Following the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Asser Institute, a renowned inter-university center for knowledge and research in private, public international, and European law, is set to host two significant conferences in October 2024, focusing on international sports law and athletes’ human rights.
October 23, 2024: Empowering athletes’ human rights
On October 23, 2024, the newly launched Global Sport and Human Rights Research Network under the Asser Institute and Centre for Sport and Human Rights will host a conference together with the European Union-funded project Human Rights Empowered Through Athletes’ Rights (H.E.R.O.). This one-day event will engage in critical discussions on athletes’ rights, focusing on how to protect these rights and prevent violations within the sports industry.
October 24-25, 2024: International Sports Law Journal (ISLJ) Conference
On October 24 and 25, the Asser Institute will host the 2024 edition of the International Sports Law Journal (ISLJ) Conference. As the leading academic journal in transnational sports law and governance, the ISLJ provides a platform for international debates on the latest developments in the field.
Key Themes of the ISLJ Conference:
Drivers and Effects of Reform in Transnational Sports Governance
Transnational sports governance has faced continuous crises and reforms due to corruption scandals, human rights violations, and legal challenges. This year’s conference will critically examine the triggers and impacts of reforms in sports governance, from the creation of new bodies (e.g., the Athletics Integrity Unit) to the adoption of human rights commitments by organizations such as FIFA and the IOC.
Football and International Relations
Football, as a global sport, is increasingly intertwined with international relations, particularly in the context of sanctions, wars, and regional disputes. The conference will explore the role of FIFA and UEFA in navigating these political challenges while maintaining their stated neutrality, along with the legal processes that guide their decision-making.
Olympic Challenges
The legal questions surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympics remain, including the controversy over the hijab ban imposed by the French Federation and the debate on whether Olympians should be financially compensated by the IOC or the International Federations. Keynote speaker Prof. Jules Boykoff, a noted critic of the Olympic regime, will explore the IOC’s ability to adapt to modern challenges while preserving the existing model of Olympism.
Conference Participation
The conferences will be available for both in-person and virtual participation, allowing attendees from around the world to engage with the discussions.
Notable Speakers:
- Ariel Dulitzky (University of Texas)
- Burak Gemalmaz (Istanbul University)
- Pedro José Mercado Jaén (European University Institute)
- Cathérine Van de Graaf (University of Cologne)
- Seamus Byrne (Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Layckan van Gensen (Stellenbosch University)
- Jules Boykoff (Pacific University, Oregon)
- Brendan Schwab (Schwab Legal)
- Katarina Pijetlovic (Catolica University)
- Béatrice Martel (McGill University)
- Marcus Mazzucco (University of Toronto)
- Veronika Yefremova (Leiden University)
- Sarah Carrick (Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Miquel Aznar Company (Universitat de València)
- Niyati Pandey (Gujarat National Law University)
- Tarun Tarun (Gujarat National Law University)
Organizers:
- Mark James (Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Antoine Duval (Asser Institute)
- For the full program and to register for the event, please visit the official conference webpage.
- https://www.asser.nl/education-events/events/?id=4365
- https://www.asser.nl/education-events/events/?id=4372
