The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has established a specialized Ad Hoc Division for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, taking place from June 14 to July 13, 2025. This temporary tribunal offers a streamlined process designed to resolve conflicts within 48 hours to ensure that legal issues don't disrupt your participation in the competition.
At Global Sports Advocates, our international sports arbitration attorneys have extensive experience representing clubs and players before CAS Ad Hoc Divisions at major sporting events. Our sports law team understands the unique pressures clubs face during major tournaments and provides strategic guidance to protect your interests when every moment counts.
Filing Your Application With the Ad Hoc Division
Your application must include a copy of the decision being challenged, where applicable, along with a brief statement of the facts and legal arguments supporting your case. The document should clearly articulate your request for relief and explain the basis for CAS jurisdiction over the matter. Time constraints during the tournament make precision essential, so working with experienced counsel helps ensure your application meets all requirements.
The application must also include your address and e-mail address where you can be reached throughout the proceedings. Legal representation is not required, but we strongly recommend having an experienced advocate on your side throughout CAS proceedings.
Applications can be written in English, French, or Spanish, with the President of the Ad Hoc Division determining the language of arbitration. If the clubs involved are not parties to the proceedings, they must receive copies of the application for informational purposes.
The Expedited Hearing Process for FIFA Club World Cup Disputes
After receiving your application, the President of the Ad Hoc Division immediately appoints either a sole arbitrator or a three-member panel from the special list of qualified arbitrators. The composition depends on the complexity and urgency of your dispute, with sole arbitrators typically handling straightforward matters requiring immediate resolution.
Panel formation takes into account any FIFA disputes or other related arbitrations already pending before the Ad Hoc Division. If your application relates to an existing case, the President may assign your dispute to the same panel to ensure consistency and efficiency.
Most hearings occur by videoconference or telephone conference to accommodate the tournament schedule. You will need to introduce all evidence you intend to present at this hearing, as opportunities for additional submissions are extremely limited. Witnesses must be produced immediately and heard during the same session, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation before the hearing begins.
Decision-Making and Enforcement
The Panel must render its decision within 48 hours of receiving your application, though the President of the Ad Hoc Division may extend this deadline in exceptional circumstances. This tight timeline reflects the urgent nature of tournament-related disputes and the need to maintain competitive integrity throughout the event.
Decisions are made by majority vote, or by the Panel President when no majority exists. The award must be written, dated, and signed by the sole arbitrator or Panel President, with brief reasons typically provided.
Taking into account all circumstances of your case, the Panel may either make a final award or refer the dispute to regular CAS arbitration. Factors influencing this choice include the nature and complexity of the dispute, the urgency of resolution, the extent of evidence required, and the parties' right to be heard. If referred to regular CAS, the same Panel typically remains assigned to ensure continuity.
The decision is immediately enforceable, with no possibility for appeal or other challenges. This finality ensures that disputes don't linger and disrupt the progress of the FIFA Club World Cup.
You can review the full arbitration rules on the FIFA website.
