An EU competition law assessment concerning FIFA’s decision to schedule the 2022 FIFA World Cup during the winter period.
Overview
The decision to hold the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar during the winter period was challenged by the Spanish football league, La Liga.
Benoît Keane was appointed by FIFA as an independent expert on EU law and competition law in proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Benoît’s Role
- Independent EU competition law expert
- Preparation of expert analysis
- Assessment of the competition law issues
- FIFA’s scheduling of Qatar World Cup 2022 upheld by CAS
The Challenge
The proceedings required an assessment of whether FIFA’s scheduling decision was compatible with EU competition law.
The case involved the analysis of the legal and competition implications of the decision and the arguments advanced against FIFA’s approach.
The matter required an independent assessment of the relevant European legal framework and the competition law justification for the scheduling decision.
The Approach
Benoît acted as an independent EU competition law expert.
He prepared an expert report assessing the relevant EU competition law issues and contributed specialist analysis to FIFA’s defence in the proceedings.
The work required the application of European competition law principles to a decision with significant sporting and commercial consequences.
The Outcome
The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the validity of the scheduling decision.
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