Sports Arbitration in Indonesia: Reconstructing an Independent Dispute Resolution Mechanism for Athlete–Club Conflicts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65815/7f3n1t45Keywords:
Sports arbitration, athlete–club disputes, dispute resolution, sports governance, arbitration lawAbstract
Disputes between professional athletes and sports clubs may involve contractual termination, unpaid remuneration, disciplinary sanctions, injuries, image rights, and other employment-related issues. Conventional litigation may be costly, time-consuming, and insufficiently responsive to the specialized characteristics of sports disputes. This article examines the feasibility of developing an independent sports arbitration mechanism in Indonesia for resolving athlete–club conflicts. Using normative juridical research, the study analyzes arbitration law, sports governance structures, athlete contracts, and international models of sports dispute resolution. The study identifies institutional challenges arising from the absence of a sufficiently independent and specialized mechanism capable of resolving disputes efficiently while protecting athletes from unequal bargaining power. The article proposes an Indonesian sports arbitration framework incorporating independent arbitrators, transparent appointment procedures, accessible proceedings, athlete representation, enforceable decisions, and appropriate emergency measures. Particular attention is given to the independence of the adjudicatory body from national federations and clubs, which is essential to prevent conflicts of interest. The proposed mechanism should also preserve athletes' access to ordinary courts where fundamental rights or non-arbitrable matters are involved. An independent sports arbitration institution could enhance legal certainty, reduce procedural delays, and provide a more credible justice mechanism for Indonesia's professional sports sector.
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