Reports of damaging and costly scandals in the world of sport are piling up, involving elements such as corruption, betting fraud and match-fixing, as well as unethical behaviour by coaches and fans. Non-compliance can result not only in civil and criminal penalties, but particularly in severe damage to an organisation's reputation due to negative press coverage, which can sometimes have significant financial consequences.
At the same time, compliance issues have been gaining momentum due to increasing regulation nationally and internationally. This article summarises the key developments in the field of compliance and provides specific recommendations for professional sport.
Regulatory developments in compliance since 2024 relevant to professional sport
What regulatory developments are particularly worth mentioning? Of note are the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act, EU Regulation 2024/1689), the EU Omnibus Package, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA, EU 2022/2554) in the financial sector and the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU Regulation 2025/40). At EU level the anti-money laundering package has also been finalised and the supervisory framework has been reorganised. The key elements of the anti-money laundering package are the EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (EU Regulation 2024/1624) and a new EU supervisory authority with its registered office in Frankfurt am Main, which is the first supranational EU authority with competence to combat money laundering and terrorist financing (AMLA) ever to be established (EU AMLA Regulation, EU Regulation 2024/1620).
One particularly relevant development for professional sport is that from 10 July 2029, the EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation – which will have already applied to other entities since mid-2027 – will also apply to football agents and professional football clubs in relation to certain transactions. In practice, this will require robust KYC/KYTP processes in areas such as transfers, brokerage and sponsorships – including identifying beneficial owners and reporting suspicious activity to financial intelligence units.
Data protection and digital regulation have a direct impact on sports compliance. Regulatory bodies are setting out specific requirements for AI tools (scouting, ticketing, fan engagement, integrity analytics).
Due diligence requirements concerning sustainability and human rights are shaping supply chains, merchandising and events. Large clubs must systematically identify risks, take preventive measures to manage them and document the actions taken.
Compliance management systems also need to be developed in professional sport
Increasing regulatory requirements must be addressed at an early stage. The development of internal compliance management systems within professional clubs in the market is to be welcomed. Nevertheless, a risk-based approach and proportionality are advised.
With regard to preventing money laundering, standards are shifting as entities involved in sport are brought within the scope of the obligations. Such obligations give rise to specific compliance requirements regarding the establishment of measures to prevent money laundering. This applies in particular to interests and investments in the clubs themselves as well as to the transfer market for players, which is often characterised by a lack of transparency regarding cash flows and sources of finance. Other areas that pose money-laundering risks include sponsorships, ticket sales and the continuing commercialisation of professional sport.
High-risk processes from a compliance perspective should be subject to more stringent standards, including checklists, approval thresholds, training tailored to specific target groups and more frequent audits.
AI-enabled systems in areas such as scouting, ticketing, fan engagement and integrity analytics present both opportunities and responsibilities. AI compliance and data governance are also key compliance issues in professional sport. Third-party providers should be contractually bound to comply with security, compliance and audit standards.
Professional sport should also ensure that whistleblowing systems are accessible, multilingual where appropriate, technically secure and independent – with clear procedures for investigation and escalation. The whistleblowing systems that have now been established and the associated reporting offices should be prepared for reports relating to the #MeToo movement. Not least the behaviour of Luis Rubiales (the former manager of the Spanish women’s national team) during the medal presentations at the Women’s World Cup has brought abuse of power and #MeToo incidents in sport to the forefront in numerous discussions.
Conducting an internal investigation into a suspected #MeToo case requires legal precision and sensitivity – particularly given the significant risks involved. Special attention must be paid to interviews. Whether to engage external lawyers should be considered at an early stage.
It is advisable to draw up emergency and crisis protocols for compliance incidents – these should include media guidelines and stakeholder communication.
The tone from the top is what sets how the culture of compliance is practised. Compliance is, and always will be, a responsibility of management.
Stay on the ball – including with compliance
Professional sport should continue to make greater transparency a priority. A positive example of this is the draft German Sports Promotion Act, whose core elements include the establishment of an independent elite sports agency, a clear commitment to excellence in elite sports and corresponding funding.
Regulatory pressure is continuing to mount: more anti-money laundering obligations for organisations involved in sport, strengthened whistleblowing and integrity standards and stricter AI compliance. Organisations that establish risk-based processes, transparent third-party relationships and robust data and investigation mechanisms at an early stage will reduce the legal and reputational risks to them. At the same time, they have a good chance of attracting sponsors, investors and talent.
The name of the game for compliance is the same as anywhere else: “Always stay on the ball.”
In our series "Football & Law”, we’ll keep you updated with the latest posts on this topic. These include articles such as "Secondary ticket market: buying tickets on the internet – and then being denied entry?", "Between neutrality and sanctions: Political conflicts in sport" or "Advertising for the World Cup – What is acceptable?"
