2026 Sports Law Practice Test – Complete Exam Preparation

Arbitration in international sports relies on a forum that understands the unique needs of athletes, clubs, federations, and events across borders. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne is that forum. It was created to provide a neutral, expert venue for resolving disputes tied to eligibility, contracts, sponsorships, disciplinary decisions, and other sports governance issues in a way that is efficient and widely recognized internationally. CAS awards are generally binding and can be enforced in many jurisdictions under the New York Convention, which is essential for cross-border sports matters. While other bodies exist, like general arbitration organizations, they lack the sports-specific focus and broad international acceptance that CAS offers. National courts do handle disputes but are not the primary venue for international sports issues because they may not provide the same neutral, specialized framework or harmonized procedures. For these reasons, CAS is the primary arbitration forum used for international sports disputes.