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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Develop and showcase their legal and advocacy skills before the world’s leading arbitrators and practitioners virtually and in-person;
- Gain real world experience of international sports arbitration under the leading procedural rules;
- 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”™
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
- British Cycling
- British Equestrian
- British Mountaineering Council
- British Olympic Association
- British Triathlon
- British Weelchair Basketball
- British Wheelchair Basketbaal
- British Wrestling
- Canadian Olympic Committee
- CAS/TAS
- Centre for Sport and Human Rights
- CISM
- City of London Corporation
- City of Rotterdam
- City of Stockholm
- City of Turku
- ClicknClear
- CMAS - World Underwater Federation
- COMITE NATIONAL OLYMPIQUE ET SPORTIF DE GUINEE
- Concord Times Newspaper & Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone
- Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
- Coventry City Council
- Cruxludi Ltd
- CSM Sport & Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
- Daylight Ltd
- Deloitte
- Deltatre SPA
- Dizplai
- Dokkroyalradio media
- Earls Media Ltd
- ecotricity
- Edge Hill University
- EDM Publications / Sporting Goods Intelligence Europe
- EFM Global Logistics
- Epic Games, Inc.
- ESL FACEIT GROUP
- ESL Pro League
- European Para Championships Management
- European Tour group
- Everton Football Club
- Expo TV for FICTS Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs
- Fédération Equestre Internationale
- Federation International Football Skating
- Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile FIA
- FIFA
- FIFPRO
- Freemans Event Partners
- Freight Minds Limited
- G2 Esports
- Gateway Sports & Entertainment
- Geo Tv
- Gestione Cittadella srl
- Getty Images
- Ghanatodayonline.com
- Girdion FF
- Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA)
- Global Esports Federation
- Global Sustainable Sport
- Göteborg & Co
- Gramercy Global Media, Inc.
- Great Big Events
- Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Limited
- Greater Orlando Sports Commission
- Gymnastics Ethics Foundation
- H&A Media
- Haqiqi News
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Howden Insurance Brokers
- Howden Insurance brokers Limited
- IAEH / City of Tampere
- IAPS, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- ICARUS Sports (IKAROS ANTIAS P.C.)
- IMMAF
- In Touch Productions
- Incognitus
- InCrowd
- inDrive
- Innovation Norway
- Institute of Sport, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences
- International Aikido Federation
- International Canoe Federation
- International Cheer Union
- International Dart Federation
- INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SPORT CLIMBING - IFSC
- International Functional Fitness Federation
- International Jump Rope Union
- International Kurash Association
- International Music Sport Committee
- International Sport For All Federation
- International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)
- International Throwball Federation
- International Working Group on Women & Sport
- IPSEM Squared
- IRIS Sport
- isportlaw - sports law firm
- ITF
- ITIA
- ITS GmbH
- Japan Sport Council
- JAPAN SPORT TOURISM ALLIANCE
- JET SET SPORTS
- JIJI PRESS
- Jockey Club
- JORDAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
- JP Media Training
- JPC
- JT Design
- JTA
- Kai Tak Sports Park Limited
- KC Chiefs
- Kellerhals Carrard
- Kellerhals-Carrard Lausanne Sion SA
- Kick It Out
- Kosovo Olympic Committee
- Kyodo News
- Lacher Consulting
- Lebensraum Tirol Holding
- Libra Law
- Like
- Loughborough University
- M.A. Olympic Studies at the German Sport University Cologne
- m.i.h major events limited
- Magnifi
- Major Events International
- Making It Happen (MiH)
- MARSH
- Marylebone Cricket Club
- Media 24 [www.sports24ghana.com]
- MGM Resorts International
- MH3 Collective
- MIH Major Events ltd
- Mode 13 Ltd
- MOMENTUS TECHNOLOGIES (FORMERLY UNGERBOECK)
- Municipality of The Hague
- National Sports Agency of Hungary
- NEC Group
- Nepali Post
- New Jersey Devils
- Nick Powell Video
- Nigeria Travel News
- Odgers Berndtson
- Onside Law LLP
- Oslofjord Convention Center
- 2 ATTENDEES’ LIST (26 March 2024)
- Otecfmghana.com / OTEC Fm
- Ottawa Tourism
- Ove Arup & Partners Limited
- Paddle UK ( formerly British Canoeing)
- Parkdale Amber Pty Ltd
- Pentathlon Gb
- Podium Analytics
- Police LKA Berlin
- Polish Yachting Association
- Power of People
- Progress Productions
- Project RED-S
- PROPROJEKT Planungsmanagement & Projektberatung GmbH
- Protocol Sports Marketing
- QTV
- Quality Media Producciones
- Quantum Consultancy
- Quest Global Ltd
- R&A Group Services LTD
- Ringier Axel Springer / Pentagon Research
- Rino rugby club
- Rotterdam Topsport
- Royal Yachting Association
- RYA
- SEL Sport & Events Logistics
- Signify Group
- Skateboard GB
- SKIDATA HQ
- Sky News
- Soccernet
- Sponsorship Link LTD
- SportAccord
- Sport Event Management Finland
- Sport Hosting Vancouver
- Sport Intern
- SPORTALL
- SPORTEL
- SPORTFIVE - Event Knowledge Services
- Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago
- Sports Events Montréal
- Sports Forward GmbH
- Sports Preview
- SportsLink Travel
- SportsNation Magazine
- SportsTech Match
- Squash Player Magazine
- Squire Patton boggs
- Stockholm Business Region
- Sustainable Venue Solutions
- Swedish Olympic Committee
- Swiss Timing Ltd
- Taiwan SME Association
- Taiwan Sports Administration
- Team You Development Ltd
- TFIR
- The Australian
- THE INQUISITOR
- The Sports Company of Trinidad & Tobago
- The Sports Consultancy
- The Sun
- The Toffee Crumble Collective
- Thom Bartley LTD
- Tiparra
- TMS / TMS Global
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government
- Touch Football Australia
- Tourism Calgary
- Transport for West Midlands
- Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee
- Trivandi
- Trivandi Limited
- TURKISH SWIMMING FEDERATION
- Two Circles
- UEFA
- UK Sport
- Umbrella
- Union Cycliste Internationale
- United By 2022 Legacy Charity
- United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee
- Universal Gemini Enterprise
- University of Oxford
- University of Salford, Manchester
- Unofficial Partner
- Uzbekistan Kurash Federation
- Visit Victoria
- WADA
- Walsall Council
- Warner Communications
- Warwickshire County Cricket Club
- Wasserman Rights
- Weber Shandwick
- Welsh Government
- West Midlands Growth Company Limited
- World Bowls
- World Kettlebell Sport Organization
- World Sailing
- World Taekwondo
- www.iventis.com
- Yotomi Media Telifisan
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.
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.
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.
Nottingham Forest Football Club has appealed the decision of an independent Commission to impose a four-point deduction on the club, after its admission of a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
The club lodged the appeal to the Chair of the Judicial Panel today, who will now appoint an Appeal Board to hear the case.
Supporting documents for legislation which introduces an independent regulator for professional clubs in the English football pyramid.
Impact assessment: Regulation of English men’s professional football
ECHR memorandum
Fact sheet - overview
Fact sheet - the Independent Football Regulator (IFR)
Fact sheet - licensing regime
Fact sheet - owners and directors of regulated clubs
Fact sheet - duties on clubs and competition organisers
Fact sheet - financial distribution backstop mechanism
Fact sheet - investigations, enforcement, and appeals
The Football Governance Bill - Regulation of English men’s professional football: RPC Opinion (Green rated)
Details
The Football Governance Bill will establish an Independent Football Regulator (IFR) with the primary purpose of ensuring that English football is sustainable and resilient for the benefit of fans and the local communities football clubs service.
The Bill delivers on the government’s longstanding commitment to support, promote and protect the national game. In 2019, the government committed to a Fan-Led Review of Football Governance in its manifesto. This was carried out in 2021 by Tracey Crouch CBE MP, and recommended that an independent regulator be established on a statutory footing.
In February 2023 the government published its plans for reform in the white paper ‘A sustainable future: reforming club football governance’. There was a targeted consultation on these proposals, which invited comments from a range of stakeholders, including all 116 football clubs in the top 5 tiers of English football, the relevant leagues and existing footballing bodies, fan groups, legal experts, industry experts, leading academics, and civil society organisations.
The government’s response to the consultation was published on 7 September 2023.
The Impact Assessment has been reviewed by the Regulatory Policy Committee and assessed as fit for purpose.
The Premier League has today referred Leicester City FC to an independent Commission for an alleged breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) and for failing to submit their audited financial accounts to the League.
The alleged breach relates to the assessment period ending Season 2022/23, when the club was a member of the Premier League.
Leicester City were relegated to the EFL Championship prior to the introduction of the Premier League’s new Standard Directions, which prescribe a timeline within which PSR cases should be heard. Therefore, the proceedings will be conducted in accordance with a timetable to be set by the independent Commission, and its final decision will be published on the Premier League’s website.
The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in a human doping case.
This case involves an adverse analytical finding for the prohibited substances listed in Class S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids, of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List 2022.
A sample taken from the Polish Dressage athlete Katarzyna Milczarek (FEI ID 10003275) on 7 August 2022, during the FEI World Championships held in Herning (DEN), returned positive for Testosterone and metabolites. The athlete was notified of the violation of the FEI’s Anti-Doping Rules for Human Athletes (ADRHA) and provisionally suspended on 27 September 2022.
In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal decided to suspend the athlete for a period of 16-months, commencing from the date of the Operative Decision, for the violation of article 2.1 of the ADRHA – presence of a prohibited substance in the athlete’s sample. The Provisional Suspension already served, was credited against the imposed ineligibility period and accordingly the suspension was lifted on 26 January 2024. Additionally, all results obtained by the athlete at the FEI World Championships as well as all results obtained by the athlete as of the sample collection date until the imposition of provisional suspension were disqualified.
The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decision.
The FEI Tribunal’s Final Decision is available here.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by Italian racewalker Alex Schwazer against the decision taken by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of World Athletics (WA) on 10 November 2023 (the Challenged Decision) in which his application, pursuant to Rule 10.7.1 (a) of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (WA ADR), to suspend the eightyear period of ineligibility,starting from 11 August 2016, imposed on him for hissecond doping offence was rejected.
WA denied the Athlete’s “Substantial Assistance Application” following the negative assessment issued by the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) in relation to this matter.
The Challenged Decision is confirmed, and the period of ineligibility imposed on Alex Schwazer remains in force.
Rule 10.7.1 (a) of the WA ADR enables athletes serving a period of ineligibility to apply for the suspension of part of such period upon provision of substantial assistance in discovering or establishing other anti-doping rule violations.
The CAS Panel has issued the operative part of its decision. The reasoned award will be notified to the parties in due course and published by CAS unless the parties request confidentiality.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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:
- Develop and showcase their legal and advocacy skills before the world’s leading arbitrators and practitioners virtually and in-person;
- Gain real world experience of international sports arbitration under the leading procedural rules;
- 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”™
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 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.
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.
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.
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..
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8,816 tests completed in the 2023 calendar year by UKAD
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Football, rugby union, rugby league, boxing, athletics and cricket were the most tested sports
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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.
The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in a case involving a Prohibited Substance.
In this case, the horse Chaman Ginn (FEI ID 106DF41/ARG), ridden by Juan Benitez Gallardo (FEI ID 10105043/ARG), at the CCI4*-S in Quillota (LTU) 8-12 December 2023, tested positive for the prohibited substance O-Desmethylvenlafaxine.
The athlete was able to trace the probable source of the Banned Substance in the horse’s system back to human cross-contamination caused by his support personnel, who urinated in the box of the horse while being on medication, which was very likely to account for the positive sample.
In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal accepted the agreement reached between the FEI and the athlete, according to which the athlete had clearly established on a balance of probabilities, how the Banned Substance 0- Desmethylvenlafaxine entered the Horse’s system. Therefore, the period of ineligibility imposed on the athlete shall be eliminated. The athlete will also not incur any fines, however the results obtained at the event remain disqualified.
The full Decision is available here.
Following a hard-fought round, the Regional Oral Final of the Sports Law Arbitration Moot (“SLAM 2024”) competition witnessed exemplary performances from all 16 participating teams. Competing amidst a pool of 50 other teams, these remarkable students showcased exceptional skill and dedication to secure their positions in the last 8, earning the opportunity to present their cases in an in-person hearing at the esteemed Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”), in front of leading sports lawyers, sports executives and judges.
The SLAM 2024 organising committee extends their appreciation to every team that participated in this highly competitive round. Each team, regardless of the outcome, demonstrated outstanding skills and commitment, contributing to the vibrant spirit of the competition.
A special acknowledgment goes out to the teams that narrowly missed the top 8, recognising their commendable efforts in presenting their arguments.
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.
These teams, representing prestigious universities from around the world, have showcased exceptional talent and determination throughout the competition.
The universities whose teams have advanced to the in-person quarter-finals are:
- University of Ghent (Belgium)
- 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)
In recognition of their outstanding achievements, the winning team will receive a prize of £1,500, with £1,000 awarded to the runners-up.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the dedication of our esteemed panel of judges:
Additionally, the SLAM 2024 organising committee expresses gratitude to Charlie Kendrick (Paralegal at The Football Association & former LawInSport mentee), Chirayato Banerjee (Dual Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) & Judge) and Ian Laing (Associate at Lombardi Associates) for their invaluable contributions in helping to run the oral qualification rounds of the competition.
For updates on the competition's progress, we invite everyone to visit our announcement page and follow our social media channels:
We would also like to thank our sponsors for their support and commitment to the competition to help develop of the next generation of sports lawyers:
- Secretariat Advisors (Gold Sponsors)
- JAMS (Gold Sponsors)
- Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein (ASD Law) (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)
USADA announced today that Ilija Tadic, of South Bend, Ind., an athlete in the sport of para swimming, has accepted a two-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
Tadic, 25, tested positive for amphetamine as the result of an in-competition sample collected at the U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships on December 16, 2023. He also declared the use of this substance during sample collection. Amphetamine is a Non-Specified Substance in the class of stimulants and is prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the World Aquatics Doping Control Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
After investigating, USADA determined that Tadic was taking amphetamine 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, Tadic chose not to pursue a prospective TUE and did not meet the criteria for a retroactive TUE. Under the applicable rules, Tadic was eligible for a reduction from the default period of ineligibility based on the specific circumstances of his case.
Tadic’s two-year period of ineligibility began on February 22, 2024, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. Tadic has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to December 16, 2023, 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.
The Premier League will now study the Football Governance Bill, working closely with Government, parliamentarians and key stakeholders. We agree it is vital that football clubs are sustainable, remain at the heart of their communities and that fans are fundamental to the game.
The Government has consistently stated that it wishes to support the Premier League’s continued global success which generates funding to help sustain the entire football pyramid. With our clubs, we have advocated for a proportionate regime that enables us to build on our position as the most widely watched league in the world. Mindful that the future growth of the Premier League is not guaranteed, we remain concerned about any unintended consequences of legislation that could weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football.
The Premier League remains fully committed to delivering its world-leading funding to the wider game, through £1.6 billion distributed to all levels of football across the current three-year term. This significant investment will continue and includes longstanding contributions to EFL and National League clubs, as well as women and girls’ football, and the grassroots of the game.
A new white paper from the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) and McLaren Global Sport Solutions (MGSS) builds on expert perspectives and experiences shared during two international symposiums hosted in Toronto, Canada. The white paper, titled Competition Manipulation and Gambling: Threats to Canadian Sport, provides a summary of the 2023 Symposium on Competition Manipulation and Gambling in Sport, outlines five key recommendations to mitigate the risks of competition manipulation, and describes recent changes in the Canadian sport gambling landscape.
“Competition manipulation – or match fixing – is rising at an alarming rate globally, and Canada is not immune to this threat. Both regulated and illegal betting markets are being exploited by bad actors and criminal organizations, who often prey on vulnerable athletes in the process. Several Canadian sports have been shown to be at heightened risk and can be influenced from abroad, including offshore betting. The Toronto symposium brought together global experts and key Canadian stakeholders on this subject; the white paper is an outcome of this important consultation and provides several strategies and recommendations to protect the integrity of Canadian sport,” said Richard McLaren, CEO of MGSS.
Co-hosted by the CCES and MGSS in May 2023, the Symposium on Competition Manipulation and Gambling in Sport brought together more than 150 delegates from sectors including athletes, national, multi, and international sport, national and provincial governments, sport gambling operators and regulators, professional sport leagues, integrity units, and law enforcement agencies. With the introduction of single-event sport betting to the Canadian market in 2021, the increased likelihood of competition manipulation and other threats to sport integrity requires a coordinated response from all stakeholders.
“Competition manipulation is a real and present threat to sport integrity and this white paper provides a clear look at the comprehensive plans that other domestic and international organizations have successfully implemented to protect athletes and sporting events. It also reinforces the need for an independently administered harmonized Canadian competition manipulation policy that’s developed with athletes and adopted by all sports in Canada. The symposium and white paper both put a heavy emphasis on the need for a comprehensive education program to support a policy and protect sport, which the CCES has been providing to the sport community,” said Jeremy Luke, CCES president and CEO. “We appreciate everyone who shared their knowledge and lived experience during the symposium and support these initiatives and thank MGSS for their expertise and collaboration.”
Read about the 2023 Symposium and the five key recommendations, and download the white paper
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Develop and showcase their legal and advocacy skills before the world’s leading arbitrators and practitioners virtually and in-person;
- Gain real world experience of international sports arbitration under the leading procedural rules;
- Receive training on writing submissions and advocacy from some of the world’s leading advocates and arbitrators in world sport.
An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Sheffield United Football Club are to be deducted two points at the start of the next season the Club is in the EFL’s jurisdiction, with a further two points suspended until the end of that same season.
The sanction relates to the 2022/23 season, when the Club defaulted on a number of payments to other Clubs. These defaults cumulatively were in excess of 550 days.
The suspended points deduction will be activated if the Club defaults on any payment due to another Club under a transfer or compensation agreement for more than five business days from the due date for payment.
The Club has agreed to pay the EFL’s costs in the sum of £310,455.
The IDC’s Decision and written reasons are available to view on EFL.com.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- Cameroon player union SYNAFOC launched a campaign to urge clubs to pay salaries on time
- Only seven of the 19 top-tier teams are up to date with their payments
- Union’s president Geremie Njitap says Cameroon football can seriously advance if all parties collaborate to solve issue
Cameroon player union SYNAFOC has launched a campaign to urge clubs to respect player contracts and pay salaries in a timely manner. The union introduced a monthly tool, the barometer, that indicates which clubs are up to date with their payments.
“We need to put some pressure on the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) and the clubs, as they should help arrange that all clubs run their business professionally,” said SYNAFOC President Geremie Njitap.
“Unfortunately, we have been receiving more complaints from players about non-payment issues: they get neither their salaries nor their bonuses. This season the situation is much worse than in previous years, as the number of complaints have increased dramatically.”
Earlier this month, SYNAFOC introduced their barometer, which indicates the payment status at all clubs in the men’s top two divisions and the women’s top league.
This overview showed that only seven out of 19 MTN Elite One clubs have paid all salaries since the season kicked off in October 2023 (five months), and that seven clubs are at least four months behind with their payments. In MTN Elite Two, the situation is even worse: only two of the 16 clubs are complying with their duties, while seven have not paid their players for all five months.
Geremie and other SYNAFOC representatives have visited several clubs lately to offer players their support and to discuss the situation with the clubs’ leadership figures.
“When they try to explain their problems, clubs often say they don’t have the money, but mostly they are to blame for that,” said Geremie.
Clubs receive a significant part of their budgets from Fecafoot or the government. The FA has introduced a system that checks how clubs spend their funding, but most clubs still fail to comply with it. For example, clubs need to show evidence such as a bank payment statement to prove that players are getting paid. If they fail to prove that they have spent the first instalment of the FA’s fund properly, then clubs will not get the second instalment.
According to Geremie, a number of clubs are having serious issues with this procedure and then don’t receive all their money from the FA. “They will then use this as an excuse to not pay the players. However, the reality is that most of our clubs have to make crucial steps towards professionalisation – some don’t even have a bank account or a secretariat.”
SYNAFOC has turned to the FA with proposals that could improve the current situation, including how the federation could create a special way to allocate the money from the fund that they have blocked from the clubs directly to the players when clubs do not meet the criteria.
“Currently, the players are the ones suffering from the penalties imposed on the clubs. It is a vicious circle: their clubs don’t pay their salaries and therefore the clubs don’t receive extra money from the FA, which means that players will once again not get paid,” Geremie said.
Geremie is urging the leaders of clubs that are respecting player contracts to help raise the level of professionalism of the other teams in the country. “If we, the players, the clubs and Fecafoot get together and collaborate, then we can seriously advance football in Cameroon.”
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Italian tennis player Marco Bortolotti bore No Fault or Negligence for their Adverse Analytical Finding and is therefore not subject to any period of ineligibility.
On 4 October 2023, at an ATP Challenger event in Lisbon, Portugal, Bortolotti provided an in-competition urine sample, which contained the presence of a metabolite of clostebol. Clostebol is an anabolic agent prohibited at all times under Section S1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. Bortolotti, who reached a career-high world doubles ranking of 102 in January 2024, did not possess a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for clostebol.
On 2 February 2024, following laboratory analysis of the B sample, which confirmed the presence of clostebol, Bortolotti was charged with the commission of Anti-Doping Rule Violation(s) (ADRVs) under articles 2.1 and/or 2.2 of the TADP.
On 5 February 2024, Bortolotti accepted that clostebol was present in their sample, and therefore admitted to the ADRVs, but provided an explanation. The player asserted that they did not intend to cheat and did not knowingly ingest clostebol, providing evidence of involuntary contamination. As part of the investigation, the ITIA sought scientific advice from the WADA-accredited laboratory in Montreal, Canada, where the sample was analysed, for expert views on the plausibility of the player’s explanation.
The laboratory performed calculations based on Bortolotti’s exposure to the clostebol and the concentration detected in their sample and confirmed, based on scientific literature, that the player’s explanation was credible.
Given all the circumstances, and consideration of recent comparable case law, the ITIA accepted that the player established the source of the clostebol metabolite in their urine sample, and that they could not reasonably have been expected to take further precautions in relation to their exposure to a prohibited substance. In addition, no provisional suspension came into effect as a result of Bortolotti’s prompt explanation and timely validation from scientific experts.
In accordance with TADP Articles 9.1 and 10.1.2, Bortolotti’s results, prize money and ranking points from the Lisbon Challenger have been disqualified; however, as the player bore No Fault or Negligence, no subsequent results of the player will be disqualified.
The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.
The FEI Tribunal has issued a Decision confirming the terms of the Settlement Agreement reached by the parties in an equine doping case involving a Banned Substance.
In this case, the horse Kenlock Cadillac (FEI ID: 106JG79/AUS), ridden by Rebekah Italiano (FEI ID: 10065197/AUS), tested positive for the Banned Substance Warfarin following a doping control at the CCI4*-S-Ballarat VIC (AUS), 6-7 May 2023.
The FEI notified the athlete of the positive results for the Banned Substance on 4 September 2023 and, in accordance with the Equine Anti-Doping Rules, provisionally suspended the athlete from the date of the notification. The FEI also provisionally suspended the Horse for two months from that date.
The FEI Tribunal was satisfied that the athlete had established, on a balance of probabilities, that the source of the Prohibited Substance arose from a contamination of the Horse feed by rats and consequentlythe athlete bears No Significant Fault or Negligence for the rule violation. The athlete was sanctioned with a two-month Ineligibility Period, starting from the date of the Final Decision (the Provisional Suspension already served by the athlete was credited against the imposed Ineligibility Period). The results of both, the athlete and horse, obtained at the Event were disqualified. Furthermore, the athlete was also fined with 3’000 CHF and asked to bear the costs of 1000 CHF for the B sample analysis.
The full Decision is available here.
Historic legislation to reform the governance of men's elite football in England and put fans back at the heart of the game has been introduced in Parliament today.
- ‘Independent Football Regulator’ to be enshrined in law that will give fans a greater voice in the running of their clubs
- Regulator will promote financial sustainability and will have the ability to fine clubs up to 10% of turnover for non-compliance
- Breakaway closed-shop competitions such as the European Super League to be blocked under new legislation
- Regulator will implement strengthened owners’ and directors’ tests and be equipped with backstop powers to impose a ‘new deal’ on financial distributions
The Bill comes at a critical juncture for English football, following the attempted breakaway European Super League, and a series of high profile cases of clubs being financially mismanaged or collapsing entirely.
The legislation being introduced today goes further than the Government’s manifesto commitment, establishing the new ‘Independent Football Regulator’ (IFR) as a standalone body - independent of both Government and the football authorities.
The body will be equipped with robust powers revolving around three core objectives: to improve financial sustainability of clubs, ensure financial resilience across the leagues, and to safeguard the heritage of English football.
Under the Football Governance Bill, new owners and directors will face stronger tests to stop clubs falling into the wrong hands, and face the possibility of being removed and struck off from owning football clubs if they are found to be unsuitable.
The Bill also includes new backstop powers around financial distributions between the Premier League, the English Football League (EFL) and National League. These powers mean that if the leagues fail to agree on a new deal on financial distributions, then the backstop can be triggered to ensure a settlement is reached.
For the first time, clubs from the National League (Step One in the football pyramid) all the way to the Premier League will be licensed to compete in men’s elite football competitions in England. The proposed licensing regime will be proportionate to any problems, size and circumstances and involve a system of provisional and full licences, to give clubs time to transition.
It follows a number of issues in recent years including financial mismanagement, breakaway plans for the European Super League, and changes to club names, badges and colours against the wishes of fans.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
"Football has long been one of our greatest sources of national pride. Up and down the country, it brings people together in celebration or commiseration.
"But for too long some clubs have been abused by unscrupulous owners who get away with financial mismanagement, which at worst can lead to complete collapse – as we saw in the upsetting cases of Bury and Macclesfield Town.
"This Bill is a historic moment for football fans – it will make sure their voices are front and centre, prevent a breakaway league, protect the financial sustainability of clubs, and protect the heritage of our clubs big and small."
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
"Football is nothing without its fans. We are determined to put them back at the heart of the game, and ensure clubs as vital community assets continue to thrive.
"The new Independent Regulator of Football will set the game on a sustainable footing, strengthening clubs and the entire football pyramid for generations."
All clubs will be subject to new baseline requirements enshrined in legislation irrespective of licence status, such as protections against breakaway competitions and stadium relocations.
The provisional licence will require all clubs to meet some mandatory conditions as standard, including basic requirements on fan engagement, corporate governance and financial reporting.
The regulator will then apply additional bespoke licence conditions on clubs, as necessary, to ensure they meet the necessary standards for a full licence across three key areas: financial resources, non-financial resources (such as relevant systems, policies and personnel), and fan engagement.
Fan engagement is a central tenet of the Football Governance Bill and will ensure fans are put back at the heart of the game. As part of the licence, clubs will be required to consult their fans on key off-field decisions, such as club heritage and the club’s strategic direction.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:
"Football clubs are vital community assets and for far too long some fans have been taken for granted, and clubs lost to unscrupulous owners.
"Today’s Bill will pave the way for the creation of an Independent Football Regulator, ushering in greater protections to help clubs and their fans thrive over the long term."
Chair of the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance Tracey Crouch CBE MP said:
"Football fans can begin to breathe a sigh of relief in the knowledge that the next steps towards protecting the long term sustainability of the pyramid have now been taken.
"A significant amount of work has gone into this piece of legislation which will establish a truly independent force in football that will place fans and good governance at its heart."
Chief Executive of the Football Supporters Association Kevin Miles said:
"The FSA warmly welcomes the tabling of the Football Governance Bill arising from the 2021 Fan Led Review, and particularly its central proposal to introduce statutory independent regulation of the game.
"The regulator provides a means to intervene and stop clubs being run into the ground, protect the heritage of clubs, give supporters a much bigger voice in the running of the game, and prevent any chance of domestic clubs joining a breakaway European Super League.
"The regulator must be given the power to impose a financial settlement in the interests of the sustainability of the game as a whole. It is far too important to be left to the squabbling between the vested interests of the richest club owners."
In addition, today’s Football Governance Bill sets out further detail on how the IFR:
- will produce a periodic State of the Game report setting out an evidence-based analysis of any issues around financial sustainability and systemic resilience in English football.
- will assess all new owners and directors and be able to disqualify owners/officers, in the case of persistent and wilful non-compliance.
- will require clubs to meet licence conditions on fan engagement, where guidance for clubs will set out areas requiring fan consultation.
- will not be overly-interventionist and will adopt an advocacy first approach, but backed up by a broad suite of powers to investigate suspected non-compliance, compel information, and enforce if necessary.
- will have no input in on-field decisions and will act in a way that minimises any impact on sporting competitions.
The Football Governance Bill is the result of the Government’s commitment to deliver a fan-led review of football governance. Triggered after the attempted breakaway European Super League competition, the review sought to examine the industry in detail following the failure of at least 60 professional football clubs since the advent of the Premier League in 1992.
The key recommendation from the review chaired by Tracey Crouch MP was the introduction of an independent regulator of elite men’s football in England.
In parallel with the Bill’s introduction, the Government has today confirmed plans to stand up a shadow regulator that will be operational as the IFR is formally set up.
Decisions will be taken on the location of the IFR, the Chair of the regulator and other board members in the weeks and months ahead as the bill makes its passage through Parliament. This follows the appointment of the interim chief operating officer Martyn Henderson OBE in January, who will work with a team on the frameworks, policies and guidance required for the formation of the regulator.
English football remains a global success story and the Premier League is the envy of sporting competitions around the world. The Government remains fully behind its continued success.
Despite this success, the combined net debt of clubs in the Premier League and Championship had reached £5.9 billion by the end of the 2020/21 season. In the same season, the Championship reported a wage-to-revenue ratio average of 125 percent clearly demonstrating clubs were stretching themselves far beyond their means.
While our national game remains one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports, with clubs and leagues around the world modelling themselves on its success, the Government is today taking the necessary and targeted steps to ensure that continues for generations through the introduction of the independent football regulator.
