23/05/2026
Saudi Arabia's sports sector is undergoing a major legal and institutional transformation, with arbitration emerging as a cornerstone of modern sports governance.
As the Kingdom positions itself as a global sporting hub under Vision 2030, disputes involving football, horse racing, esports, sponsorships, broadcasting rights, athlete contracts, and disciplinary actions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and international in nature.
Key highlights from the analysis:
Saudi Arabia has adopted a hybrid sports arbitration model combining state oversight, federation governance, and international arbitral integration
The Saudi Arbitration Law aligns closely with UNCITRAL principles and strengthens investor confidence
Football has become the primary catalyst for arbitration reform
due to growing internationalisation and commercialisation CAS integration reflects Saudi Arabia's increasing participation in the global sports law ecosystem
Enforcement of sports arbitral awards is supported through the New York Convention and evolving pro-arbitration judicial practice
Arbitration is now central to governance in football, horse racing, motorsport, boxing, and esports
Challenges remain regarding institutional specialisation, transparency, and procedural harmonisation
The evolution of sports arbitration in Saudi Arabia demonstrates how legal reform, commercial sport, and international investment are increasingly interconnected in the Kingdom's broader economic transformation.
https://Inkd.in/gys-U2Ci
Author Dr Bini Saroj, and Co-Author Mr. Mohammed Rohin
Arbitration Vision2030