Sports Law Micro Blog
The Offside Rule on Trial: Wenger’s Push for Reform
VAR’s millimetre offside calls have sparked endless debate. Will Bruhn sets out Arsène Wenger’s proposed “daylight” update—keeping an attacker onside if any scoring body part is level with the last defender—and explores what it could mean for goal-scoring, defensive strategy, and the future shape of football’s laws.
Blindsided: Lachie Schultz, AFL Concussion Policy, and the Gap Between Rule and Reality
In Round 9 of the 2025 AFL season, Collingwood forward Lachie Schultz was knocked unconscious during a collision with Fremantle’s Brandon Walker. Despite the clear severity of the incident, there was no immediate play stoppage. Gabby Winston examines how the AFL handles suspected concussions in real time and potential gaps in the league's systems for protecting players during the most critical moments after a head knock.
A Netball (R)evolution: An Olympic Games Campaign in the Spoils of World Cup Corruption
Allegations of corruption surrounding the 2023 Netball World Cup have put World Netball’s Olympic ambitions at risk. Eliza Galimberti analyses how South Africa’s parliamentary probe into missing tournament funds and governance failures may undermine the sport’s integrity credentials—vital for IOC approval—and explores the reforms needed if netball is to secure a coveted place on the Brisbane 2032 programme.
The Unify League: A New Chapter of European Football or Another Failed Super League?
A22 Sports Management are back with a new and rebranded Super League proposal under the name of the Unify League. With the 70th UEFA Champions League currently underway, Caitlin Minns revisits the age-old question: will there be a new era of breakaway football?
Equal Play, Equal Airtime: The Case for Media Reform in Women’s Sport
Despite the Matildas’ record-breaking World Cup run, women’s sport still receives only a fraction of media coverage in Australia.
Aleksandra Markovic examines how media inequality undermines commercial opportunity and athlete representation — and puts forward legal reform options, including amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, to mandate equitable coverage of women’s sport.
The Case of Lassana Diarra: Another Bosman Ruling?
In October 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (‘CJEU’) delivered their judgement in favour of Lassana Diarra, a former premier league footballer, against Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow. The ruling has been likened to the famous Bosman Ruling for its potential implications for professional footballers. James Forrester delves into the discourse surrounding the Diarra case, as well as the rights of players and FIFA’s complicated relationship with European labour laws.
Aussies punting beyond their borders — One US Dad takes NCAA to court and takes a stand for American hopefuls
The rise of Australian punters in American college football has sparked controversy, with a U.S. father launching a class action against the NCAA. Citing unfair advantages linked to age and eligibility, the case challenges the role of ProKick and the influx of older, AFL-trained Aussies taking spots on college rosters. Kate Thomson unpacks the lawsuit and what it could mean for the future of international recruitment in the NCAA.
Off the beaten ‘Trac’: how contract law could force an unsettled AFL star out of their club
Christian Petracca’s future at Melbourne has come under scrutiny following reports of dissatisfaction with the club and a difficult start to the 2025 season. While both player and club remain publicly committed to his contract, speculation has raised questions about what formal avenues exist if tensions were to escalate. Connor Evans examines the AFL’s little-known Grievance Procedure under the Collective Bargaining Agreement — a mechanism designed to resolve disputes between players and clubs without resorting to litigation — and considers how it might apply in this high-profile case.
Redefining the Footy Accident: Duty of Care in the Modern Game and the AFL Tribunal’s Ruling on the Jackson Archer/Luke Cleary Collision
Round One's Saturday night clash between the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne was brought to a halt following a collision between North Melbourne's Jackson Archer and the Western Bulldogs' Luke Cleary, leading to a 3-week suspension for Archer. Romy Mesfin weighs in on the decision and the precedent it sets within the context of an increasingly concussion-conscious game.
The Pavilion to Parity: The Sports Law Behind the Success of the Australian Women’s Cricket Team
From “Ladies Tickets” and “novelty” games to the team’s most recent 16-nil Ashes sweep, women's cricket in Australia has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception. The Australian Women’s Cricket team is now arguably one of the world’s strongest sports teams, but its success is no coincidence. Imogen Owen explores Cricket Australia’s robust sports law framework at the core of the equitable treatment of their women’s programs, from grassroots to the Australian side.
The A-Leagues’ Ramadan Break Policy: A Landmark Step for Inclusivity in Football
History was made in Australian football as the A-League fixture between Melbourne City and Macarthur FC became the first professional game this season to pause for a Ramadan break. James Accadia explores the significance of halting play at sundown to allow players to break their fast and how the move aligns with global football’s commitment to inclusivity.
Air Jordan: The negotiation elements underpinning the greatest endorsement deal of all time
Today, athletes sign endorsement deals with many different perks, such as royalty payments and personalised products. However, this was not always the case. Charlie Cooper unpacks the landmark endorsement deal between Nike and Michael Jordan that completely redefined how sporting companies endorse athletes.
Unforced Errors: Novak Djokovic, Tony Jones, and the Human Rights Commission
Summer in Melbourne serves up the Australian Open at the start of each year, bringing in the world’s very best tennis players to compete for grand slam glory. Controversy though, is never too far away.
In light of recent events concerning Novak Djokovic and Tony Jones, Shalaaka delves into how the Human Rights Commission may now become involved, investigating a complaint by the Serbian Council of Australia.
Is the U.S over their heads? Diving into sports gambling in the U.S.
Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision lifting the federal ban on sports betting, the U.S. has seen a rapid expansion in the industry. However, this expansion has also led to a whole host of legal complications, ethical concerns, and public health risks.
In this article, Valeria Casasola dives into the world of sports gambling in the US, and proposes several changes inspired by lessons learned in the Australian gambling community.
MSLA SEPTEMBER UPDATE
In this article, Alexandra Tayler provides an MSLA September Update featuring: an event summary of the Women in Sports Law Panel, a ticket link to our highly anticipated Third Annual AFL GF Breakfast and an update on Season 2 of the ‘Off the Field’ podcast series.
We sincerely thank Margot Foster, Jessica Cao, Emily Thompson and Daniella Phair for their time, insight and inspiring words. There was a great sense of enthusiasm about the future of Sports Law, as the stories shared demonstrate the importance of resilience, passion and adopting a forward-thinking approach in the dynamic field of Sports Law.
Manchester City on Trial: The Champions Confront Serious Financial Fair Play Allegations
A new Premier League season has kicked off, and clubs across the country are vying to dethrone Manchester City, who have dominated the league in recent history. However, Manchester City's toughest battle this season may be off the field, as they face serious allegations on breaching the Premier League's financial fair play rules.
In this article, Luke Karapetsas outlines the charges that Manchester City are facing, and discusses a range of potential ramifications.
The Inevitable Intersection between Sports and Human Rights
The recently concluded Paris Olympics showcased world class talent and entertainment across two exciting weeks. Unfortunately, however, it also reminded us of the complex entanglement between sports and human rights.
In this article, Ben Stirling discusses some recent human rights controversies, both in the Olympics context and in the domestic Australian sports context, and explores the connection between sports and human rights.
Consequences for Disruptive Spectators in Cycling
Spectators of all sports will always want to get as close to the action as possible, but what happens when they get too close?
In this article, Grace Bailey explores disruptive spectator behaviour specifically in the world of cycling, and analyses the range of legal consequences they may face.
Homophobia on the Field: Are the Current AFL Penalties Missing the Mark?
There has been a concerning influx of homophobic slurs used by AFL players in the recent months.
In this article, Shalaaka Brahmavar examines the current regulations and sanctions that aim to deter such behaviour, and discusses whether these methods are getting the job done.
How contract law sets the stage for the Olympic Games
The world is ready to turn its attention to Paris for the fast-approaching 2024 Summer Olympics. Behind all its glitz and glamour, organising and hosting the biggest sporting event in the world is riddled with legal complexities.
In this article, Benjamin Stirling breaks down the contractual foundation of the Olympics, and identifies some of its newly added provisions as well as certain restraints on host countries.