The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced into the Laws of the Game in 2018, used in the World Cup and now in the knockout stages of the Champions League. Just over one year on from its official, controversial introduction, Lex Sportiva evaluates its success. Firstly, how does it work? VAR operates on a three-step … Continue reading VAR: Friend or foe?
The “Pyramid System”
Like many other markets, sports rely on a hierarchical structure of governance. It is the so-called “pyramid system”, a chain of command that dictates the rules and procedures within the sporting modality; the organisations on top determine how (almost) everything works, and, those below do what they’re told. To paint a clearer picture of the … Continue reading The “Pyramid System”
FIFA Regulatory Changes
ANALYSIS OF THE REFORMS PRESENTED AT FIFA FOOTBALL LAW ANNUAL REVIEW 2018 In March 2017, a Task Force was set up under the auspices of the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee (FSC) to investigate the football transfer system and provide proposals and recommendations to the FIFA Council based on their findings. On 15 February 2019, the … Continue reading FIFA Regulatory Changes
Gender (In)Equality
It's been a long journey, but there's still a way to go... Traditionally sport has been dominated by men both in participation and in governance. Athletes often need to be strong, fast, competitive and combative and women are not encouraged to adopt these characteristics. The father of the Olympics, Pierre de Coubertin, believed the inclusion … Continue reading Gender (In)Equality
What’s the difference between a game and a sport?
Game or Sport, who cares? In the town of El Nido in the Philippines kids take turns throwing flip flops at a tin can to try and knock it over. If they miss they have to retrieve their shoe without being caught by the 'guard'. This is known as Tumbang Preso (which translates as "knock … Continue reading What’s the difference between a game and a sport?
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