CLASF is launching a new workshop to discuss the relationship between Competition Law and the Sporting Arena. This has been the subject of three major CJEU rulings within the last year: firstly, two – delivered on the same date – relating to the European Super League (ESL, C-323/21) and the International Skating Union (ISU, C-124/21P) and, secondly, the post-Bosman ruling in Diarra (FIFA, C-650/22). There has been considerable discussion and controversy in recent years about the extent to which EU competition law applies to the regulatory and governance structures involved in sports organisations and any remaining value in the ‘specificity of sport’ concept. This is particularly significant from a commercial, legal, and social perspective given the importance of sports in society and its inherent tension with the economic goals of Competition Law.
In this workshop we would appreciate any papers in relation to the ESL, Diarra, and ISU case-law, broader issues about the relationship between sport and competition law, issues concerning sports broadcasting, State aid application in a sporting context, and comparative perspectives from other jurisdictions on any of these or related issues. Contributions on various subjects can be included.
The Competition Law Scholars Forum (CLaSF) 43rd workshop invites contributions (abstract paper proposals from researchers, scholars, practitioners, policy-makers) in relation to any issue within this wide subject. We welcome theoretical, economics-driven, practice-based, or policy-focused papers, and we are interested in receiving abstracts for papers which may be focused on perspectives/ experience at national, regional (e.g., EU), or international levels, or a combination.
The workshop is organized under the direction of Professors José Sá Reis (Universidade do Porto, Facultade di Direito) and Barry Rodger (Strathclyde University, Glasgow). It will be hosted in Porto.
In particular, we would like the seminar to combine the sharing of research findings obtained by researchers in the early stages of their careers with those of more senior researchers.
We are planning a live, in-person event only.
The Workshop will consist of a mix of invited speakers and contributions chosen following this call for papers. Any person interested in being considered on the basis of the call for papers at the workshop is asked to contact the Organizing Committee by e-mailing Prof. José Sá Reis at reis@direito.up.pt and Prof. Barry Rodger at barry.j.rodger@strath.ac.uk An abstract is required of approximately 500-1,000 words, to be submitted by no later than 7th February 2025, and decisions on successful submissions will be taken by Friday 21st February 2025.
Submission of presentation/draft paper is required a week prior to the workshop. Papers presented can be submitted to the Competition Law Review with a view to being published in the Review. Note that the Review is a fully refereed scholarly law journal: submission does not guarantee publication.
