INFORM: Sports Law - Jan 2025
UPDATES:
FIFA Introduces Temporary Regulatory Framework for Player Transfers
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has introduced an interim regulatory framework for player transfers, effective January 1, 2025. This new framework addresses concerns raised by the European Union's Court of Justice (CJEU) regarding the legality of FIFA's existing transfer rules, particularly those limiting the free movement of players. The case that triggered this change involved former player Lassana Diarra, who in 2014 terminated his contract with Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow and sought to join Belgian club Charleroi. FIFA blocked his move by refusing to sign his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), citing joint liability for compensation, a decision later deemed unlawful by the CJEU.
NDTL Receives WADA Approval to Manage Athlete Biological Passport
On December 6, 2024, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) granted approval to the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi as an Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) to manage the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP). The ABP is a critical anti-doping tool that tracks an athlete's biological markers, such as blood and steroid profiles, over time to detect doping and ensure fair competition.
Chess to be Included at the Esports World Cup 2025
Chess will make its debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as announced by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and Chess.com. The partnership includes appointing world-renowned chess player Magnus Carlsen as the global ambassador and integrating the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) as the primary qualification pathway.
Ongoing Discord Between IOA and IGU Persists
The Union sports ministry has backed the Brijender Singh-led group, while the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has backed the Harish Shetty-led group in the Indian Golf Union (IGU) elections. The IGU and IOA were earlier in conflict over the appointment of a Returning Officer (RO) for the IGU elections, scheduled for December 15, 2024. Consequently, two parallel elections were conducted at different venues with separate ROs for the IGU’s Governing Council.?
Virat Kohli Penalised for Sam Konstas Shoulder Incident
During the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, Virat Kohli was penalised for a shoulder barge against Australian player Sam Konstas, violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct under Article 2.12, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point on his disciplinary record.
No Decision on Sinner Doping Case Before New Year—WADA
The doping case involving tennis star Jannik Sinner will not be resolved by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) before the end of the year, confirmed the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Sinner, the Italian world number one, tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March but was initially exonerated by an independent tribunal in August, which found no fault or negligence. The tribunal accepted Sinner's explanation that the substance entered his system via a spray used by his physiotherapist.
FIA President to Oversee Ethics Complaints
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has approved changes to its statutes, revising the governance of its Audit and Ethics Committees to enhance transparency and governance in motorsport, including Formula 1. Under the new structure, the FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, now holds direct authority over ethics complaints, particularly those concerning conflicts of interest, unethical behavior, or code of ethics violations.
Wimbledon Pursues Legal Action to Safeguard Expansion Plans
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), host of the Wimbledon Championships, has initiated legal proceedings to secure its plans for a major expansion, including 39 new courts and an 8,000-capacity show court on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club site. This ￡200 million ($254.8 million) project, intended to enhance the venue’s capacity and infrastructure, follows planning permission granted by the Greater London Authority in September.
Britain’s LTA Bans Trans Women from Certain Female Events
Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) recently revised its transgender participation policy for domestic tennis and paddle competitions, significantly restricting the ability of transgender women to compete in women's categories at higher levels.
CASE LAWS:
Centre Allowed to Disburse Funds to Sports Federations
The Delhi High Court has permitted the Union Government to release funds to the National Sports Federations (NSFs) for the participation of Indian athletes in international events, as well as for conducting both national and international events and for training and preparation of athletes.
CCI Issues Cease and Desist Order Against TTFI and its Affiliate
On December 12, 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) passed an order against the Suburban Table Tennis Association (TSTTA), Maharashtra State Table Tennis Association (MSTTA), Gujarat State Table Tennis Association (GSTTA), and Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) for violating the Competition Act, 2002. The case stemmed from a complaint by the TT Friendly Super League Association, alleging anti-competitive practices, including denial of player access to events and restrictive clauses in TTFI’s governing documents.
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