<Press Release>
Hong Kong Launches First Dedicated Online Platform for Resolving Sports Disputes
(Hong Kong – 13 February 2026)
Marking a significant milestone in the advancement of sports dispute resolution in Asia, the Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution (Pilot Scheme) has launched Hong Kong’s first online platform for sports dispute resolution which now begins to accept case applications(Online Platform). The Pilot Scheme was launched by the Department of Justice and supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. It is administered by the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre(AALCO-HKRAC) with technology provided by eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited.
The Deputy Secretary for Justice and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, said that establishing a mechanism that is efficient, credible and dedicated to resolving sports disputes is an important foundation for advancing the development of the sports industry and enhancing the corporate governance of the sports sector.
The Online Platform provides a streamlined digital process that allows parties, including athletes, coaches, and sports organisations to initiate and manage disputes in a swifter and less costly way —whether over athlete selection, disciplinary matters, sponsorships, or player transfers—without resorting to litigation. Through the secure online system, users can submit claims, upload supporting documents, conduct hearings, and apply for government subsidy for eligible disputes.
Mr. Nick Chan Hiu-fung, BBS, MH, JP, Director of AALCO-HKRAC, emphasised the platform’s secure architecture, with end-to-end encryption to protect sensitive data and privacy. The user-friendly interface ensures simple navigation even for those without legal training, empowering athletes and organisations to seek fair resolution with confidence. “While we provide modern online solutions, we maintain the flexibility of traditional dispute resolution channels, with the goal of delivering faster, more professional and more affordable dispute resolution services to the sports community.”
Central to the Pilot Scheme is its “Mediation First, Arbitration Next” approach. Each case will begin with an attempt at mediation facilitated by a neutral mediator. Where settlement is not reached, the matter may proceed to arbitration in which arbitrators render binding awards.
The Hon Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, BBS, JP, Vice President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, said, “In the past, some sports bodies had no choice but to refer disputes to international institutions like CAS in Switzerland, often incurring significant time and financial costs. The Pilot Scheme provides an online dispute resolution platform, which directly addresses challenges of distance, delay, and high costs.”
The Pilot Scheme is supported by a professional and internationalized panel of sports mediators and panel of sports arbitrators, with professionals drawn from over 23 jurisdictions. The panels’ composition ensures a unique blend of expertise, incorporating mediators and arbitrators from CAS, commercial sports dispute specialists, panel members from the AALCO Dispute Settlement System, leading Hong Kong sports law practitioners, and specialists trained by AALCO-HKRAC. These panels are maintained on a rolling basis, and suitably qualified professionals are encouraged to apply to join. This diverse team ensures culturally appropriate resolutions across different sports and legal contexts.
Beyond dispute resolution, the Pilot Scheme also actively supports capacity building and professional development, regularly organising workshops and courses, with the goal of promoting a culture of sports dispute prevention and enhancing the international competitiveness of local legal and sports professionals. Ms Juanita Mok Uen-ying, a wushu athlete and sports mediator shared, “Athletes have short career windows, and any disruption caused by unresolved disputes can be deeply damaging. The Pilot Scheme provides a confidential, impartial and professional dispute resolution mechanism, giving athletes a peace of mind. Mediation training also helps retired athletes pivot into meaningful second careers.”
Through the launch of this innovative Online Platform that combines law, technology, and sports knowledge,Hong Kong not only addresses growing domestic needs for dispute resolution, but is also well positioned to emerge as a regional leader in sports legal and dispute resolution services.
For details of the Pilot Scheme, please visit: Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution – AALCO
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About AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre
The Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) is a cornerstone of international cooperation, established as a major outcome of the historic 1955 Bandung Conference. As an intergovernmental organization backed by 49 Member States spanning Asia and Africa—all active partners in the Belt and Road Initiative—AALCO has been a pivotal force in shaping legal frameworks across the Global South for decades.
The AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC), inaugurated on 25 May 2022, is a direct extension of this legacy. It holds the distinct status of being the first and only arbitration institution in Hong Kong established under international law by AALCO. As such, AALCO-HKRAC enjoys the privileges and immunities accorded to international organizations, providing a uniquely neutral and protected legal environment for dispute resolution.
Since its establishment in 2022, the Centre has been proactively reinforcing Hong Kong as a hub for cross-border dispute resolution and professional talent development. The Centre has proactively championed this goal through initiatives like launching Hong Kong’s first Sports Mediation Training Programme and building strategic collaborations with universities and sports institutions.
Building on this robust foundation, AALCO-HKRAC is expertly positioned to handle a wide spectrum of disputes. While our cutting-edge Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform efficiently serves Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), our core expertise and institutional stature make us the ideal forum for high-value, complex commercial arbitration. We specialize in resolving significant B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2G (Business-to-Government) commercial disputes, making us a trusted partner for major projects and investments throughout the Belt and Road region.
Our mandate is to provide a secure, efficient, and authoritative dispute resolution hub that connects Asia, Africa and the world.
