Sports Law

by Mihaela Afanasov

Resolving International Financial Disputes in Volleyball

As professional volleyball continues to grow and become more popular, it is inevitable that we also witness a growth of contractual and financial disputes among players, clubs, agents,  and other stakeholders within the sport.  The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) plays a central role in resolving such disputes, offering a specialized system aiming to ensure fairness and transparency for all involved parties.  Here’s what you need to know about how FIVB handles financial disputes and why its system is vital to the sport.

What Does FIVB Do?

FIVB is the global governing body for volleyball, overseeing over 220 member federations. Among its responsibilities is managing international financial disputes in volleyball. This includes cases such as: 

• Unpaid salaries or bonuses for players and coaches;
• Breaches of contract by clubs or players;
• Transfer-related conflicts;
• Disputes over agent fees or image rights.

These disputes are resolved through the FIVB Tribunal, a body established to handle international financial disagreements within volleyball. Disputes may also be resolved by the FIVB confederations, when the parties of a dispute belong to the same geographical area (for example, when both parties of a dispute come from Europe, the dispute will be solved by the European Volleyball Confederation – CEV

FIVB’s Dispute Resolution Process

If you consider solving your financial dispute in volleyball with FIVB, these are the main aspects which you should take into account:

1. Eligibility: For a case to qualify under FIVB’s jurisdiction, it must involve financial matters with an international dimension, meaning the parties are from
   different countries.
2. Filing a Complaint: Stakeholders submit their case to FIVB or the relevant continental confederation, such as the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV).
3. Review of the case: The tribunal or the competent body reviews the parties’ submissions and evidence and makes a decision based on fairness (ex aequo et bono), rather than strict national laws.
4. Binding Decisions: The outcomes are enforceable under international arbitration standards, ensuring compliance by all parties.

Why Choose FIVB Arbitration?

FIVB’s system is designed specifically for the unique needs of the volleyball community:

• Expert Arbitrators: Decisions are made by legal professionals with sports arbitration experience.
• Efficiency: Although procedures in front of FIVB may also take some time, depending on the specific situation, usually, cases are resolved faster than traditional courts, minimizing disruptions for the involved parties. Also, FIVB bodies may impose direct sanctions if parties do not comply with their decision.
• Global Reach: FIVB’s jurisdiction ensures consistency in resolving disputes
  involving parties from different countries.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

• For Players: Always ensure your contracts are clear about financial terms and dispute resolution mechanisms. FIVB jurisdiction is not exclusive and disputes may also be resolved by national courts or other arbitration institutions.
• For Clubs: Understand your obligations under FIVB regulations to avoid disputes and potential penalties or sanctions.
• For Agents: Ensure you are licensed with FIVB and familiar with its rules to represent your clients effectively and avoid litigation.

By relying on the FIVB’s arbitration framework, the volleyball community benefits from a dedicated system that aims to provide fair, efficient, and transparent procedures, maintaining trust and integrity in the sport.
Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a club representative, or an agent, understanding the FIVB’s role in dispute resolution is critical to navigating the
professional volleyball world. For more information on FIVB dispute resolution procedures or advice on resolving a specific dispute, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below.

Photo by alexandre saraiva carniato: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-woman-playing-volleyball-2365320/

Photo by Jim De Ramos: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-men-playing-volleyball-near-red-canopy-1263426/