For the second consecutive edition of the FIFA World Cup, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will have an ad hoc division to ensure swift, smooth resolutions.
It should be noted that the same arrangement was made during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the global football governing body has confirmed it returns this year.
“As successfully implemented at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will establish an ad hoc division during the final competition of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, ensuring the swift and independent resolution of appeals against FIFA decisions related to the tournament,” reads a statement by FIFA.
The CAS ad hoc division will operate for the duration of the final competition (from 11 June to 19 July 2026, both dates inclusive), providing expedited arbitration procedures for cases eligible for appeal to CAS, with decisions made by arbitrators appointed from the CAS football list.
The mechanism is designed to ensure the speedy and efficient resolution of disputes within 48 hours.
Appeals to the CAS ad hoc division may only be lodged after all other internal legal channels have been exhausted and where the contested decision is subject to an appeal to CAS in accordance with article 50 of the FIFA Statutes.
