2024 to respond.

Nottingham Forest and Steven Reid Sanctioned

An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Nottingham Forest and Steven Reid following their Premier League game against Liverpool on Saturday 2 March.

The club admitted that it failed to ensure its players and technical area occupants did not behave in an improper way after the final whistle. The independent Regulatory Commission imposed a £75,000 fine following a subsequent hearing.
 
The coach admitted that his language towards a match official which led to him being sent off was abusive and insulting. Steven Reid denied that he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official after being sent off. The independent Regulatory Commission found the second charge to be proven, and it imposed a two-match extended touchline suspension and £5,000 fine following the hearing. 

The independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions can be seen here.

Tennis player from Kazakhstan provisionally suspended

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that Arslanbek Aitkulov, a 20-year-old tennis player from Kazakhstan, has been provisionally suspended under Article 7.12.1 of the 2024 Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).   
 
The ITIA sent the player a pre-charge notice of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation on 14 March 2024 under Article 2.1 of the TADP (presence of a Prohibited Substance in a Player’s Sample) and/or Article 2.2 (Use of a Prohibited Substance without a valid TUE). 

Aitkulov, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 1250 in November 2023, provided a sample while competing at an ITF M15 event in Doha, Qatar, in January 2024. The sample was split into A and B samples and the subsequent analysis found that the A sample contained a metabolite of LGD-4033 (a SARM) and 5-Methylhexan-2-amine, both of which are prohibited under the TADP, in the categories of Anabolic Agents (section S1.2) and Stimulants (section S6.B), respectively, of the 2024 Prohibited List.  
 
LGD-4033 is a non-Specified Substance and 5-Methylhexan-2-amine is a Specified Substance. Adverse Analytical Findings for non-Specified Substances carry a mandatory provisional suspension – in Aitkulov’s case, this is effective from 23 March 2024. 
 
While provisionally suspended, Aitkulov is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.   

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.