As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Sports Law Project serves as a key pillar in developing the sports sector and enhancing its contribution to the national economy. The project aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for regulating sports activities and the entities involved, ensuring effective governance, encouraging investment, and promoting competition at both local and international levels.

The Sports Law Project represents a significant shift in Saudi sports legislation, seeking to regulate the relationship between sports institutions and supervisory bodies while defining the rights and obligations of players, coaches, and referees. It also outlines disciplinary mechanisms and sports arbitration procedures. Additionally, the project addresses aspects related to anti-doping measures, hosting sports events, and investing in sports facilities to ensure the sustainable growth of sports in the Kingdom.

 First: Regulation of Sports Entities

 The second chapter of the Sports Law Project defines the legal nature of sports entities, including the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, sports federations, clubs, leagues, and sports companies. It also regulates their establishment and management procedures while setting governance rules to ensure compliance with international standards and promote transparency and sustainability.

• The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee

The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee is an independent sports entity responsible for implementing Olympic and Paralympic charters within the Kingdom. Among its key roles is organizing and managing Saudi participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Games while representing the Kingdom in international sports organizations. The committee is also authorized to establish one or more sports arbitration centers to resolve disputes between sports entities and their members.

• Sports Federations

 Each sports federation enjoys legal personality and financial and administrative independence, managing and regulating a specific sport within the Kingdom. Federations are responsible for setting regulations for sports competitions, approving player registrations, and overseeing the work of coaches and sports agents. Additionally, federations have the authority to license clubs, players, and sports agents while determining disciplinary sanctions for violations.

• Sports Clubs and Leagues

Sports clubs may take the form of non-profit institutions or sports companies, following regulations set by the law. Clubs also enjoy administrative and financial independence but remain subject to the supervision of sports federations and relevant regulatory authorities. Meanwhile, sports leagues are responsible for managing and marketing sports tournaments and competitions in line with best practices.

• Sports Companies

The project allows the establishment of sports companies, provided they obtain the necessary licenses from the Ministry of Sports. The minimum capital requirement is determined by the Minister, with restrictions placed on the percentage of foreign investor ownership.

Second: Regulation of Players, Coaches, and Referees

• Player Classification

The third chapter of the project differentiates between professional and amateur players. A professional player is contractually bound to a club or sports federation, and the law mandates clubs to register professional players in the social insurance system to secure their financial and insurance rights.

• Regulation of Coaches and Sports Agents

The project requires coaches and sports agents to obtain licenses approved by the relevant sports federations. Additionally, it distinguishes between amateur and professional coaches, applying the same regulations that govern amateur and professional players.

• Regulation of Referees

The law stipulates that sports federations are responsible for setting the conditions for referee registration, defining their duties, and determining regulations related to their engagement or contracts.

Conclusion

The Saudi Sports Law Project provides a comprehensive legal framework for regulating the sports sector, ensuring the highest standards of governance, encouraging investment in sports, and strengthening the Kingdom’s position in the global sports arena.