The Saudi Sports Arbitration Center (SSAC) serves as the Kingdom’s primary institution for resolving sports-related disputes, including conflicts between football clubs and their financiers. Established to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in sports governance, the SSAC operates under a statutory framework that reflects international best practices while adhering to Saudi law.
Jurisdiction and Scope
The SSAC’s jurisdiction covers a wide range of sports disputes, including financial conflicts arising between clubs and financiers. Such disputes may involve sponsorship agreements, funding arrangements, loan obligations, or other financial undertakings. Arbitration under the SSAC is typically initiated through contractual arbitration clauses or by appeal against decisions of sports governing bodies, such as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) or the Saudi Professional League (SPL). The Centre ensures that disputes are resolved in accordance with both contractual agreements and the principles of equity and good governance.
Arbitration Procedures
The SSAC provides structured procedures to resolve disputes efficiently:
- Ordinary Arbitration – This procedure applies where parties have agreed to refer their dispute to the SSAC. It is suitable for contractual conflicts and allows parties to present claims and evidence, including financial reports and expert testimony, before an independent panel of arbitrators with specialised expertise in sports finance and governance.
- Appeal Arbitration – Applicable when disputing parties challenge decisions of sports governing bodies. Appeals must be filed within 21 days of notification of the original decision unless a shorter period is stipulated. The Chamber of Arbitration of Football Disputes typically handles appeals against SAFF decisions, ensuring that internal remedies are exhausted before arbitration.
Specialised Chambers for Financial Disputes
Recognising the complexity of financial conflicts in professional sports, the SSAC has established specialised chambers, including one focused on financial supervision matters. This chamber handles disputes related to the Financial Supervision Committee of the SPL, providing a structured forum for expert adjudication in cases involving financial oversight, compliance breaches, or funding irregularities.
Mediation Services
Beyond arbitration, the SSAC also offers mediation as a confidential and flexible means to resolve disputes amicably. Mediation allows parties to reach mutually acceptable agreements under the guidance of trained mediators, preserving professional relationships while avoiding lengthy formal proceedings.
Enforcement and Finality of Awards
Arbitral awards issued by the SSAC are final and binding, with limited grounds for challenge. This finality provides certainty and legal enforceability, ensuring that parties can rely on the resolution to protect financial stability and operational continuity within professional sports organisations.
The SSAC’s arbitration procedures for club-financier conflicts provide a comprehensive framework for resolving financial disputes within Saudi Arabia’s sports sector. Through a combination of expert arbitration, specialised chambers, and mediation, the Centre promotes financial accountability, market stability, and adherence to governance standards. For clubs, financiers, and other stakeholders, understanding these procedures is essential to managing disputes effectively and maintaining confidence in the Saudi sports ecosystem.