The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is tasked with settling disputes between FIFA, clubs, players, officials, licensed match agents, member associations, confederations, leagues, and intermediaries. Arbitration rules for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20, 2023, allow for an expedited dispute resolution process to ensure that the competition proceeds in a timely manner.
The Ad Hoc Division to handle disputes related to the Women's World Cup will consist of arbitrators appearing on the CAS football list, a President, and a Court Office. The Panel will rule on disputes pursuant to FIFA regulations and Chapter 12 of the Swiss Act on Private International Law. Arbitrations will be held in English, French, or Spanish as determined by the President.
Appearing Before the CAS Ad Hoc Division
Players or teams who wish to bring a dispute that arises during and in connection with the FIFA Women’s World Cup before the Ad Hoc Division can be represented by the sports arbitration and litigation attorney of their choice. After all internal FIFA legal remedies have been exhausted, your attorney will need to submit a written application to the CAS Court Office. The application needs to include:
- A copy of the decision being challenged
- A statement of the facts and legal arguments related to the dispute
- Your request for relief
- If applicable, an application for a stay of the effects of the decision being challenged or for any urgent preliminary relief
After the Ad Hoc Division receives your application, the President will select the arbitrators. Cases are determined by a panel of three arbitrators or by a sole arbitrator depending on the urgency and complexity of the matter.
A hearing will be held with all involved parties unless the Panel believes they have enough information available to make a decision without a formal hearing. If a hearing is held, it will be conducted by phone or video conference and will proceed even if one or both parties fail to attend.
After all evidence has been reviewed at the hearing, the Panel will either make a final award or send the dispute to arbitration by regular CAS procedure (the same Panel will remain assigned to the resolution of the dispute at the ordinary or appeal division). The decision must be given within 48 hours of the application submission unless extenuating circumstances require a different timeline. If the Panel refers the dispute to regular CAS procedure, the Panel may grant preliminary relief at the Ad Hoc level, even where the parties have not requested it, which will remain in effect until noted otherwise by the Panel. The decision is immediately enforceable with no option for appeal.
Costs of the CAS Ad Hoc Division
While there is no filing fee associated with the CAS Ad Hoc Division, parties will be responsible for any administrative costs and fees of the arbitration as determined by the Panel. However, proceedings regarding appeals against decisions issued by FIFA in disciplinary matters are free of charge. These costs and fees will be borne by CAS.