Sports disputes in Estonia can now be resolved at the Arbitration Court of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

On 11 June 2026, by decision No. 6, the Board of the Arbitration Court of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry approved special provisions concerning the arbitration fee and the calculation of procedural costs in sports disputes. The amendments are based on the decision of the ECCI Council of 3 June 2026 and entered into force on 1 July 2026.

The purpose of the special provisions is to create a clear and predictable procedural framework for resolving sports disputes that takes account of the specific nature of the field.

Under the new regulation, sports disputes fall within the jurisdiction of the ECCI Arbitration Court where the parties have entered into an arbitration agreement on the basis of an obligation arising from rules established by the Estonian Olympic Committee. Such disputes may include, for example, disputes between a sports federation and a licensed athlete.

The registration fee for sports disputes is the same as for other claims: 500 euros, plus VAT.

The amendments also specify the principles for calculating the costs of arbitration proceedings. In sports disputes involving non-monetary claims, the value of the claim is generally deemed to be 3,500 euros. At the same time, the Council retains the right to determine the value of the claim differently, taking into account all relevant circumstances, including the nature and importance of the dispute and the financial situation and income of the parties.

The procedural costs guidelines were also supplemented with special rules concerning arbitrators? fees. In sports disputes where the value of the claim does not exceed 5,000 euros, the arbitrators? fee ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 euros. If the Council determines the value of a non-monetary claim to be more than 3,500 euros, the general table of fees applies.

In addition, a separate administration cost was established for sports disputes. In disputes based on an arbitration agreement arising from the rules of the Estonian Olympic Committee, the administration cost is 2,000 euros regardless of the amount of the claim. In order to pay the administration cost, the claimant must first obtain the consent of the Estonian Olympic Committee and submit it to the Arbitration Court together with the statement of claim or the request to commence arbitration proceedings.

The new provisions entered into force on 1 July 2026.

Arbitration Court of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Toom-Kooli 17, Tallinn 10130
Telephone: +372 604 0060
Email: spordivaidlused@koda.ee