"Opinion Piece | Hong Kong's Suitability for Arbitrating Commercial Sports Disagreements"
**Hong Kong's New Sports Dispute Resolution Pilot Programme**
The Department of Justice in Hong Kong has announced a groundbreaking initiative, the International Organisation for Mediation's (IOM) sports dispute resolution pilot program. This programme, set to launch in 2025, aims to establish a specialised system for resolving sports-related disputes through mediation and arbitration.
The programme is a key step in response to the growing need for institutions to settle complex disputes in the increasingly commercialised sport sector. With the sport sector generating diverse and complex disputes, particularly at the elite level, the programme's focus is on providing tailored mediation and arbitration services to address these needs.
The programme aligns with the chief executive's policy address, which pledged in October 2024 to explore establishing a sports dispute resolution system. The proposed pilot scheme is also in alignment with the growth of the international centre for dispute resolution in Hong Kong.
The IOM is inviting joint proposals from dispute resolution and online dispute resolution institutions to operate the scheme. The appointed institution will administer mediation and arbitration processes while leveraging lawtech and digital platforms for efficient dispute handling.
This pilot programme is significant for Hong Kong for several reasons. Firstly, it positions Hong Kong as an international centre for dispute resolution, enhancing its status in the global dispute resolution landscape by introducing specialized sports dispute mechanisms. Secondly, it fills a specialized niche, providing tailored mediation and arbitration services addressing the unique needs of sports disputes, such as those related to contracts, doping, athlete eligibility, and governance.
By partnering with online dispute resolution institutions, the pilot programme integrates technology to allow for efficient, accessible, and flexible dispute resolution processes, relevant to fast-paced sports contexts. The programme also aims to replicate and localize the successful models of sports dispute resolution, such as those administered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland, benefiting regional and international sports stakeholders.
The deadline for submitting proposals is July 31, 2025. The sports dispute resolution process in the proposed pilot programme does not have to start from scratch, given Hong Kong’s international standing in arbitration. The programme's creation can contribute to Hong Kong's standing as a global hub for dispute resolution in the sport sector and enhance its reputation as an international centre for dispute resolution.
- The sports dispute resolution pilot program in Hong Kong, aligning with the growth of the international center for dispute resolution, aims to create a specialized system for resolving sports-related disputes in the economy, using technology to streamline processes and address the needs of sports businesses.
- The program, set to launch in 2025, will see the appointed institution employ mediation and arbitration services through online platforms, mirroring the successful models seen in established organizations like the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
- As part of the program, the IOM is inviting joint proposals from institutions in fields such as politics and finance, with the goal of partnering with online dispute resolution entities to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of dispute resolution processes in the sports sector.
- The successful implementation of the pilot program promises to solidify Hong Kong's position as an international hub for dispute resolution, not only in the sports industry but also in sectors such as technology and business, while fostering collaboration with entities across the globe.
