Legal Landscapes: Finland – Sports Law

Hannu Kalkas; Jason Perheenmies and Janika Sokolova

Attorney-at-Law; Associates, Asianajotoimisto Teperi & Co Oy


What is the current legal landscape for Sports Law in your jurisdiction?

The legal landscape regarding Sports Law in Finland is stable. Law on associations gives sports an autonomy that different courts and different other decision making bodies respect.

What three essential pieces of advice would you give to clients involved in Sports Law matters?

If it is a dispute in a court or other decision making body – make sure you take into account the earlier decisions by the body. If it is a contract issue – take into account the legal framework regarding the contract, rules of the sport and so on. If it is a rule issue – take a look at all different rules of the federation for example, there might easily be contradictions.

What are the greatest threats and opportunities in Sports Law in the next 12 months?

There are no real threats or opportunities as such. The general economic situation can go each way. You have to keep in mind that Finland has over 1.300 km border with Russia, so we monitor that situation very closely and it will reflect everything in the Finnish society.

How do you ensure high client satisfaction levels are maintained by your practice?

At Teperi & Co Attorneys we constantly take part in national and international education, seminars and conferences and thus keep up develop our skills. We also work as a team in all matters. So clients case always gets more than just one opinion.

What technological advancements are reshaping Sports Law and how can clients benefit from them?

The rapid development of technology — especially artificial intelligence — is reshaping the world, as well as sports law, at an incredible pace. While AI offers many advantages, it is not without its downsides. In the legal environment, it’s essential to recognize the potential risks of AI as well. That’s why it’s wise to consult a sports law expert!