Sports law is a rapid growing practise that is becoming increasingly more relevant in today’s sports industry. It encompasses a number of traditional practise areas of law, such as contractual law, intellectual property law, tort law, administrative law and constitutional law. Sports law applies irrespective of the status of an athlete (whether an amateur, semi-pro or professional) or the type of sport that is played (contact or non-contact, amateur or professional league).
Malta is one of the few jurisdictions in the world that has enacted a dedicated law to sports via the Sports Act (Chapter 455 of the Laws of Malta) enacted in 2009 and which also caters for dispute resolution in sports.
In 2018, Malta enacted a modified version of its previous legislation dealing with manipulation of sports competitions via the Prevention of Corruption in Sports Act which also established the Sports Integrity Unit that deals in matters concerning integrity in sports.
The Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) has recently been set up which has a multitude of functions and responsibilities related to preventing corruption in sports and protecting sports integrity, including anti-doping.
Our team of lawyers have advised numerous associations, athletes, clubs and federations with respect to their legal affairs, including with respect to registration with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (CVO) and AIMS as well represented various athletes and clubs in front of disciplinary bodies.
