In recent years, gender equality in the arbitration training programs of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has been the subject of attention and analysis. Historically, female representation in these tribunals has been limited, but recent initiatives and policies aim to balance the scales.
According to data provided by the CAS, the participation of women as arbitrators has seen a notable increase:
•Ordinary proceedings: 30% of sole arbitrators appointed are women.
•Appeal proceedings: Women represent 20% of appointed arbitrators.
•Anti-doping proceedings: Female participation reaches 25%.
Additionally, in events such as the Olympic Games and the Asian Games, the CAS ad hoc divisions are often composed of a balanced proportion of men and women, reflecting a commitment to gender equity.
In 2023, significant appointments highlighted efforts to increase female representation in sports arbitration. Two Spanish lawyers, Maite Nadal and Reyes Bellver, were selected as new CAS arbitrators at FIFA’s proposal, joining both the general list and the football specialists list. Both have extensive experience in sports law and arbitration, and their inclusion in CAS represents an important step toward gender diversity in this field.
During the sports arbitration course at the CAS, organized by Sports Law Hub, Gustavo Abreu, who participated as a lecturer, highlighted that in the last 4 or 5 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of female arbitrators. Abreu emphasized that the CAS is in an active phase of seeking and appointing women, with a current policy focused on gender equality to balance the representation of men and women in its arbitration appointments. Additionally, he advised aspiring female arbitrators to seek support from federations, committees, and other organizations to be considered for appointments, as, except in exceptional cases, they are likely to be appointed.
The doctoral thesis “Women’s Sports and Conflict Resolution through Arbitration and other ADR” by Luis Nogueiro Arias highlights gender inequality in the composition of sports arbitration tribunals. The study concludes that women are underrepresented in these bodies, which may affect fairness in the resolution of sports conflicts.
Various institutions have implemented measures to promote gender equality in the sports sector:
If you want to specialize in this field and make your way into the world of sports dispute resolution, Sports Law Hub offers the perfect opportunity. The Intensive Sports Arbitration Course before the CAS is a highly specialized program designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to become an expert in international sports arbitration.
It’s time to take the step and lead the change in sports arbitration. Sign up and make history in sports! 💪✨
(1) https://efeminista.com/mujeres-discriminacion-tribunales-deportivos/ Consulted on 10/03/2025
(2) https://as.com/ciclismo/mas_ciclismo/la-rfec-pedalea-por-la-igualdad-en-la-semana-de-la-mujer-n/ Consulted on 10/03/25
(3) https://www.coe.int/es/web/portal/-/promoting-greater-gender-equality-in-sport-roundtable-on-how-to-combat-discrimination-against-female-referees Consulted on 10/03/25
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