The term international sports refers to a sporting event that involves participants representing two or more countries. International sports have become big business and are now a major source of entertainment, attracting millions of spectators worldwide. This popularity, combined with a foundation of positive values and the power to inspire change, has enabled sport to transcend cultural boundaries and contribute to international development and peace.
At the highest level, international sports events celebrate athletic excellence and promote global friendship through the Olympic Games and other world championships. They bring communities together, foster youth participation and empower women in sports. They also make significant contributions to the economies of host nations through ticket sales and sponsorship agreements. In addition, effective event logistics and management provide a lasting economic legacy that transforms the fabric of the city.
Historically, sport has been a catalyst for diplomacy, serving as an opportunity for rival city states to set aside their differences and unite in competition. The ancient Olympics, for example, were an opportunity to showcase the best of the city state of Olympia, establishing the foundations of Olympic ideals such as fair play and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
Today, as a result of its enormous popularity and economic impact, sport is a natural arena for dispute resolution. The specialized law of sport, known as international sports law, addresses issues ranging from contract law, doping and hooliganism to disputes about stadium ownership, transfer fees and the rights of young players. The ASSER International Law Guide to Sports Disputes brings together the key legal decisions of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as well as those of other courts that have heard sport-related cases.