International sports are a huge part of most countries’ cultural fabric and have a long history of bringing people together. They may be played at a local level, or at the global level – like the Olympics or the World Cup. This article focuses on the governance of international sports and law-related issues associated with them.
International sport is governed at the international level by various international sporting bodies, for example FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). These organizations set the rules of play and regulate players, agents and referees. They also enforce their Disciplinary Code and hear labor disputes and matters of solidarity contribution, among other things.
The Olympic Games, which were first held in ancient Greece and revived as a modern event in 1896, were originally considered to be an international competition between amateurs – that is, athletes who competed for love of the sport rather than financial rewards or fame. However, the Olympic Games are now open to professional athletes as well.
While sports may bring people together, the world of international sport is not without its controversies. For instance, it can be difficult for women and minority athletes to find a fair playing field, and the issue of gender identity can pose challenges.
Even so, many people feel that sport has a significant power to foster positive change in the world. For this reason, the United Nations has designated 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.