In this fourth article of the present series, we examine in greater detail the various mechanisms, authorities, and quasi-judicial bodies that are empowered to look into various disputes arising within the sporting industry.
Anti-Doping Governance
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) plays a pivotal role in maintaining integrity in sports by promoting and enforcing anti-doping regulations worldwide. The primary functions include:
- Harmonizing anti-doping rules across countries and sports
- Monitoring compliance with the World Anti-Doping Program
- Conducting investigations
- Educating stakeholders
- Developing global anti-doping policies
WADA ensures that athletes across the world compete on a level playing field.
Olympic Governance Framework
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) plays a multifaceted role in global sports law. The responsibilities entrusted with the IOC include:
- Framing and enforcing rules for the Olympic Games
- Protecting athlete rights
- Promoting fairness and ethical conduct
The IOC operates through a legal framework which combines internal regulations with national and international legal systems. Such a framework ensures that the Olympic Games are conducted in accordance with the Olympic Charter.
The IOC and WADA are considered to be the key pillars in the global sports law framework, with WADA establishes binding rules applicable worldwide and the IOC ensuring a framework for governance, integrity and compliance in sports.
Indian Perspective & Emerging Framework
In India, sports governance is undergoing a significant transformation with the proposed National Sports Governance Bill 2025.
The introduction of the said Bill aims at the following :
- Align Indian sports governance with international standards
- Bringing bodies like the Board of Control for Cricket in India under statutory regulation
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in administration
- Promote athlete-centric governance
- Standardise election processes with sports bodies
As diverse as India is as a country, the manner in which sports law operates is equally multifaceted. Although the National Sports Governance Bill 2025seeks to regulate and streamline the sports industry, the field continues to be governed by a wide array of legal principles. These include the Indian Contract Act 1872 governing agreements and endorsements, constitutional law under the Constitution of India ensuring safeguarding of fundamental rights, and labour laws that regulate the rights and obligations of athletes, coaches and other stakeholders, to quote a few.
National Sports Federation (NSF)
National Sports Federations (NSFs) are vital stakeholders in the domestic sports ecosystem. Under the proposed reforms, NSFs are expected to:
- Operate with enhanced transparency and accountability
- Follow standardised governance practices
- Provide better legal safeguards for athletes
Conclusion:
The framework for dispute resolution within sports law reflects the highly specialised and evolving nature of the sporting industry. Institutions such as WADA and IOC play a crucial role in establishing uniform standards, ensuring integrity, and maintaining fairness across international sporting events.
From an Indian perspective, the proposed Bill marks a progressive step toward aligning domestic sports administration with international best practices. By aiming to introduce transparency, accountability and athlete-centric reforms, the Bill seeks to strengthen the framework governing sports in India.
Therefore, a cohesive and harmonised approach integrating both global standards and domestic legal principles is essential to ensure effective governance and fair resolution of disputes within the sporting ecosystem.
~ADV. SANIKA LALIT