EU Law Challenges the Finality of Sports Arbitration in Landmark Ruling
The European Court of Justice ruled that national courts can review arbitral awards by the CAS to ensure compliance with EU law. This follows a case involving Belgian soccer club RFC Seraing, which challenged FIFA's sanctions. The ruling emphasizes the need for effective judicial protection in sports-related economic activities within the EU.
The European Court of Justice has mandated that national courts should be empowered to conduct thorough reviews of arbitral awards issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to confirm their adherence to EU law, announced on Friday.
This decision stems from the 2015 case against Belgian soccer club RFC Seraing, which faced sanctions for a player rights agreement with Doyen Sports, deemed a violation by FIFA. The CAS upheld FIFA's decision, prompting Seraing to contest its compatibility with EU law in Belgian courts.
The Court's ruling underscores the necessity for arbitration to not compromise the rights assured by EU law, allowing national courts to reassess CAS decisions, potentially setting a precedent for enhanced legal oversight in sports-related disputes.
(With inputs from agencies.)
ALSO READ
Dutch Soccer Players Prepare Billion-Dollar Legal Tackle Against FIFA
Players vs. FIFA: The Battle for Fair Wages on the Soccer Field
EU Court Ruling Challenges Sports Arbitration Exclusivity
EU Court Ruling Challenges the Finality of Sports Arbitration
Dutch Soccer Players Launch Billion-Dollar Claim Against FIFA Over Transfer Rules
Google News