EMBRACING MEDIATION IN FOOTBALL: FIFA LAUNCHES A NEW CONFLICT RESOLUTION SERVICE

As a mediator and sports conflict resolution professional, I am always interested in developments within the field that have the potential to impact the sports world positively. As one of the mediators involved in this particular development, I am thrilled to discuss a significant announcement from FIFA, the international governing body of football: the launch of their new mediation services.

FIFA has unveiled a mediation service to resolve disputes within the football community. This service, which will be offered through the FIFA Football Tribunal, will provide a voluntary and confidential process.

“According to art. 26 of the RSTP, cases under the jurisdiction of the Football Tribunal may be referred to mediation.

Mediation is a flexible process conducted confidentially in which a neutral person actively assists the parties in working towards a negotiated agreement to settle a dispute.

FIFA offers this voluntary and confidential service for parties free of charge and it encourages parties to use this method to amicably resolve their disputes with other members of the football family.

Each mediation shall be conducted by an appointed mediator from the FIFA Mediators list and in accordance with the FIFA Mediation Guidelines.”

https://www.fifa.com/legal/football-tribunal/mediation

As an advocate for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, I am excited about the benefits that mediation can bring to the football community. Mediation is a cost-effective, efficient, and flexible approach to conflict resolution that emphasizes collaboration and focuses on satisfying the needs of all parties involved. By introducing mediation services, FIFA aims to cultivate a culture of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation within the football world.

The FIFA mediation service will address various disputes, including contractual issues, employment matters, and disputes involving clubs, players, coaches, and agents. This new service offers several advantages that make it particularly attractive to football stakeholders:

  1. Football-specific expertise: FIFA’s appointed mediators will have extensive knowledge of football regulations and an understanding of the sport’s unique dynamics. This ensures that the mediation process is well-informed and tailored to the specific needs of the involved parties.
  2. International scope: FIFA’s global presence and influence enable the mediation service to be accessible to parties from diverse locations and backgrounds. This ensures that all football stakeholders can benefit from the service, regardless of their geographic location or organizational size.
  3. Confidentiality: The mediation process will be confidential, allowing for open and honest communication between parties while preserving their relationships. The confidentiality of the process helps create a safe space for constructive dialogue and promotes trust among stakeholders.
  4. Cost-effectiveness: Mediation is typically less expensive than litigation, and the FIFA mediation service aims to provide an affordable alternative for the football community. FIFA covers the cost of the mediators – so no cost to the parties. This ensures that stakeholders can access the service without being burdened by prohibitive financial strain.

The introduction of FIFA’s mediation service marks a significant step towards fostering a more cooperative and harmonious environment within the football community. By encouraging parties to address disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding, FIFA is promoting a culture of collaboration, empathy, and fairness.

As a mediator and conflict resolution professional, I am excited to be part of this new initiative in the football world.