The Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI), in cooperation with the Science and Research Centre (ZRS) Koper, is organising a symposium entitled Legal Issues in Sport – Current Topics, which will take place in April 2026, at the EMUNI headquarters in Koper.
The event aims to address key legal challenges and current issues in the field of sport, with a focus on legislation, regulation and dispute resolution.
Purpose and objectives of the symposium
The symposium brings together two important areas – law and sport. The first part of the symposium focuses on the Legal Framework and Regulation in Sport. The second part of the symposium addresses Legislation in Sport, from the perspective of social and legal frameworks. The event will bring together renowned experts to address the legal aspects of the functioning of sports organisations, the regulation of contracts, dispute resolution, and the status-law and tax aspects of sport. A final panel discussion will summarise the preliminary findings and address the future of sports law. The aim is to create a platform for discussion on the challenges and opportunities brought by changes in the law and regulation of sport.
The event is particularly important in the context of the accreditation of new study programs. The Euro-Mediterranean University is currently in the process of accrediting two study programs in the field of law: a master’s study program in Comparative Business Law and a doctoral study program in Comparative Corporate Governance. In the field of sports: a Master’s Study Program in Sport Management. The needs at the level of higher education show great interest in such study programs, both in Europe and in the Euro-Mediterranean area, where EMUNI, with its strong base, can contribute significantly to the successful implementation of these study programs and the employability of graduates in the fields of law and sports, as well as to improving the quality of staff in the field of sports at all organizational levels.
Speakers
Fourteen renowned experts, mostly lawyers, will speak at the event, presenting current topics from different perspectives. Among them are Dr. Vesna Bergant Rakočević, Blaž Tomažin Bolcar, Tomaž Ambrožič, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Benjamin Flander, Janez Pejovnik, Dr. Rožle Prezelj, Prof. Dr. Edvard Kolar, Luka Steiner, Dr. Uroš Mohorič, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aleksij Mužina, Dr. Tone Jagodic, and Mag. Luka Milanović. Their expertise will provide high added value for all participants.
Opportunities
The event is an excellent opportunity for networking between legal and sport professionals and gaining new insights into regulation and legislation. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions on the future of these areas and gain valuable input for future work.
Registration and registration fee
Participants: €220.00
Participants (online): €150.00
Students (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD): €120.00
Payment to bank account:
EMUNI University, Kidričevo nabrežje 2, Piran
IBAN: SI56 2900 0005 1703 476 (opened at UNICREDIT BANKA SLOVENIJA d.d.)
BIC/SWIFT: BACXSI22
Purpose: Symposium – Name Surname
You will receive the invoice after the transfer.
Register now!
Programme
8:30 – 9:00 | Registration and welcome
- Reception, registration, networking
9:00 – 10:00 | Opening of the Symposium
Welcome addresses:
- President of the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI) – Prof. Dr. Rado Bohinc
- Director of the Scientific Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper) – Prof. Dr. Rado Pišot
- Minister of the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia – Mr. Matjaž Han
- President of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Mr. Franjo Bobinac
10:00 – 11:00 | Legal Framework for the Regulation of Sport
- Sports law and sports marketing aspects of regulating legal relations in sport – Blaž Tomažin Bolcar
- Financial and legal aspects of the operation of sports organizations in the Republic of Slovenia – Luka Steiner
- Organization of Slovenian sport at the level of umbrella sports organization – Dr. Uroš Mohorič
11:00 – 11:15 | Coffee Break
11:15 – 12:15 | Contracts in Sport
- Copyright in media broadcasting and regulation of sports-marketing contracts – Tomaž Ambrožič
- Contractual obligations of athletes, clubs and agents – Janez Pejovnik
12:15 – 13:15 | Lunch Break
13:15 – 14:45 | Dispute Resolution in Sport and Athletes’ Rights (Case Studies)
- Legal aspects of the work of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and dispute resolution at major sporting events – Dr. Vesna Bergant Rakočević
- Athletes’ status rights and the institution of the Athletes’ Rights Ombudsman – Dr. Rožle Prezelj
- International arbitration in basketball – Mr. Luka Milanović
- Case study: retrospective of the Djoković case – Prof. Dr. Benjamin Flander
14:45 – 15:00 | Coffee Break
15:00 – 15:45 | Status-Related and Tax Law Aspects of Sport
- Tax residency in Slovenian sport – Prof. Dr. Aleksij Mužina
- International legal status of National sports organisations in Europe – Dr. Tone Jagodic
15:45 – 16:30 | The Role of Sport Organisations in the Legal System
- Strategic Management of Sport Organisations and the formal regulation of Sport – Prof. Ddr. Edvard Kolar
- Social Responsibility of key Stakeholders in Sport – Asst. Prof. Dr. Petra Robnik Verdnik
16:30 – 17:30 | Final Panel Discussion: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future of Sports Law
- Key findings and closing of the symposium.
Location
The symposium will take place at the Euro-Mediterranean University: Pristaniška ulica 14, 6000 Koper
For enquiries, please petra.robnik@emuni.si
About the symposium organisers
EMUNI University is an international institution that acts as a powerful force connecting the Mediterranean shores. To achieve this goal, it strives to become: a recognized university offering high-quality study programs and pioneering research in areas relevant to Euro-Mediterranean interests and challenges; a committed and dynamic network of diverse Euro-Mediterranean higher education and research institutions; and an inclusive platform for intercultural dialogue and scientific diplomacy in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
ZRS Koper is involved in international scientific cooperation and with related organisations globally. The activities of ZRS Koper are highly interdisciplinary (interweaving the humanities, social sciences and natural ), with a special emphasis on studying topics related to the Mediterranean and the northern Adriatic region. The main activities of ZRS Koper are focused on: basic and applied research, and consultancy, education, organisation of scientific and professional meetings, publishing and editorial activities, documentation and library activities.