Sports Law
The regulation of sport in Croatia, in a formal sense, is based on only a limited number of laws and statutes, most notably the Sports Act and the Statute of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO). These legal instruments define the framework within which sport in Croatia exists and operates, including the organisation of sporting competitions and the overall system of sports training and development.
However, sports law extends far beyond this narrow regulatory framework. Sport also encompasses a wide range of legal disciplines which, although not directly focused on the regulation or governance of sport, nevertheless have a significant impact on the sports industry. For example, the law of obligations and contract law are indispensable in the employment of players and the execution of transfers, while intellectual property law plays a key role in the protection of sports brands, as well as in sponsorship arrangements entered into by clubs and athletes with third parties.
Given the breadth of legal issues involved in the sports industry, it is essential that stakeholders and rights holders maintain control over their rights and legal exposure through appropriate and well-structured legal support.
Our lawyers leverage international qualifications in sports law and extensive practical experience to deliver sophisticated, end-to-end legal support to clients operating across the sports industry.
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Resolution of sports disputes through mediation and arbitration
Representation of parties in sports-related disputes
Representation of players, clubs, federations and other stakeholders in disciplinary, anti-doping and other proceedings before courts, arbitral tribunals and regulatory bodies, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Basketball Arbitral Tribunal (BAT), International Games & Esports Tribunal (IGET), Arbitration Council of the Croatian Olympic Committee (VSA HOO), Sport Resolutions and WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center
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Structuring founding statutes and governance frameworks, including the organisation of operations and management
Drafting rules and regulations for federations and clubs
Drafting rules of the game, as well as anti-doping, anti-corruption and Financial Fair Play regulations
Implementation and enforcement of existing rules and regulations of sports governing bodies
Advising on the regulation of agents and intermediaries in sport, as well as on sports financing and ownership structures
Advising clubs, leagues, players and intermediaries on domestic and international sports regulations
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Advising on and implementing domestic and international transfers of players and coaches, including full legal support in negotiating and executing playing and coaching contracts
Representing athletes and clubs in a wide range of contractual arrangements with agents, clubs, players, sponsors and other stakeholders (including professional playing agreements)
Providing legal support in the employment and registration of athletes, including resolving immigration and related regulatory matters affecting athletes and their families
Advising clubs, leagues, players and intermediaries on domestic and international regulatory frameworks governing specific sports industries
Assisting with the acquisition of league licences, including HNL, Premijer liga and ABA liga licences
Representing athletes, clubs, federations and other stakeholders in disputes and in disciplinary and anti-doping proceedings before courts and arbitral tribunals, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Basketball Arbitral Tribunal (BAT), Arbitration Council of the Croatian Olympic Committee (VSA HOO), Sport Resolutions and WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center
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Drafting, negotiating and implementing sponsorship, licensing, appearance and brand endorsement agreements
Structuring and managing intellectual property, branding and publicity rights of clubs, federations, athletes and other stakeholders
Protection and enforcement of copyright, trademarks and privacy rights, including identity theft, unauthorised use of image rights, reputational harm and privacy infringements
Structuring intellectual property portfolios for sports-related brands of private companies, including legal support in distribution, licensing and franchise arrangements
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Advising on and implementing acquisitions, disposals, share purchases and investments in sports clubs
Structuring ownership arrangements, including shareholder/member rights and obligations
Conducting legal due diligence in connection with the acquisition and sale of sports clubs
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Advising on sports broadcasting transactions and the acquisition of media rights, including legal support in tender processes and the drafting and negotiation of agreements between media companies and sports federations, clubs and other stakeholders
Protection and enforcement of digital content and databases, including online media rights
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Drafting regulations and conducting investigations aimed at combating doping, corruption, match-fixing and other unlawful conduct
Advising on regulatory and compliance aspects of sports betting
Providing legal support in safeguarding matters, including the prevention of exploitation of minor athletes
Representing clubs and players in disciplinary proceedings
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Advising on the organisation of sporting events, including bidding procedures and venue arrangements
Structuring ticketing frameworks and ensuring the exclusive exploitation of commercial rights and benefits, including measures against unauthorised access and ambush marketing
E-sports
When discussing sport today—particularly the broader sports industry—it is essential to include esports (electronic sports). The esports sector is one of the fastest-growing segments globally, driven by significant online exposure and engagement, already generating revenues exceeding USD 1 billion and attracting an audience of more than 443 million viewers.
According to Forbes, esports is on track to become one of the most commercially lucrative markets worldwide. If current growth trends continue, total revenues are projected to reach approximately USD 2.3 billion within the next few years, potentially surpassing established sports properties such as Formula One and the UEFA Champions League.
While less regulated than traditional sport, esports remains significantly impacted by legal and regulatory frameworks. Participants—often minors or young adults—must be aware of their commercial value and ensure that their rights are properly identified, structured and protected.
Within the esports sector, Nogolica & Partners provide comprehensive legal support to teams, tournament organisers and other stakeholders, including: drafting constitutional and regulatory frameworks; advising on integrity mechanisms, including betting oversight and anti-cheating measures; securing and commercialising media rights relating to broadcasting and streaming, as well as sponsorship and advertising arrangements; and advising on employment, player contracts and wider labour law issues specific to esports.
Need legal assistance in the sports industry?
Andro Nogolica, a member of our team, has completed two postgraduate programmes in sports law in the United Kingdom and Switzerland. He regularly advises stakeholders across the sports industry and represents clients in arbitration and other dispute resolution proceedings.
Drawing on his expertise in sports law, as well as his broader understanding of legal issues affecting the sports and esports industries, Andro—together with the wider Nogolica team—provides strategic and effective legal support in protecting clients’ interests and resolving complex legal and regulatory challenges in sport.
If you are an athlete, club, federation, organisation or other stakeholder in the sports industry and require legal assistance, please contact us via the enquiry form or reach out directly to a member of our team.