Siber International Journal of Sport Education
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024): (SIJSE) Siber International Journal of Sport Education (July - September 2024)

Regulatory Colonialism in Global Sports Competitions: Legal Implications for Athletes from Developing Countries

Gevan Naufal Wala (Universitas Tarumanagara, Jakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 May 2025

Abstract

This research examines the phenomenon of regulatory colonialism in global sports governance and its legal implications for athletes from developing countries. Through socio-legal analysis and a postcolonial theoretical framework, this study investigates the historical formation of international sports organizations, the Eurocentric values embedded in competition standards, and the structural inequalities perpetuated through current regulatory systems. The research reveals significant disparities in qualification policies, anti-doping regulations, infrastructure requirements, and athlete transfer rules that disadvantage developing nations. Furthermore, athletes from these countries face substantial procedural and financial barriers to accessing justice in international sports disputes. This study identifies concrete manifestations of regulatory colonialism in contemporary sports, including inequitable resource distribution, exploitative commercial arrangements, and inadequate representation in decision-making processes. The research concludes by proposing legal reforms centered on equitable representation, resource redistribution, cultural diversity recognition, and strengthened justice access mechanisms to decolonize global sports governance and advance structural equality.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

SIJSE

Publisher

Subject

Education Social Sciences

Description

Focus and Scope: Siber International Journal of Sport Education includes the results of scientific studies in the field of education carried out by teachers, lecturers and independent researchers. These studies include educational philosophy, educational psychology, educational guidance and ...