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White Paper Provides Key Recommendations to Address Competition Manipulation

White Paper Provides Key Recommendations to Address Competition Manipulation

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

Club owner jailed for not paying outstanding salaries: Malaysian player union hails legal win

Club owner jailed for not paying outstanding salaries: Malaysian player union hails legal win
  • High Court in Malaysia sent club owner to jail for not paying outstanding salaries to players

  • The Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) expects this precedent will help prevent non-payment

  • "If the owner doesn’t pay, he will remain behind bars," says Malaysian player union CEO Izham Ismail

"Those who believe in good governance will be delighted," said Izham Ismail, the Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia, after the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that an owner of two clubs will be imprisoned until he has cancelled all outstanding debts he has with players.

More than 30 players of Kuantan FA and Marcerra United FC had salary claims for the 2018 season amounting to more than six million Ringgit (approximately 1,250,000 USD). They filed their lawsuit in January 2022.

In January this year, two years after the owner was first told to settle his outstanding debts and after admitting he was liable, the High Court handed down a suspended jail sentence of seven days to give the owner time to cancel the outstanding wages. However, when the deadline expired, the owner still had not fulfilled his duties, forcing the players to ask the High Court to carry out the jail sentence.

"This is not ideal, but it is necessary," said Ismail. "Unfortunately, this case shows that football’s legal system does not force people to fulfil their obligations. The owner of these clubs apparently does not care about football decisions.

"When club leaders do not want to pay, there is no way that this can be arranged within the football industry. That’s why we decided to invoke the High Court, as it was the only way to get the players what they are due. We assume that the High Court’s decision will force the owner to take action. And otherwise, he will remain behind bars until justice is done."

Ismail expects that the High Court’s decision will change the behaviour of other club owners. "As a club owner you have a huge responsibility. And we will hold everyone who is failing the players and not taking dispute resolution seriously accountable. We don’t take the issue of non-payment lightly." To Ismail, the case underscores the need for a fairer and more just accountability in Malaysian football.

The Malaysian player union worked closely together with a law firm that supported the legal action in the High Court. According to these lawyers, the players could take other initiatives to get the money they are owed, for example by declaring the owner bankrupt or by confiscating his property.

FIFA Series international friendlies pilot project to commence in March 2024

FIFA Series international friendlies pilot project to commence in March 2024
  • FIFA to facilitate inter-confederation friendlies during March match window of even years

  • Algeria, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka will host and organise pilot project matches

  • Initiative aims to provide member associations with key playing opportunities

In line with the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027 and following on from the decision taken by the FIFA Council in December 2022, FIFA will implement the pilot phase of the FIFA Series during the upcoming Men’s International Match Calendar window in March 2024. The FIFA Series will see world football’s governing body support its member associations in organising international friendly matches comprising four national teams from different confederations in a single host country. The initiative will provide member associations with a more regular opportunity to face national teams from other continents, which will serve to unlock technical development opportunities previously unavailable to many of them.

The FIFA Series will also provide the participating member associations with their own additional commercial opportunities and exposure. Ahead of the full roll-out in March 2026, the pilot project will run from 18 to 26 March 2024. The forthcoming edition of the FIFA Series will feature national teams from all six confederations, and future instalments are planned during every March international match window of even years.

The FIFA Series is a really positive step forward for national-team football at global level,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Our member associations have been telling us for a long time now of their desire to test themselves against their counterparts from all around the world, and now they can do so within the current Men’s International Match Calendar. More meaningful matches will enable far more valuable footballing interaction for players, teams and fans, and will make a concrete contribution to the development of the game.”

The FIFA Series pilot phase in March 2024 will involve the following teams:

FIFA Series: Algeria

Algeria (CAF) Andorra (UEFA) Bolivia (CONMEBOL) South Africa (CAF)

FIFA Series: Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan (UEFA) Bulgaria (UEFA) Mongolia (AFC) Tanzania (CAF)

FIFA Series: Saudi Arabia A

Cabo Verde (CAF) Cambodia (AFC) Equatorial Guinea (CAF) Guyana (Concacaf)

FIFA Series: Saudi Arabia B

Bermuda (Concacaf) Brunei Darussalam (AFC) Guinea (CAF) Vanuatu (OFC)

FIFA Series: Sri Lanka

Bhutan (AFC) Central African Republic (CAF) Papua New Guinea (OFC) Sri Lanka (AFC)

Division I Council introduces proposals into legislative cycle

Division I Council introduces proposals into legislative cycle

During its meeting Wednesday, the Division I Council introduced several proposals into the legislative cycle for potential votes in June.

Among the measures, the council introduced a proposal brought forward by the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee that would remove cannabinoids from the list of substances included in drug testing at NCAA championships. The proposal follows a recommendation from the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, which hosted a 2022 summit — including doctors, substance misuse experts and representatives from NCAA schools — that focused on cannabinoids in college athletics.

"Cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug, and we determined that the drug testing conducted at NCAA championships should focus on substances that impact competitive outcomes," said Pat Chun, athletics director at Washington State and chair of the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee. "To be clear, this does not mean that NCAA members condone or promote use of cannabinoids. However, rather than focus on testing and subsequently penalizing student-athletes who use cannabis, NCAA efforts should focus on a harm reduction strategy, similar to substances like alcohol."

If adopted in June, the proposal would apply retroactively to any penalty associated with a previous positive test.

Additional proposals introduced for a vote in June would:

  • Permit noncoaching, sport-specific staff members in sports other than football and men's and women's basketball to assist in drills and other limited activities during practices.
  • Eliminate questionnaires sent to prospects prior to the first allowable date for recruiting communications.

Football recruiting rules

The council also heard an update from the Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Division Oversight Committees, which voted to limit the number of official visits a school can provide to prospects to 70 each year, including eliminating exceptions for head coach changes and unused visits. The FBS Oversight Committee also voted to limit photo shoots for prospects and those accompanying them during unofficial visits.

Because the council took no action on these decisions by the oversight committees, the rules are adopted. The prohibition on photo shoots in bowl subdivision football will take effect March 1, and the limit of 70 official visits will take effect April 1.

Circular no. 1868 - Futsal Laws of the Game 2023-24

Circular no. 1868 - Futsal Laws of the Game 2023-24

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1868

Zurich, 19 December 2023

Futsal Laws of the Game 2023-24

Dear Sir or Madam,

FIFA is pleased to announce that the FIFA Council has approved several updates to the Futsal Laws of the Game. These encompass futsal-specific adjustments while also aligning the Laws with recent modifications introduced in football.

Enclosed, you will find both an overview of the main amendments and the complete Futsal Laws of the Game 2023-24. The full Futsal Laws of the Game 2023-24 is also readily accessible on FIFA.com for your convenience.

If you have any inquiries or require further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to Dominic Chielens, Senior Refereeing Manager, at the FIFA Refereeing Subdivision (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Yours faithfully,

FIFA

The full report can be accessed here.

Salary cap expected to exceed $240 million for 2024 season

Salary cap expected to exceed $240 million for 2024 season

The NFL Management Council informed clubs this past week that it won't provide a projection for the 2024 salary cap at the Winter League Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the cap is unlikely to be set until after New Year's Day, according to sources.

But people familiar with the matter say surging revenue and diminishing aftershocks of the 2020 pandemic are on track to yield significant cap growth over the next several years, with a 2024 cap likely to land north of $240 million and additional revenue rolling into future caps.

As one source put it: "Business is booming, and everyone is finally out of the COVID debt."

Sources say revenue projections could support a 2024 salary cap well above the $240 million range -- another enormous increase from a record $224.8 million per club this year, up from $208.2 million in 2022.

However, the cap has been set in recent years via settlement between the NFL and NFL Players Association, and the union historically has wanted to smooth out cap growth rather than having a one-year spike so that one class of free-agent players doesn't disproportionately benefit or suffer.

The NFL Management Council's memo sent on Thursday indicated that could be the case again.

"The Management Council and NFLPA are in the process of addressing open matters that will impact the 2024 Salary Cap and therefore will not be able to project a range for the 2024 Salary Cap until those issues are resolved," the memo said. "The 2024 Salary Cap will be announced by memorandum, as has been done over the past two years, as soon as we are able to reach agreement but we do not anticipate that occurring until after the New Year."

Sources say several factors are driving the probable increase in the next several years. There are still some COVID-delayed benefits left to pay out at the NFLPA's discretion, but this is the first year it's not in large chunks. Revenue this year is exceeding projections. And the NFL expects new revenue streams next year. If it chooses, the union can effectively defer some dollars that would go toward the 2024 cap into 2025 and 2026 to even out the growth, avoiding a situation where the cap has a massive spike this year and then goes flat.

Lucrative new TV deals that kicked in this year are a significant factor in revenue growth, and, in turn, a players' share. The 2020 collective bargaining agreement includes a "media kicker" that can increase players' share of projected revenue from 48% up to as much as 48.8%. (The CBA is a revenue-sharing deal in which the cap is based on players' share, divided into salary and benefits.)

An agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA called for the union to pay out player benefits -- such as performance-based pay, Pro Bowl pay and tuition assistance -- that were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic to help buoy the salary cap sometime after 2023. Those have now mostly been paid off.

The record 2022 salary cap of $208.2 million was the maximum agreed to by the NFL and NFLPA in May 2021 to expedite repayment of what amounted to a low-interest loan that allowed players to continue making full salaries in 2020 despite empty stadiums. The cap had been $198.2 million in 2020 before dropping to $182.5 million in 2021 as part of that process. From 2013 to 2020, the cap had been growing at a pace of $10.74 million a year. The jump to a $224.8 million cap this year marked a new high increase, and the growth in 2024 likely will be similar.

The free-agent negotiating period opens at 12 p.m. ET on Monday, March 11, and the 2024 league year at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 13.

Circular no. 1867: Failure to respect settlement agreements – competence of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee

Circular no. 1867: Failure to respect settlement agreements – competence of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1867

Zurich, 7 December 2023

Failure to respect settlement agreements – competence of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee

Dear Sir or Madam,

On 16 December 2022, the FIFA Council adopted the 2023 edition of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC – cf. FIFA circular no. 1833).

In this respect, and in line with FIFA’s commitment to achieving (financial) justice, a number of important changes were made to article 21 of the FDC (formerly art. 15, 2019 edition).

Amongst others, one such amendment was the inclusion of article 21 paragraph 9 of the FDC in order to grant the FIFA Disciplinary Committee the competence to enforce private settlement agreements concluded in the context of disciplinary proceedings opened against a debtor with respect to a final and binding decision issued by FIFA or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) 1

In this context, in light of the number of settlement agreements concluded by parties in connection with financial decisions and the related volume of requests received by the FIFA administration, the purpose of this circular is to clarify the scope and/or the application of this provision.

a. Settlement agreements concluded in the context of disciplinary proceedings opened against a debtor

Prior to the entry into force of the 2023 edition of the FDC, the conclusion of a settlement agreement would lead to the termination of (or prevent the initiation of) disciplinary proceedings. Indeed, in accordance with FIFA circular no. 1628, non-compliance with the agreement had to be resolved by the Football Tribunal or the relevant competent body as chosen by the parties.

As such, with a view to avoiding this need for parties to initiate a new procedure before the Football Tribunal or the relevant competent body to enforce such a settlement agreement, the FDC was amended in order to provide the Disciplinary Committee with the competence to enforce such agreements, this being provided that the applicable settlement concluded was directly linked to a final and binding financial decision issued by FIFA or CAS.

More specifically, if, following the opening/initiation of disciplinary proceedings in relation to (non-compliance with) a financial decision passed by FIFA (the Football Tribunal) or CAS, the parties decide to settle their dispute by means of a private settlement agreement, the Disciplinary Committee is now, pursuant to article 21 paragraph 9 of the FDC, competent to enforce such an agreement without the need for a new complaint to be lodged before the Football Tribunal (or the relevant competent body as chosen by the parties).

For the sake of good order, we would like to clarify that this procedure shall exclusively apply to those agreements concluded following the entry into force of the 2023 edition of the FDC, i.e. as from 1 February 2023.

b. Settlement agreements concluded after a financial decision passed by a body, a committee, a subsidiary or an instance of FIFA or by CAS

Based on its wording, the scope of article 21 paragraph 9 of the FDC should, in principle, be limited to those agreements concluded “in the context of disciplinary proceedings opened against a debtor with respect to a final and binding financial decision issued by a body, a committee, a subsidiary or an instance of FIFA or by CAS

Notwithstanding the foregoing and taking into account the rationale behind the implementation of such provision as explained supra., it is considered that the competence granted to the Disciplinary Committee under article 21 paragraph 9 of the FDC shall also cover agreements concluded after any decision passed by a body, a committee, a subsidiary or an instance of FIFA or by CAS.

In other words, following the notification of such decision rendered by FIFA or CAS, if the relevant parties then conclude a private settlement agreement in order to settle their dispute, the Disciplinary Committee shall also be competent to enforce such agreement in accordance with article 21 paragraph 9 of the FDC, without the need for a new complaint to be lodged before the Football Tribunal (or the relevant competent body as chosen by the parties).

Similarly, the above shall exclusively apply to those agreements concluded following the entry into force of the 2023 edition of the FDC, i.e. as from 1 February 2023. 

c. Other settlement agreements

Finally, and for the sake of good order, we would like to clarify that any settlement agreement concluded outside of the framework(s) stipulated above, i.e. any settlement falling outside of the remits of sections a. or b. supra, will remain subject to the provisions of FIFA circular no. 1628.

Consequently, any claim arising from a breach of these types of agreements shall still be lodged before the Football Tribunal or before the relevant competent bodies at national or international level, as mutually agreed by the parties.

Should you have any questions, please contact Julien Deux, Head of Judicial Bodies (Adjudicatory) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We thank you for your kind attention to the above and for ensuring that your affiliated clubs are informed accordingly.

Yours faithfully,

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE

DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Summary of The FA's response to the Government's 'Raising The Bar' review

Summary of The FA's response to the Government's 'Raising The Bar' review

The Government’s independent review into the future of women’s football, ‘Raising the Bar’, was written by Karen Carney OBE in July.

The FA welcomed the Review as it sought to support the continued growth of the women’s game.

The FA’s back-to-back women’s strategies, Gameplan for Growth and Inspiring Positive Change, have seen a doubling of participation in the grassroots game, a doubling of fans in the professional game and international success in winning the EUROs.

With Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship clubs having just agreed to create a new organisation (NewCo) to lead the women’s professional game into a new era, this is a pivotal moment in the development of women’s football, and we welcome the support Government can provide in the game’s continuing success.

The FA response can be found here.

IIHF mandates neck laceration protection at all levels of IIHF competitions

IIHF mandates neck laceration protection at all levels of IIHF competitions

The IIHF Council, on recommendation from its Medical Committee, has decided to mandate the use of a neck laceration protector, specifically designed for this purpose, at all levels of IIHF competitions. The neck laceration protectors are now mandatory for the senior categories in addition to the U20 and U18 categories, for which neck laceration protectors had already been enforced as per IIHF Official Rule Book.  

The exact date this mandate will go into effect for the senior categories will be determined by the supply situation. The IIHF remains in close contact with its suppliers to ensure they are able to respond to the current high demand.  

Until the rule officially goes into effect, the IIHF continues to strongly recommend that neck laceration protectors are worn by all players performing in an IIHF competition.

CAF launches CAF Research Hub to support African Football Development

CAF launches CAF Research Hub to support African Football Development

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) has announced the launch of the CAF Research Hub that is aimed at providing support to CAF's Member Associations and their Development Projects.

The CAF Research Hub will focus on how the information is gathered and used. As research has played a significant role in the advancement of football in recent times, CAF invested in this new tool to aid its Member Associations and Zonal Unions.

CAF Member Associations Director Sarah Mukuna said: “The CAF Research Hub is aimed to provide data-driven insights into African football.  Its mission will be to conduct research that informs action, gather evidence for theories relevant to the African context. With the CAF Research Hub we will contribute to developing and disseminating knowledge to our Member Associations and the African football stakeholders”.

Led by the CAF Member Associations Division, the Research Hub prioritizes research in Youth Football, Women's Football, Football Administration, Medical, and Football Performance.

A pilot project is being launched across all six Zonal Unions during the second edition of the CAF African Schools Programme, which is a unique opportunity to gain context-based information. This pilot project will use the data that is already available to provide insights into the experience of African youth football and the impact of the CAF African Schools Football Championship on the continent.

By the end of the first research project phase, CAF plans to transform its development structures to provide services to all Member Associations, both sporting and administrative.

Lead researcher Dr. Nonhlanhla Mkumbuzi, said: “The CAF Research Hub is a great initiative by CAF. It aims to provide member associations and research institutions on the continent with opportunities to collaborate in conducting African football research. The impact of the Research Hub will be in providing stakeholders in African football with an evidence base to allow the adoption of data driven, context driven capacity building initiative and decision making in African football at all levels of the game.”

FIFA publishes third edition of Commentary on the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players

FIFA publishes third edition of Commentary on the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players
  • Aims at supporting football stakeholders and legal experts

  • Facilitates consistent application of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players

  • Follows on from two previous editions published in 2007 and 2021

FIFA has today published the third edition of the Commentary on the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), only two years after the previous edition.

The Commentary is a crucial document that supports member associations, clubs, players, leagues, coaches and football legal experts in ensuring that the RSTP are applied consistently across the global football community.

The third edition encompasses the latest amendments to the RSTP as well as detailed information on the regulations and case law of the FIFA Football Tribunal and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Commentary is a landmark achievement and further confirmation of FIFA’s ongoing commitment to transparency and education in football law across the globe.

After the adoption of the RSTP in 2001 following fruitful cooperation with the European Commission, FIFA published the first edition of the Commentary in 2007, followed by another edition in 2021 as part of FIFA’s engagement to modernise football’s regulatory framework.

HISA Announces Data Disclosure Policy

HISA Announces Data Disclosure Policy

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced its formal data disclosure policy which includes the routine public release of data collected through its Racetrack Safety (RS) and Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Programs, as well as a process through which individuals may request additional records from HISA. The policy is as follows:

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Inc. (“HISA”) is a private, independent, self-regulatory, nonprofit corporation, and, therefore, is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) or state and local open records laws. However, as the organization charged with developing and implementing a horseracing anti-doping and medication control (“ADMC”) program and a racetrack safety (“RS”) program for covered horses, covered persons, and covered horseraces, HISA believes that sharing certain data and information collected in connection with these programs is integral to improving the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing.

As part of HISA’s commitment to public reporting, HISA intends to release certain data under the RS program on a quarterly basis beginning in the first quarter of 2024. Going forward, an annual report will be released in Q1 of each calendar year that presents new data from Q4 of the previous year, along with a full analysis of the previous calendar year’s complete data set. Quarterly reports will also be issued in Q2, Q3 and Q4 of each year, which will present new data from the previous quarter. Information relating to HISA’s ADMC program will be released by the independent enforcement agency of the ADMC program, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), in accordance with a similar disclosure schedule. 

HISA’s initial release of information in the first quarter of 2024 will include data for all of calendar year 2023 concerning equine fatalities, registrations, fines assessed, track accreditation, and riding crop violations.  Additional RS metrics will be released as HISA’s level of confidence in reporting by Covered Persons and the ability to track and aggregate data improves. Beginning in 2024, HISA will also start regularly sharing meeting minutes for meetings of the HISA Board and its Standing Committees.

In addition to HISA’s regular reporting, beginning in the first quarter of 2024, individual requests for information may be submitted by contacting Mandy Minger, Director of Communications (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.917-846-8804).  HISA will respond to these requests on a case-by-case basis by taking into consideration whether there are privacy or confidentiality interests, ongoing investigations or pending litigation, or other circumstances that make public disclosure impractical or unfair to interested parties.   

Slovenian union one step closer to CBA with help of Ministry of Labour

Slovenian union one step closer to CBA with help of Ministry of Labour
  • Slovenian player union received a letter from the country's Ministry of Labour confirming its labour law prevails over the regulations drawn up by any sports federation

  • It is a huge step towards one of the union's main goals: creating a collective bargaining agreement

  • "This letter means that the transfer system doesn’t exist any longer in our country," said SPINS President Dejan Stefanovic

Slovenian player union SPINS made a huge step towards one of their main goals: creating a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The organisation received a letter from the Ministry of Labour confirming that Slovenian labour law prevails over the regulations drawn up by any sports federation.

This letter basically means that the transfer system doesn’t exist any longer in our country,” said SPINS President Dejan Stefanovic, who is also a member of FIFPRO’s global board. “As we have always stated, athletes need to have the same rights as any other worker in Slovenia.”

SPINS had several meetings with the Ministry of Labour to discuss the labour status of professional footballers and other professional athletes in Slovenia, as well as the right to collectively bargain for self-employed athletes. This process for getting more clarity lasted more than a year and resulted in the Ministry’s letter.

The letter concludes: "It should also be emphasised that the cases and conditions of termination of the employment relationship are not and cannot be left to the free and autonomous regulation of the sports federations."

According to Stefanovic this means that players can terminate their contracts the way any other worker does. He said: “Currently, players in our country can’t move because of the FA’s transfer regulations. If they are going to terminate a contract, then they don’t know what kind of compensation they are going to have to pay. So, they don’t move.

This letter puts clear pressure on the clubs coming from the top authority in our country, which says that sport autonomy cannot be above law, and that any kind of termination of the contract is subject to law and not subject to the regulations of the Slovenian FA. That is crucial.”

With the letter in hand, the union wants to start negotiations with the clubs and finally conclude a valid CBA, in which they can jointly decide on conditions that could be deviating from labour law. Stefanovic said: “We know that the clubs would like to have a transfer system in place because they are dependent on transfer fees coming in, and we know that many clubs use these transfer fees to pay player salaries. So, we should try and find a compromise, and agree on conditions in a CBA.”

Stefanovic continued: “We are taking away the autonomy of the sports federations in Slovenia. As clubs and players, we are going to decide on the conditions for breach of contract and all other issues, that affect our work and workplace. This can’t be regulated by the football association. They can decide on match regulations and similar subjects, but any matter that involves working conditions is going to be a subject of the CBA.”

Ever since SPINS was founded in 2003, the union strived for a CBA. “We have already secured very good legal protections for our players with the closed standard players’ contract that we introduced in 2018,” said Stefanovic. “But we are still having problems with compensation for training and transfers, while many of our players are also self-employed.

With a CBA, we can further raise the players’ level of protection, and solve all other issues for players. At first we will probably not get everything but, in the end, we will have a CBA that will be the one of the best in the world.”

Stefanovic advises other unions to “follow the law” in their country. He said: “Talk with labour inspection, talk with the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Sport, the government, or the president. Just follow the law and ask the same principles to be applied to athletes as they are to any other workforce in the country.”

THE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT (CAS) REGISTERS THE APPEAL FILED BY THE RUSSIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (ROC) AGAINST THE DECISION TAKEN BY THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE TO SUSPEND ITS MEMBERSHIP

THE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT (CAS) REGISTERS THE APPEAL FILED BY THE RUSSIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (ROC) AGAINST THE DECISION TAKEN BY THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE TO SUSPEND ITS MEMBERSHIP

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has registered the appeal filed by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), against the decision rendered by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC EB) on 12 October 2023 (the Challenged Decision).

In the Challenged Decision, the IOC EB suspended the ROC with immediate effect until further notice following the ROC decision to unilaterally include as its members some regional sports organisations which are under the authority of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine (namely Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia). The IOC EB found that such action constituted a breach of the Olympic Charter because it violated the territorial integrity of the NOC of Ukraine, as recognised by the IOC in accordance with the Olympic Charter.

In its appeal to the CAS, the ROC requests that the Challenged Decision be set aside and that it be reinstated as a NOC recognised by the IOC, benefitting from all rights and prerogatives granted by the Olympic Charter.

The CAS arbitration proceedings have commenced. In accordance with the Code of Sports-related Arbitration (the CAS Code), the arbitration rules governing CAS procedures, the parties are exchanging written submissions and the Panel of arbitrators that will decide the matter is being constituted.

Once constituted, the Panel will issue procedural directions for the next phase of the procedure, including the holding of a hearing. Following the hearing, the Panel will deliberate and issue an Arbitral Award containing its decision and the grounds for it. At this time, it is not possible to indicate a time frame for the issuance of the decision.

The CAS Panel’s decision will be final and binding, with the exception of the parties’ right to file an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days on limited grounds.

Twelve equality experts appointed to EFL Advisory Board

Twelve equality experts appointed to EFL Advisory Board

The EFL has today announced the 12 members of its newly formed Together Advisory Panel, which will guide the work of the League on issues relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. 

The panel is drawn from across football as the EFL continues its mission, to ensure that football – be it the workplace, stadiums, communities and online – is a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone. 

Chaired by the EFL’s Independent Non-Executive Director and Chief Executive of Mumsnet, Justine Roberts, the panel features six football equality stakeholders as well as representation from the Professional Footballers Association and Football Supporters Association.    

The 12 panel members are:  

  • Justine Roberts (Chair) - EFL, Independent Non-Executive Director  
  • Sadiq Patel – EFL, Senior Football Systems and Analysis Manager 
  • Hasnain Mohammed – EFL, Club Relationship Officer 
  • Hollie Varney – Kick It Out, Chief Operating Officer 
  • Owain Davies – Level Playing Field, Chief Executive Officer 
  • Lou Englefield – Football v Homophobia, Chief Executive Officer 
  • Terry Angus – Professional Footballers Association, EDI Executive 
  • Lungi Macebo – Women in Football, Board Member 
  • Nilesh Chauhan – Football Supporters Association, Fans for Diversity Manager 
  • Dr Sara Ward – Carnegie School of Sport, Director of Executive Education 
  • Catherine Forshaw – Brabners Associate, National Football Museum, Trustee
  • Geoff Wilson – Global sports strategist and former Irish Football Association

David McArdle, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the EFL, said: 

The EFL aims for football across the League to be more reflective and representative of the communities in which we serve and the appointment of the Together Advisory Panel is a vital next step in this process, with each member bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion space.

Football has come a long way in recent years, but we recognise there is still a great deal of work to be done. The Together Panel will play a key role in that work going forward, advising the EFL and its Clubs on all areas of work on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.”

Justine Roberts, Chair of the Together Panel, added: 

This is an important step on a journey that the EFL is on, and I’m excited in my role as Chair to be a part of a panel that will help to ensure effective and sustainable changes are made.  

It is really evident that so much great work is already happening, with many EFL Clubs delivering a wide variety of initiatives to make our great game more diverse and inclusive. The establishment of the Together Panel will bring fresh new voices to the conversation as we continue to make real progress in this area in the next few years.”  

The formation of the Together Advisory Panel is the latest milestone in the EFL’s work on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Since the beginning of the 2022/23 tangible progress has been delivered with some of the highlights including: 

  • 7,000 collective hours of EDI Education delivered to over 1,000 individuals – smashing the five-year target for the strategy in the first year of delivery 
  • 363 individuals given Mental Health Awareness Training 
  • 2000 diverse books donated by the EFL and its Clubs to primary schools across the country 
  • Introduction of I-Recruit – an anonymised recruitment tool to ensure more diverse candidates are interviewed for roles within EFL Clubs 
  • 100% of EFL Championship Clubs engaging with Level Playing Field to make football more accessible for disabled supporters.  
  • 65 Diverse Fan Groups established across EFL Clubs 
  • 120 hours of diverse stakeholder consultation in the first year of Together Strategy 

The establishment of the Together Advisory Panel follows the launch of the EFL’s ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign calling on football supporters up and down the country to take a stand against all forms of racism and discrimination and report any incidences they see or hear online.

UNI CALLS FOR FINANCE TO BE INCLUDED IN EUROPEAN DUE DILIGENCE DIRECTIVE, AND WARNS LEGISLATORS NOT TO BE SWAYED BY UGLY INDUSTRY LOBBYING

UNI CALLS FOR FINANCE TO BE INCLUDED IN EUROPEAN DUE DILIGENCE DIRECTIVE, AND WARNS LEGISLATORS NOT TO BE SWAYED BY UGLY INDUSTRY LOBBYING

UNI Global Union and UNI Europa, which together represent 3 million finance workers worldwide, half of whom are in Europe, have written to the EU’s top legislators calling for the full and effective inclusion of the financial sector in the forthcoming European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

In a letter sent on 19 October, UNI General Secretary, Christy Hoffman, and UNI Europa Regional Secretary, Oliver Roethig, state that “The directive has the potential for a game-changing impact both within Europe and globally by requiring European companies to respect workers’ rights in their operations and value chains worldwide.”

 However, excluding the finance industry in the directive – as the EU Commission and several Member States, including France, are pushing for – “would weaken the directive’s goals of advancing human rights and environmental justice, fail to meet international standards, and ultimately hinder the standing of finance itself.”

They warn that ugly industry lobbying claiming that human rights do not apply to finance,” will if successful, “leave a stain on the industry still desperately needing to rebuild trust and demonstrate how it is serving society.”

In the letter, the union leaders hit back at the lobbyists’ claims point-by-point and provides a robust endorsement for the inclusion of finance in the directive, which will require the sector’s companies operating in Europe to identify, mitigate and act upon human rights and environmental abuses in their supply chains. The letter argues that:

  • International standards, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, already foresee and address the needs for effective but manageable human rights due diligence in finance. While financial firms argue their reach across the economy makes conducting human rights due diligence an unreasonable obligation, these standards narrow responsibilities to the areas prioritized as the greatest risks. Under this principle, there is no need for the directive’s scope to be limited through the blanket exemption of the finance industry.
  • Finance industry lobbyists argue their investment relationships differ to those between a company and supplier and therefore the sector should be excluded from the directive. However, the OECD has clearly and comprehensively acknowledged this distinction and requires investors to use their leverage “to influence those investee companies to prevent or mitigate adverse impacts. However, investors are not responsible for addressing those adverse impacts themselves.” Furthermore, the OECD recognizes the different types of investment relationships and does not presume they are all “directly linked” with the investor.
  • The finance industry claims they are already over-regulated, and their inclusion would add a burden without adding value. However, there is currently no EU regulation requiring financial institutions to conduct human rights due diligence, undermining the EU’s work on due diligence across the board.
  • Effective human rights due diligence will not make the finance industry less competitive – as lobbyists claim – but instead serve as a means for identifying material risks that could weaken financial performance.

In addition, UNI and UNI Europa reiterate that the directive must strongly and directly mandate the meaningful involvement of trade unions and other stakeholders throughout the due diligence process.

They call upon EU governments to align the directive to the June 2023 position of the European Parliament, which will both realize the aims of the directive and be feasible to implement.

The letter has been sent to members of the European parliament and the European Commission.

Further reading: The role of finance in the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

Global Labour Agreement launches three new labour initiatives between leagues and player unions

Global Labour Agreement launches three new labour initiatives between leagues and player unions
  • The Global Labour Agreement (GLA) establishes three distinct labour initiatives to provide a forum for international social dialogue

  • The committees are dedicated to player health and safety, as well as sustainable football market development

  • More information can be found on the website dedicated to the GLA between FIFPRO and World Leagues Forum (WLF)

Under the international bargaining framework between football’s league and player unions, World Leagues Forum (WLF) and FIFPRO have today agreed to establish three new labour initiatives with a view to strengthening and protecting national leagues and playing conditions.

Last year both organisations signed the Global Labour Agreement (GLA) at the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland to take greater responsibility as social partners, strengthen collectively agreed solutions in the football industry, and contribute to its viability and growth.

The Global Social Dialogue in Professional Football

A shared commitment to take greater responsibility as social partners and provide collectively agreed solutions has now contributed to the creation of three distinct labour and market initiatives to address ongoing challenges of the football industry.

1) Workplace Safety & Health: Committee on Workplace Security

The Committee on Violence in Football Stadiums is established to address and mitigate instances of violence that jeopardise player safety. The committee's goal is to find ways to promote security and workplace safety within stadiums, matchday environments, training grounds and online by developing strategies, protocols, and initiatives.

2) Committee on Health and Fair-Play Pitch Management

The Committee on Health and Fair-Play Pitch Management is established to address challenges related to how the Laws of the Game and their implementation affect match operations and the playing experience on the pitch, as well as for spectators and broadcasters.

3) Committee on Combatting Discriminatory Incidents in Football Matches

The Committee on Combating Discriminatory Incidents in Football Matches is established to address incidents of racism and other forms of discrimination during football matches on a global scale. It operates in the context of general occupational safety and health guidelines to protect workers and commits to ensure a workplace free of discrimination and abuse.

Each of the committees will feature an equal number of representatives nominated by the World Leagues Forum and FIFPRO.

Speaking of the new labour initiatives, World Leagues Forum President Richard Masters said: "In professional football, collectively agreed solutions play a crucial role. The Global Labor Agreement, set up by leagues and player unions at the international level, provides a framework to address the challenges in the football industry together. We are confident that the actions carried out within this agreement will improve the governance of world football."

FIFPRO President David Aganzo said: "The new labour initiatives represent our joint commitment to address the development of our competitions and employment conditions through collective dialogue. The new working structures are marking a start and we are eager to address other issues that are relevant for the growth of leagues and players together."

A website dedicated to the new international bargaining framework under the GLA provides more information and can be accessed HERE. From news updates and documents to GLA governance and labour initiatives, the website provides further information of the organisations’ respective commitment to promote and protect the basic principles of collective industrial relations between the representatives of employers and employees.

EFL Statement: Premier League discussions

EFL Statement: Premier League discussions

The EFL Board met today and considered its position in respect of recent discussions by Premier League Clubs and is clearly disappointed at their repeated failure to put forward any new funding offer for EFL Clubs that would have significant benefits for the entire football pyramid.   

Over the last two years, following the recommendations of the Fan Led Review, the League and its Clubs have been pushing for a new funding offer from the Premier League and remain ready and waiting to consider and conclude a new arrangement. Whilst it has been expected on a number of occasions, the lack of positive progress once again demonstrates how difficult an issue this is for football to address, without independent input. 

Despite pressure from Government, fans and united voices across the professional game, the latest development represents a further setback, and the League now awaits a formal update from the Premier League as to how it proposes to re-engage on its latest commitment to deliver “a sustainably funded financial agreement with the EFL”. 

The EFL has repeatedly said that financial redistribution coupled with enhanced cost controls are needed to help achieve its over-riding objective of making EFL Clubs financially sustainable and competitive, so that they can continue to serve their supporters and communities long into the future, no matter what level of the pyramid they play in.   

The League eagerly anticipates the introduction of the Football Governance Bill given it is now more important than ever that the Independent Regulator is provided necessary powers to secure the long-term sustainability of the pyramid. We look forward to continuing further engagement with Government and MPs and Peers from all parties. In particular, it is really important that work commences on the much-needed State of the Game Review at the earliest possible opportunity as this will provide the objective basis for a sustainable football model. 

New FIFPRO Asia/Oceania report encourages collaboration between the AFC, clubs and players to unlock value in Asian Champions League

New FIFPRO Asia/Oceania report encourages collaboration between the AFC, clubs and players to unlock value in Asian Champions League
  • The report has been produced in collaboration with leading sporting intelligence agency Twenty First Group (TFG) and represents the most comprehensive public analysis of the AFC Champions League
  • The analysis, which contains extensive data and feedback from players and clubs, weighs the costs and benefits for clubs and players participating in the AFC-organised competition
  • With a new competition format introduced from next season, the AFC Champions League Elite, the report suggests a new partnership between the players, clubs and Asia’s football governing body will deliver a sustainable model for all stakeholders

A new report from FIFPRO Asia/Oceania analysing the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) flagship club competition, the AFC Champions League (ACL), has delivered extensive insights into the experiences for players and clubs participating in the competition.

The report, undertaken in collaboration with leading sporting intelligence agency Twenty First Group (TFG), provides an evidence-based assessment of the ACL’s performance and examines the likely impact of reforms announced by the AFC for the 2024/25 season onwards.

Combining expert analysis, independent insights and direct feedback from players and participating clubs, the comprehensive report illustrates that much of the competition’s costs and burdens fall on clubs.

Extensive travel across a vast continent and mid-week matches contribute to players' already-rising workload, which in turn is impacting clubs’ domestic form, the report reveals. The financial subsidies provided to clubs by the AFC do not cover the costs clubs incur, particularly for long-haul away trips.

The report demonstrates the geographic, sporting, economic and workload challenges of the competition for players and clubs, and recommends the AFC establishes a genuine partnership that delivers a more sustainable model that rewards all stakeholders.

This report analyses the merits and drawbacks of the current AFC Champions League based on various data and the results indicate that the merits do not outweigh the drawbacks for most players and clubs, making it an unsustainable system,” said FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Chairperson Takuya Yamazaki.

However, this does not mean that the future of football in Asia is bleak. On the contrary, we believe that this economically significant region can lead a discussion for truly sustainable competition formats.”

Jerome Perlemuter, General Secretary of World Leagues Forum, which represents professional football leagues on a global level, said collaboration between all stakeholders in the Asian region would help shape and deliver sustainable competitions.

"FIFPRO’s contribution to shaping the future of Asian continental competitions is most welcome," Perlemuter said. "Sustainable football development requires confederations, leagues and players to work together with a common objective to shape high potential continental competitions in a consistent global calendar. In this context, it is important to consider economic, geographical and cultural specificities. We look forward to continuing these discussions with FIFPRO and all stakeholders."

The AFC has announced significant reforms to the competition, which will be relaunched as the AFC Champions League Elite from the 2024/25 season. This includes major changes to the number of teams, the structure of play and the hosting arrangements for the final rounds.

The AFC Champions League Elite kicks off with the preliminary rounds in July 2024, while the league stage gets under way in September. The AFC has announced increased prize money for the two finalists and tweaks to other regulations, though full details have not yet been released.

To download the report, see here.

Fulham Manager Marco Silva Fined £80,000 and Warned

Fulham Manager Marco Silva Fined £80,000 and Warned

Fulham FC’s manager Marco Silva has been fined £80,000 and warned as to his future conduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 following their Premier League game against Newcastle United FC on Saturday 16 December 2023. 
 
Mr Silva admitted that his comments in the post-match media interviews following the fixture, constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of, and/or are insulting towards the match official (Referee) and/or the Video Assistant Referee, and/or bring the game into disrepute. The sanction was imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission.

The full decision can be viewed here.

FIFA Football Agent Regulations: update on implementation

FIFA Football Agent Regulations: update on implementation

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1873

Zurich, 30 December 2023

FIFA Football Agent Regulations: update on implementation

Dear Sir or Madam,

On 16 December 2022 the FIFA Council approved the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (hereinafter the “FFAR”), which provide with a balanced and reasonable legal instrument to protect the integrity of football and the proper functioning of the football transfer system.

Subsequently, FIFA was subject to a coordinated litigation strategy, which involved agents and agents’ associations filing lawsuits against FIFA across Europe to challenge the legality of the FFAR and to delay their entry into force.

FIFA has so far prevailed in the vast majority of those disputes. Specifically, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the court of supreme instance for sports-related disputes recognised under the FIFA Statutes, has confirmed the legality and proportionality of the FFAR. Courts and/or competition authorities in various countries have rejected several requests from agents to annul the FFAR, declare them invalid, or to delay their entry into force. Moreover, a procedure concerning the validity of the FFAR, in which different institutions have supported the FFAR, is pending before the European Court of Justice.

District Court of Dortmund (Landgericht Dortmund) case 8 O 1/23

On 24 May 2023, a preliminary injunction (the “Injunction”) against certain aspects of the FFAR rules was by the District Court of Dortmund in Germany in the procedure LG Dortmund, 8 O 1/23 (Kart).

The Injunction requests FIFA to suspend the application and enforcement of the certain provisions of the FFAR:

  • The service fee cap (article 15 paragraphs 1-4)
  • The rules concerning service fee payments (article 14 paragraphs 6, 8 and 11)
  • The client pays rule (article 14 paragraphs 2 and 10)
  • The rules regarding the timing of service fee payments (article 14 paragraphs 7 and 12)
  • The prohibition of double representation (article 12 paragraphs 8-10)
  • The reporting obligations (article 16 paragraphs 2 h), j), k) and 4)
  • The rules regarding disclosure and publication (article 19)
  • The submission rule (article 4 paragraph 2; article 16 paragraph 2 b); article 3 paragraphs 2 c) and d); article 20; and article 21)
  • The rule that service fee payments must be made via the FIFA Clearing House (article 14 paragraph 13)

This Injunction is inconsistent with previous judicial decisions in other European countries, the CAS award as well as previous decisions in Germany, including from appeals courts. FIFA has therefore initiated appeal proceedings against the Injunction and an appeal decision is expected in the first semester of 2024.

In order to comply with the Injunction, FIFA will suspend the implementation of the FFAR for any transfer which has a link to the European Union. Implementing the Injunction only for transfers linked to the European Union would create a situation of unequal legal standards within the international transfer system, in particular between Europe and the rest of the world. As the world governing body of football and a prudent and responsible regulator, FIFA has a duty to prevent such uncertainty and inequality and protect competitive balance at a worldwide level.

In light of the foregoing, on 30 December 2023 the Bureau of the Council approved the worldwide temporary suspension of the FFAR rules affected by the above-mentioned German court decision, until the European Court of Justice renders a final decision in the pending procedures concerning the FFAR, 

In this light, we recommend all the member associations to temporarily suspend the equivalent provisions from their national football agent regulations, unless they conflict with mandatory provisions of the law applicable in their territory. 

FIFA remains convinced that the FFAR are a necessary, proportionate and fully legal regulatory step to address systemic failures within the international transfer system. Not only all football stakeholders, but also all European political authorities have confirmed the importance of such a regulatory framework.

We thank you for your attention and for ensuring that your affiliated clubs and relevant stakeholders are informed accordingly.

Yours faithfully,

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE

DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Circular no. 1869 - Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2023-24

Circular no. 1869 - Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2023-24

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1869

Zurich, 19 December 2023

Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2023-24

Dear Sir or Madam,

FIFA is pleased to announce that the FIFA Council has approved several updates to the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game. These encompass Beach Soccer-specific adjustments while also aligning the Laws with recent modifications introduced in football.

Enclosed, you will find both an overview of the main amendments and the complete Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2023-24. The full Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2023-24 is also readily accessible on FIFA.com.

If you have any inquiries or require further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact Dominic Chielens, Senior Refereeing Manager, at the FIFA Refereeing Subdivision (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Yours faithfully,

FIFA

The full report can be accessed here.

Canadian Minister of Sport Announces “Future of Sport in Canada Commission”

Global Athlete and Gymnasts for Change Canada acknowledges today’s announcement by the Minister of Sport to establish a ‘Future of Sport in Canada Commission’ to review the Canadian sport system.

We are disappointed the Minister did not support survivors’ and advocates' calls for a National Inquiry that meets judicial standards with the power to compel documents, and subpoena testimony from organizations. We are concerned that these are critical shortcomings in this review that may prevent robust and meaningful outcomes.

Today’s announcement however does send a clear message to all people in sport that the government has recognized that the Canadian sport system is broken and needs repair. This announcement is a direct result of the public pressure applied by courageous survivors, advocates, scholars, and media who are committed to exposing the truth. Their input now, and moving forward, is crucial for the support and success of this review mechanism. 

We intend to continue advocating to ensure this newly announced review is robust, completely independent from sport actors, who created the current failing system, and scrutinizes leading sport organizations and funding bodies.

For almost two years, we have called for a national inquiry into the Canadian sport system. While child abuse and violations of athletes’ human rights underpin our calls, we recognize that abuse and limited justice are symptoms of a larger systemic problem that must be addressed through this review.

Last week, we met with the Minister of Sport at the United Nations in Geneva for the Sporting Chance Forum. Both the Minister and our organizations agreed that any mechanism for reviewing the system must extend to every corner of the sporting landscape to create robust systemic and cultural change.

While it is unclear whether this review has the breadth and depth to address the entire system, engaging with athletes and advocates to further shape the terms of reference will be critical to getting it right. If there is a refusal to meaningfully engage with those most affected and those who have advocated to bring this review to fruition, there will be skepticism and a cloud of suspicion that it is constructed with pre-determined outcomes.

The power of engaging with those most affected and most silenced was demonstrated recently at the Canadian Safe Sport Think Tank. Global Athlete and Gymnastics for Change Canada brought together advocates, survivors, former Provincial, National and Olympic-level athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and scholars to engage in a comprehensive examination of the Canadian sport system. The results of this safe and confidential space allowed for open and honest dialogue in order to uncover the true breadth and depth of the problems.

If this ‘Future of Sport in Canada Commission’ review is to succeed with radical reform of the Canadian sport system and justify its ask for those most affected by violence in sport to participate, it must be trustworthy, athlete and survivor-centric, and include mechanisms for enforcing recommendations to all government-funded organizations.  This announcement is but a first step towards a safe, accessible, and equitable sport experience for participants, at every level and within every community. The work has only just begun.

Strict eligibility conditions in place as IOC EB approves Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) for the Olympic Games Paris 2024

Strict eligibility conditions in place as IOC EB approves Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) for the Olympic Games Paris 2024

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided that Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) who have qualified through the existing qualification systems of the International Federations (IFs) on the field of play will be declared eligible to compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in accordance with the the conditions outlined below. Individual Neutral Athletes are athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport. The strict eligibility conditions based on the recommendations issued by the IOC EB on 28 March 2023 for International Federations and international sports event organisers will be applied.

Like all the other athletes at the Olympic Games, the Individual Neutral Athletes will also have to comply with the rules and regulations applicable at the Olympic Games, including anti-doping.

Like all the other athletes, they will also have to sign the updated Conditions of Participation applicable for Paris 2024. This contains a commitment to respect the Olympic Charter, including “the peace mission of the Olympic Movement”. Please find an excerpt of the new form here.

The Individual Neutral Athletes will be invited by the IOC and their respective IFs. Only a very limited number of athletes will qualify through the existing qualification systems of the IFs. Among the 4,600 athletes from around the world who have qualified for Paris 2024 so far, there are only 11 Individual Neutral Athletes (eight with a Russian passport plus three with a Belarusian passport). In comparison, to date more than 60 Ukrainian athletes have qualified for Paris 2024. It is expected that the Ukrainian delegation is going to be around the same size as at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

The strict eligibility conditions for Individual Neutral Athletes at Paris 2024 are the very same strict eligibility conditions under which they qualified, namely:

  1. Qualified athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport will be entered as, and compete as, Individual Neutral Athletes (“AINs”).

  2. Teams of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport will not be considered.

  3. Athletes who actively support the war will not be eligible to be entered or to compete. Support personnel who actively support the war will not be entered.

  4. Athletes who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies will not be eligible to be entered or to compete. Support personnel who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies will not be entered.

  5. Any such Individual Neutral Athlete, like all the other participating athletes, will have to meet all anti-doping requirements applicable to them in the lead-up to and at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, and particularly those set out in the anti-doping rules of the IFs.

  6. The sanctions against those responsible for the war, the Russian and Belarusian states and governments, remain in place for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. This means, in particular, that:

  • No flag, anthem, colours or any other identifications whatsoever of Russia or Belarus will be displayed at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in any official venue or any official function.
  • No Russian or Belarusian government or state officials will be invited to or accredited for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

The practical application of today’s IOC EB decision can be found in the “Principles Relating to the Implementation of the Participation for Individual Neutral Athletes and their Support Personnel with a Russian or Belarusian Passport at the Olympic Games Paris 2024”, which is a separate document and can be found here. It says amongst other things that the IOC will seek an independent evaluation of the eligibility of each qualified AIN proposed by the IF, and their support personnel.

The considerations of the IOC EB included, amongst others:

  • The call by the International Federations at the Olympic Summit on 5 December 2023 to take such a decision as soon as possible (please see here the communiqué of the Olympic Summit). The call by the IFs was supported by the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), the Continental Associations of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the NOCs present.
  • The view of the overwhelming majority of athletes not to punish fellow athletes for the actions of their government.
  • The fact that all these calls and views were reaffirmed and further strengthened in consultation calls with the stakeholders of the Olympic Movement this week: the IOC Members, the network of athlete representatives, the International Federations and the National Olympic Committees.
  • Olympic Truce Resolution A/RES/78/10 by the United Nations (UN) for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, which supports the autonomy of sport and the political neutrality of the IOC, as enshrined in the Olympic Charter. It was approved by an overwhelming majority of 118 Member States, with only two countries abstaining (the Russian Federation and the Syrian Arabic Republic) and no votes against. (Please find more information here)
  • The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, which said in September: “We also look forward to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 as a symbol of peace, dialogue amongst nations and inclusivity, with participation of all.” (Please find more information here)
  • The declaration by the Non-Aligned Movement, comprising 120 UN Member States, which said: “The participation of athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees in Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games would be a strong symbol of unity of humanity.” (Please find more information here)
  • The concerns of two Special Rapporteurs from the UN Human Rights Council, requesting that the IOC ensure the “non-discrimination of any athlete on the basis of their nationality”.
  • The reassurances at the Olympic Summit by the President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Chair of the International Testing Agency (ITA) that doping controls in Russia continue. This year, more than 10,500 samples from Russian athletes in and out of competition have been collected despite the extremely limited number of AINs taking part in international competitions. This means that Russia remains among the top-ten nations being tested. In addition, it was indicated that the ITA had conducted well over 400 out-of-competition tests on athletes with Russian nationality in 2023. Both blood and urine samples are transported with a strict chain of custody to multiple laboratories outside the country. Any adverse analytical findings are actioned and monitored by WADA.
  • The fact that the ITA’s intelligence-led Pre-Games Testing Anti-Doping Programme, which targets athletes, sports and countries with the highest risks and athletes who are likely to qualify for Paris 2024, includes Russian athletes.

Despite the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), the IOC EB did not change its recommendations concerning the participation of AINs under these strict conditions. The protection of the rights of individual athletes to participate in competitions despite the suspension of their NOC is a well-established practice, respecting human rights, and has been implemented across a number of suspended NOCs during past Olympic Games. The ROC had to be suspended because of its unilateral decision to include as its members the regional sports organisations under the authority of the NOC of Ukraine, which is a breach of the Olympic Charter because it violates the territorial integrity of the NOC of Ukraine.

The IOC EB also reaffirmed again the steadfast commitment of the entire Olympic Movement to help Ukrainian athletes in every way possible, in order to see a strong team from the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. In order to achieve this, the IOC has tripled its Solidarity Fund for the NOC of Ukraine to USD 7.5 million.

At least 3,000 Ukrainian athletes and other members of the Olympic community of Ukraine have benefitted from the IOC Solidarity Fund through the NOC of Ukraine over the past 12 months, and from direct assistance from other Olympic Movement stakeholders, including the IFs and the NOCs. These efforts have taken the form of financial and logistical support, in order to ensure that Ukrainian athletes can continue to train and take part in competitions by providing travel support, training facilities, accommodation, equipment and uniforms, amongst other items.

Emirates FA Cup update on Forest Green Rovers

Emirates FA Cup update on Forest Green Rovers

A Professional Game Board Sub-Committee has ordered the Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper tie between Forest Green Rovers and Scarborough Athletic to be replayed on Tuesday 12 December at 19:45. 

The FA charged Forest Green Rovers for fielding an ineligible player in the Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper tie against Scarborough Athletic, which constitutes a breach of FA Cup Rule 109, and Forest Green Rovers subsequently admitted this charge. 

Forest Green Rovers will now play away to Scarborough Athletic in a one-off match on Tuesday 12 December, and the winner will travel away to Blackpool for a Second Round Proper match on Tuesday 19 December.

Canadian Safe Sport Think Tank Report

Recently, a cross-section of Canadian sports people gathered for the Canadian Safe Sport Think Tank hosted by Global Athlete and Gymnasts for Change Canada to collectively address the country’s sporting crisis. Olympic and National Team athletes, advocates, survivors, sports administrators, coaches, and scholars engaged in a comprehensive examination of the Canadian sport system and collaborated to identify a pathway for its recovery and reconstruction.

For the last two years, the culture and operations of sport in Canada have been under the spotlight for its failures to adequately serve and protect all Canadians who participate in sport. Despite the heightened scrutiny from the parliamentary hearings conducted by Canadian Heritage and the Standing Committee on Status of Women, there has been limited action from both the Government of Canada and national sport leaders to acknowledge and act upon the national crisis to ensure sport in Canada becomes a safe, healthy, and equitable environment for all.

Recognising the lack of inaction, the Think Tank welcomed participants over two days and provided a safe space to offer open and honest feedback and perspectives on the Canadian sport system. Through multiple comprehensive roundtables, four pivotal themes emerged as playing a role in the shortcomings of Canada’s sport system:

Collusion and Conflicts of Interest:  The Canadian sport system was discerned to be duplicitous by design, with a high level of collusion, where conflicts of interest and hidden affiliations protect the status quo and serve nationalist goals driven by the capitalization of sport and commercial exploitation of athletes.  Power is limited to a few organizations such as Own the Podium (OTP) and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), leaving National Sport Organizations (NSOs) in a vulnerable position, where fear of losing funding dictates the operation of their sports.

Nationalist Goals of Sport within the Global System: With sport placed under Heritage Canada, the Canadian sport system has been set up to utilize 1% of sport population, the elite athletes, to promote Canada’s identity, culture, values, and legacy on global scale. This approach does not serve 99% of the sporting population who play sport for fun, health and socialization.

The Exploitation of Athletes: There is little to no protection of athletes in Canada. Established safe sport systems are failing the 1% population of elite athletes and neglecting the 99% of the sporting population. This is leaving athletes powerless, with almost no representation and little bargaining power. Sport has purposely self-regulated, with minimal oversight, to deny access to justice and remedy to athletes who are maltreated – facilitating and exacerbating the denial of their basic human rights.

National Inquiry: The Canadian sport system is failing the masses while simultaneously eroding high-performance sport. A national inquiry is necessary to understand what all Canadians need and want from sport and how sport can best become a tool for health, community, and development, instead of a propaganda tool for nationalist goals.

If the Canadian sport system continues to operate in this manner, the ability to create, serve, and maintain a healthy population and a healthy and successful sporting culture will be eroded.

These findings are further detailed in the report - click here to read. 

WADA publishes revised TDSSA that will come into force on 1 January 2024

WADA publishes revised TDSSA that will come into force on 1 January 2024

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to publish version 9.0 of the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA), which will enter into force on 1 January 2024. The revised TDSSA was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) on 16 November 2023.  

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. The TDSSA is intended to ensure that the Prohibited Substances and/or Prohibited Methods within the scope of the TDSSA are subject to an appropriate and consistent minimum level of analysis (MLA) by all ADOs that conduct testing in those sports or disciplines deemed at risk. 

WADA conducts an annual update of the TDSSA to ensure it remains fit for purpose. In 2023, a sub-working group consisting of five members from the Strategic Testing Expert Advisory Group (STEAG) and WADA staff conducted a detailed review of the TDSSA, which included analyzing the current text of the document as well as 2015-2022 ADAMS data. The sub-working group provided its recommendations to the STEAG during its in-person meeting on 30 and 31 August 2023.  

Modifications to TDSSA version 8.0  

A summary of modifications to the TDSSA version 8.0 can be found here and the redlined version of the TDSSA version 9.0 can be found here

The amendments to the TDSSA will enter into force on 1 January 2024 with the exception to changes made to the MLAs for erythropoietin receptor agonists (ERAs) for four sports/disciplines which was increased from 15% to 30%. The changes to these MLAs will come into force on 1 January 2025, allowing ADOs sufficient time to incorporate these changes into their Test Distribution Plans. The four sports/disciplines are: Athletics – Combined Events, Canoe/Kayak – Ocean Racing, Orienteering and Para-Athletics, Running Middle Distance 800m - 1500m All Classes. 

Application for Flexibility 

ADOs are also reminded that in accordance with Article 4.7.2 of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI), “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 

Information on the Prohibited Substances and/or Prohibited Methods within the scope of the TDSSA and relevant guidance on Testing strategies are 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 version 9.0 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.

Warning and fine imposed on Carlisle United for Crowd Control Misconduct

Warning and fine imposed on Carlisle United for Crowd Control Misconduct

An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a warning and £5,000 fine on Carlisle United for crowd control misconduct at their match on Saturday 20 May 2023 against Bradford City in the EFL League Two. 

The Regulatory Commission suspended £2,000 of the club’s fine pending any further breach of FA Rule E21 before 21 November 2024. 

Carlisle United admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t commit any form of pitch incursion. 

AFC reinforces commitment to upholding highest governance standards

AFC reinforces commitment to upholding highest governance standards

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s efforts in safeguarding the principles of good governance were further strengthened at the AFC Legal Workshop, which concluded on Tuesday at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

An informative and stimulating two-day event for the AFC Legal Committee members and the members of the Confederation’s judicial bodies, the workshop featured distinguished speakers from FIFA and UEFA, as well as leading private practice lawyers and members of the AFC Legal Department.

Tailored for those elected to the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, the AFC Entry Control Body and the AFC Appeal Committee, as well as those appointed to the AFC Legal Committee, the workshop provided the participants with expert insights and in-depth knowledge of the sport’s legal best practices as well as an understanding of key case law.
 
On the opening day of the workshop, some of the primary topics of discussion included disciplinary matters, anti-doping and club licensing, as well as Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) processes, aided by case studies pertaining to each subject. 
 
Meanwhile, the second day commenced with a focus on matters pertaining to commercial law, intellectual property, rights protection and event-related legal issues, which was followed by an informative session on good governance in sport.
In his opening remarks, the AFC General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs, Mr. Andrew Mercer, commented: “The combined legal experience of all members and the secretariat is an extremely valuable resource for the AFC as it strives to deliver on its vision to be the world’s leading Confederation and its mission to ensure good governance and the highest ethical standards in Asian football.” 
 
He further emphasised the importance of maintaining a sense of community and knowledge sharing amongst the participants and highlighted the importance of continuing professional development during their term of appointment.
 
AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee Chairperson Mr. Jahangir Baglari said: “I have no doubt our committee members will continue to ensure that integrity and good governance, which are the AFC’s top priorities, are upheld at the highest standards
 
On our part, the AFC is committed to creating the best possible environment for our members, which will enable them to carry out their responsibilities to the best of their abilities.”
 
As part of the AFC’s bespoke programmes to ensure its members meet the continuously evolving demands that are key to enhancing the legal aspects of today’s game, the workshop reinforced the AFC’s Vision and Mission, of ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and positioning members of its judicial bodies as amongst the best in world football.
 
The full-day sessions featured presentations from world-class speakers on the disciplines that make up the comprehensive suite of legal services administered by the Confederation’s legal department. 

ICC Board outcomes

 ICC Board outcomes

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board met today and confirmed the terms of the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

After hearing representation from SLC, the ICC Board decided that Sri Lanka can continue to compete internationally both in bilateral cricket and ICC events after being suspended recently for breaching its obligations as a Member in particular the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and without government interference.

However, funding to SLC will be controlled by the ICC and the ICC Board confirmed Sri Lanka will no longer host the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, which will now be held in South Africa.

The ICC Board also approved new gender eligibility regulations for the international game following a 9-month consultation process with the sport’s stakeholders. The new policy is based on the following principles (in order of priority), protection of the integrity of the women’s game, safety, fairness and inclusion, and this means any Male to Female participants who have been through any form of male puberty will not be eligible to participate in the international women’s game regardless of any surgery or gender reassignment treatment they may have undertaken.

The review, which was led by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee chaired by Dr Peter Harcourt, relates solely to gender eligibility for international women’s cricket, whilst gender eligibility at domestic level is a matter for each individual Member Board, which may be impacted by local legislation. The regulations will be reviewed within two years.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “The changes to the gender eligibility regulations resulted from an extensive consultation process and is founded in science and aligned with the core principles developed during the review. Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women’s game and the safety of players.”

Cricket

The Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) endorsed a plan to accelerate the development of female match officials which includes equalising match day pay for ICC umpires across men’s and women’s cricket and ensuring there is one neutral umpire in every ICC Women’s Championship series from January 2024.

The CEC agreed to introduce a stop clock on a trial basis in men’s ODI and T20I cricket from December 2023 to April 2024. The clock will be used to regulate the amount of time taken between overs. If the bowling team is not ready to bowl the next over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed, a 5-run penalty will be imposed the third time it happens in an innings.

Changes to the pitch and outfield monitoring regulations were also approved, including a simplification of the criteria against which a pitch is assessed and increasing the threshold for when a venue could have its international status removed from five demerit points to six demerit points over a five-year period.

Sri Lanka Cricket suspended by ICC Board

Sri Lanka Cricket suspended by ICC Board

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership of the ICC with immediate effect.

The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka.

The conditions of the suspension will be decided by the ICC Board in due course. 

Joint statement on the Royal Assent of the Online Safety Act

Joint statement on the Royal Assent of the Online Safety Act

Kick It Out, The FA, Premier League, EFL and PFA have been working with Government to ensure Online Safety Act tackles racist and other discriminatory abuse

"Kick It Out, The FA, Premier League, English Football League and the PFA have been working closely with the Government and parliamentarians to ensure that the Online Safety Act (OSA) effectively tackles racist and other discriminatory abuse online and better protects users on social media platforms.

"Online abuse in football has risen significantly in recent years, but new laws passed by the Government should offer some hope to all those who participate in football. Change will take time, but it’s a big step in the right direction to make everyone in football feel safer online.

"We still need to ensure that law enforcement tackles perpetrators of online abuse and we urge the Government to ensure that the independent regulator, Ofcom, has sufficient powers to hold social media companies to account. In time, the OSA will introduce new tools to help users avoid discriminatory abuse. But social media companies don’t need to wait. They can introduce better tools right now so that users are free from unwanted and damaging discrimination."

See: Premier League commitment to tackling discrimination

The Premier League remains committed to tackling all forms of discrimination as part of our No Room For Racism Action Plan, which aims to ensure that football is an inclusive environment for all.

Ways in which the League is tackling discrimination includes the implementation of an online abuse reporting system to support players, managers, coaches and their family members who receive serious discriminatory online abuse.

This includes the League reviewing each case and reporting it to the relevant social media company, before an investigation and legal action is taken where appropriate.

See: How the Premier League supports safety online

The League implemented new enhanced anti-discrimination measures from the 2021/22 season as the League and its clubs continue to work together to make it clear any form of discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable in football and wider society. Clubs agreed to enforce new League-wide punishments, including bans, for any individual found to have behaved in a discriminatory or abusive way towards any club employee, player, match official, matchday steward or fan attending a Premier League match. This covers behaviour conducted in-person or online.

If you see online abuse directed at players, managers, coaches, match officials and their families, you can report it to the Premier League, here

EFL and football authorities welcome landmark online safety law

EFL and football authorities welcome landmark online safety law

English football welcomed the Online Safety Act receiving Royal Assent today in Parliament

Kick It Out, the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League and the PFA have been working closely with the Government and parliamentarians to ensure that the Online Safety Act (OSA) effectively tackles racist and other discriminatory abuse online and better protects users on social media platforms.

Online abuse in football has risen significantly in recent years, but new laws passed by the Government should offer some hope to all those who participate in football. Change will take time, but it’s a big step in the right direction to make everyone in football feel safer online.

We still need to ensure that law enforcement tackles perpetrators of online abuse and we urge the Government to ensure that the independent regulator, Ofcom, has sufficient powers to hold social media companies to account. In time, the OSA will introduce new tools to help users avoid discriminatory abuse. But social media companies don’t need to wait. They can introduce better tools right now so that users are free from unwanted and damaging discrimination. 

AESF Welcomes IOC Plans to Create Olympic Esports Games

AESF Welcomes IOC Plans to Create Olympic Esports Games

AESF welcomes the announcement made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Mr. Thomas Bach, on the creation of Olympic Esports Games during his opening speech at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India.

In his address, Mr. Bach stated, “There are 3 billion people playing Esports and gaming around the world. It is estimated that over 500 million of them are specifically interested in Esports, which includes virtual sports and sports simulations. What is more relevant to us is that the majority of them are under the age of 34.” Mr. Bach mentioned that the IOC has taken the strategic decision to engage with Esports in a holistic way and has chosen an approach to be active in the Esports space while staying true to Olympic values. 

The Olympic movement is embracing Esports in recent years, and the Asian Esports industry is leading the way. The major Asian multi-sports events, including the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games, have included Esports as an official medal sport.

AESF actively promotes the further integration of Esports into the Olympics. At the AESF's 3rd Executive Board Meeting, AESF President Mr. Kenneth Fok, mentioned that AESF's mission is not solely focused on organizing Esports events but also on bringing the Esports community closer to the Olympic community and National Olympic Committees.

AESF has collaborated with publishers on the adaptation of popular mobile shooting game, such as PUBG Mobile, which was renamed as 'Peace Elite Asian Games Version,' as well as MOBA game, such as Arena of Valor, which was renamed as 'Arena of Valor Asian Games Version,' during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. Both of the adaptations have been made to comply with Olympic values, and the changes provide a good stage for athletes from various countries and regions to compete while also presenting the core values of sports, such as equality, respect, and fairness.

AESF has established the Publisher Commission for the first time, and we will continue to collaborate with publishers to further cooperate and deliberate on game adaptations that fully conform to Olympic values and the Olympic movement. AESF looks forward to cooperating with the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Committee (AINAGOC) for the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, as Esports has been designated as one of the official medal sports.

WADA update on the compliance status of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency

WADA update on the compliance status of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency

Further to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA's) Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting of 22 September 2023, and the update of 28 September 2023, WADA wishes to update stakeholders regarding the ExCo’s decision to follow the recommendation of WADA’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) to allege new consequences and reinstatement conditions against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), which is already non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code(1). The non-compliance in this case was a result of a non-conformity relating to national legislation that was identified during a virtual audit in September 2022 and not addressed to date. 

Under Article 9.3.1 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), RUSADA had 21 days following the date of receipt of the formal notice of non-compliance to dispute the consequences and/or the reinstatement conditions proposed by the Agency.   

Today, WADA has received formal notification from RUSADA that it disputes WADA’s allegation of non-compliance, the proposed consequences and reinstatement conditions. WADA will shortly refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for its consideration. As such, the consequences will not apply until such time as CAS makes its ruling. 

(1) As it relates to the December 2020 decision by CAS, since the end of the two-year period of consequences imposed by CAS, WADA has been assessing and monitoring RUSADA to see whether it meets all the reinstatement conditions contained in the CAS decision. Until all the reinstatement conditions are met, RUSADA cannot be considered for reinstatement. In addition, RUSADA will not be eligible for reinstatement under the CAS Award until the non-conformity related to its national legislation (described above) is resolved. 

For more information on non-compliant Signatories 

There are currently four non-compliant Code Signatories. They are the NADOs from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Gabon and Russia, as well as the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.   

For more information on the Signatories and the consequences, please visit the ‘Global list of non-compliant signatories and applicable consequences’ page of WADA’s website. While WADA will monitor the implementation of the consequences, under Code Article 24.1.9, other Signatories to the Code must recognize and implement the consequences in full.