Estonian sports disputes to be resolved by the Court of Arbitration of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Updated principles for resolving internal sports disputes will soon enter into force in Estonian sport. In connection with this, the Estonian Olympic Committee (EOK) and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) signed an agreement under which the Court of Arbitration of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will become the body responsible for resolving sports disputes in the future. Sports law will continue to be based on the Estonian Sports Ethics Rules (ESER), which set out standards of conduct in different roles, the boundaries of what is permitted and prohibited, and penalties. Conducting disciplinary proceedings and applying the requirements of sports ethics will remain the responsibility of sports federations. However, dispute resolution and the forum for appealing disciplinary decisions will be transferred to the arbitration court of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

With the transition to the new system, the Estonian sports sector will gain a legally sound and economically sustainable dispute resolution platform that will not burden the already shrinking budgets of sports organisations, while at the same time ensuring justice at the highest level.

“Strong sport begins with clear and reliable rules. It is therefore important that Estonia has a functioning, independent dispute resolution system that takes account of the specific characteristics of sport, supports both athletes and organisations, and contributes to the development of the entire sports sector. In cooperation with the ECCI, we are creating a solution that is based on tested practice, is legally robust and also cost-effective,” said EOK Secretary General Kristo Tohver.

Mait Palts, Director General of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasised that long-standing experience makes it possible to offer certainty to the sports sector. “Achievements play a major role in sport, but trust and clear rules are just as important. When rules are understandable and disputes are resolved independently, this strengthens the credibility of the entire sports sector. The Court of Arbitration of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers long-standing experience and a professional framework, and we are pleased to contribute to the development of Estonian sport in this way.”