Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution

Empowering Sports with Accessible Justice

Resolve sports disputes fairly, swiftly, and confidentially. Welcome to Hong Kong's dedicated online platform for resolving sports disputes.

The Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution (“Pilot Scheme”), launched by the Department of Justice of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, aims to provide the sports sector with a fair, efficient and convenient mechanism for resolving sports disputes.

The dispute resolution mechanism under the Pilot Scheme is a two-tiered process comprising mediation, where necessary, followed by arbitration.

The proceedings are administered by AALCO-HKRAC on a secure designated online platform from eBRAM ("Designated Online Platform"), in accordance with the AALCO-HKRAC Sports Industry Mediation and Arbitration Rules (2026) （the “Rules”）.

Start Your Claim in 4 Simple Steps

Step 1: Understand & Prepare

  • Check Scope: The Pilot Scheme covers commercial sports disputes (e.g., sponsorship agreement, player transfers) and non-commercial sports disputes (e.g., athlete selection, disciplinary matters).
  • Act Quickly: For disputes related to selection or eligibility, we recommend you to file a claim soonest possible after the relevant decision being communicated to you.
  • Gather Evidence: Collate all relevant contracts, correspondence, and supporting documents.

Step 2: Check Eligibility for Government Subsidy

For eligible cases, government subsidy is available on a reimbursement basis to cover the administrative cost, mediator fee and arbitrator fee of the dispute resolution proceedings, and only HK$3,000 will be charged to parties in equal share as registration fees.  

Eligibility:

(a) The dispute is a non-commercial sports dispute;

(b) At least one of the parties to the dispute is:

  • a Hong Kong resident; or
  • a company registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) or the predecessor Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32); or
  • a sole proprietor or partnership registered under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) where that sole proprietor or at least one of the partners in the partnership is a Hong Kong resident; or
  • a society registered under the Societies Ordinance (Cap. 151); or
  • a national sports association registered with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China or any of its member;

(c) Where subsidy is requested for arbitration, the dispute involves only issues of procedural fairness, errors of law, or other standards that may affect the integrity of the decision-making process; and

(d)No subsidy has previously been granted in respect of the same dispute.

Purpose: To significantly reduce the financial cost for athletes, coaches, or sports organisations for the resolution of sports disputes.

How to Apply: You must complete and submit the Subsidy Application Form before the commencement of mediation/arbitration if you wish to apply for subsidy

(a) You may complete the Subsidy Application Form after submitting your claim/response via the Designated Online Platform; or

(b) Alternatively, you may also access the application by clicking “Subsidy Application” on the Designated Online Platform’s homepage menu.

Step 3: Submit A Claim Online

All claims are submitted and managed through the Designated Online Platform.

SUBMIT A CLAIM
  1. Click the SUBMIT A CLAIM button above to access the Designated Online Platform.
  2. Click the “Submit new case” button to select the case type.
  3. Follow the steps to complete the online Notice of Commencement (Article 6, the Rules)
  4. Upload supporting documents.
  5. If applicable, indicate your interest in applying for subsidy by completing the Subsidy Application Form and uploading your supporting documents.

Step 4: Initiate the “Mediation First, Arbitration Next ” Process

  • AALCO-HKRAC will acknowledge receipt of your submission and provide guidance throughout the process.
  • The process follows a “Mediation First, Arbitration Next” approach. You first attempt to resolve the dispute through the mediation with the assistance of a mediator. If the dispute is not settled by mediation, you may refer the dispute to arbitration.
  • AALCO-HKRAC may refuse to administer, or may discontinue, any proceedings initiated under the Pilot Scheme it deems inappropriate for mediation or arbitration.
  • Proceedings under the Pilot Scheme are conducted in accordance with the AALCO-HKRAC Sports Industry Mediation and Arbitration Rules (2026).

Key Documents for Resolution

To facilitate the process under the Pilot Scheme, please refer to the following key documents based on your situation:

  • Before a Dispute Arises – For Your Contracts:

    Incorporate the Model Hybrid Mediation and Arbitration Clause for the AALCO-HKRAC Sports Industry Mediation and Arbitration Rules (2026) into your sports-related agreements. This clause ensures that any future disputes will be resolved efficiently under the Pilot Scheme and the AALCO-HKRAC Sports Industry Mediation and Arbitration Rules (2026).

  • After a Dispute Has Arisen – To Start the Process: 
    If a dispute has already arisen, you and the other party(ies) can sign Agreement to Submit Dispute to Mediation and Arbitration under the AALCO-HKRAC Sports Industry Mediation and Arbitration Rules (2026). This agreement submits your existing dispute to the “Mediation First, Arbitration Next” process under the Pilot Scheme and the AALCO-HKRAC Sports Industry Mediation and Arbitration Rules (2026).

Related Resources

Sports Mediators and Sports Arbitrators for the Pilot Scheme

Need Help?

Our dedicated administrative team at AALCO-HKRAC is here to assist you every step of the way.