Under the HKSAR Government’s Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution, the Designated Sports Dispute Resolution Online Platform has been in operation since February this year to accept mediation and arbitration applications. AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC) has recently concluded the first mediation case under the Pilot Scheme. The parties reached a settlement and agreed not to pursue any further legal action in relation to the dispute.
The case concerned a dispute between an athlete and the relevant sports association in respect of team selection for a continental competition. In view of confidentiality and the parties’ preferences, the sport, the specific continental event, and the parties’ identities are not disclosed.
The core issues related to how selection criteria were applied and understood. Selection requirements may differ across competition tiers, including the number of quota places and specific eligibility requirements. Disputes and misunderstandings can arise when it is unclear which tier a particular competition falls under and which criteria should therefore apply. In addition, the timeliness and effectiveness of a sports association’s response mechanism can materially affect the escalation of disputes—for example, where an athlete submits an entry based on published requirements but is only informed near the registration deadline that the entry is unsuccessful, or where clear reasons for rejection are not provided before the competition begins.
In this case, a mediation meeting was convened on the seventh day after AALCO-HKRAC received the case, and the mediation was completed on the same day, resulting in a settlement. This demonstrates the Platform’s efficiency and flexibility in handling urgent and time-sensitive disputes. Mediation and arbitration are also conducted on a confidential basis, providing a constructive environment for parties to explore practical solutions outside court proceedings, while preserving the working relationship where possible.
Since the Platform’s launch in February, applications have been received covering selection disputes, competition-related disputes, and internal governance and regulatory matters within sports organisations. Generally, once both parties agree to proceed with mediation or arbitration, the process can move forward quickly.
As to the panels, AALCO-HKRAC currently has 116 mediators and 316 arbitrators. Under the Pilot Scheme, there are 53 panel mediators and 43 panel arbitrators. AALCO-HKRAC welcomes athletes and retired athletes to join as mediators, and will continue education and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen confidence in alternative dispute resolution within the sports and legal communities.
For more information about the Pilot Scheme, please visit our website:
Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution – AALCO
