AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC) welcomes continued discussion on Hong Kong’s progress in developing an institutional mechanism to resolve disputes arising from the sports industry, and notes the constructive collaboration among the sports sector, the legal community and the Government.
Speaking at the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs,Culture and Sports meeting, Dr. Hon Kenneth Fok, President of the ANOC Committee for the General Assembly and Vice President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), said highlighted that, in 2023, stakeholders from the sports sector and the legal community, together with Prof. Hon. Nick Chan, Deputy to the National People’s Congress—to support the establishment of a mechanism in Hong Kong for resolving sports industry-related disputes. The proposal subsequently received supportive and positive feedback, alongside active support from the HKSAR Government. In the 2024 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced the development of the relevant framework, followed by the launch of a pilot programme for sports dispute resolution—translating policy direction into implementable arrangements within a relatively short timeframe.
AALCO-HKRAC recognises that many sports disputes are inherently time-sensitive. Matters involving eligibility, selection, disciplinary actions and contractual issues often require outcomes that are efficient, confidential and procedurally robust. A specialised, trusted, efficient and accessible sports dispute resolution framework can enhance transparency, credibility and predictability in sports governance, while supporting the sustainable growth of the sports industry.
AALCO-HKRAC supports the building on successful cases with medium-term planning and deeper engagement with local National Sports Associations, sports organisations and regional counterparts across Asia. Through outreach, capacity building, professional training and cross-sector dialogue, the mechanism can become better understood, more widely adopted, and increasingly sustainable in the long run. AALCO-HKRAC will continue to engage stakeholders on these efforts and welcomes the sports community’s active participation.