The Saudi Sports Arbitration Center includes international arbitrators from CAS
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the sports justice system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Board of Directors of the Saudi Center for Sports Arbitration officially announced the accreditation of a distinguished group of legal experts and international arbitrators to its list of approved arbitrators. The list includes prominent names registered with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, representing a significant advancement in the mechanisms for resolving sports disputes.
Global names and diverse expertise
The new list reflects the center's commitment to attracting top talent, encompassing both geographical and legal diversity. It includes Jeffrey G. Binns from the United Kingdom, and from Switzerland, Benoît Pasquier and Petra Pokernik-Perica. From the Arab world, the list features Sultan bin Nasser Al-Suwaidi from the Kingdom of Bahrain, and from Kuwait, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman and Dr. Abdullah bin Mesfer Al-Hayyan, who also serves on the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS). The list also includes Salman bin Ahmed Al-Ansari from Qatar, and from Egypt, Dr. Ismail bin Ahmed Selim and Abdullah bin Abdulmonem Shehata, in addition to Dr. Shadi Antonios Saad from Lebanon.
Enhancing confidence in the Saudi sports environment
Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Bassem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center, confirmed that this step has increased the number of arbitrators accredited by the Center and simultaneously registered with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to 18. He pointed out that this expansion is not merely a numerical increase, but rather an enhancement of the quality of arbitration decisions, thus solidifying the Center's position as a leading and trusted body for dispute resolution and ensuring the availability of expertise capable of handling complex cases according to the highest international standards.
Keeping pace with the historic transformation of Saudi sports
This step comes at a crucial time, as the Kingdom's sports sector undergoes a historic transformation in line with the goals of Vision 2030, including the privatization of sports clubs and the attraction of international stars to the Saudi Professional League. This rapid development necessitates a robust legal framework and an arbitration system comparable to international standards to guarantee the rights of all parties, whether players, coaches, or investors.
International dimensions of the decision
The presence of arbitrators from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on the Saudi Center's roster enhances the credibility of locally issued rulings and reduces the likelihood of resorting to international courts as a first option. The Center provides a neutral and professional litigation environment that adheres to internationally recognized standards. This integration of local and international expertise contributes to creating an attractive environment for sports investment and underscores the Kingdom's commitment to implementing the highest standards of governance and transparency in the sports sector.
