Evolution of Sports Arbitration: From Paper-Based to Digital Evidence in Football Disputes

Digitalization poses many challenges to sports law, including the issues related to using digital evidence in sports arbitration. As one of the most popular sports, football has given rise to many sports controversies. Parties increasingly use digital evidence to prove their position, which requires arbitrators’ correct and professional assessment. The paper aims to explore the challenges digital evidence poses in sports, specifically focusing on football. The research is primarily focused on the admissibility of digital evidence and hacked and leaked evidence, given football’s susceptibility to data breaches. Applying comparative legal analysis and case study through an analysis of existing literature, legal frameworks, and case law allowed us to scrutinize a spectrum of digital evidence utilized by litigants to illuminate the admissibility standards adopted by arbitral tribunals. As a practical implication, the authors proposed practical guidance to stakeholders and adjudicators on managing and evaluating digital evidence in sports arbitration.