Hong Kong to roll out pilot scheme for sports dispute resolution

A new pilot scheme to resolve sports disputes will be launched later this year, with authorities offering subsidies for arbitration between athletes and national sports associations, Hong Kong’s deputy justice minister has revealed.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan said on Saturday the arbitration would mainly cover commercial disputes, such as match sponsorships, broadcasting rights and sports stars’ contracts. It would also address the governance of national sports associations.

“Sports arbitration only brings benefits and no harm to national sports associations,” Cheung told a television programme. “This will improve their governance as participation shows that when internal disputes cannot be solved, they are willing to use an open and fair arbitration mechanism.”

Model arbitration rules for sports disputes will be introduced by June, while a pilot scheme lasting between two and three years will be launched in the second half of the year.

Participation in the pilot scheme by national sports associations in the city will not be mandatory, but authorities will encourage associations to take part.

Plans for Hong Kong to develop its own legal mechanism for sports disputes were mentioned in last year’s policy address, as a part of the city’s goal to become a hub for dispute resolution services.