Inhaltsübersicht – Zeitschrift für Sport und Recht – Heft 5/2024

Das Heft 5/2024 der SpuRt wird postalisch in der 37. KW zugestellt und ist seit dem 12.09.2024 im Modul Sportrecht plus auf Beck-Online abrufbar.

Editorial

  • Chance vertan! (P.W. Heermann, S. 341)

Abhandlungen

  • Rechtliche Anforderungen an ein unabhängiges Zentrum für Safe Sport in Deutschland im internationalen Vergleich (B. Hessert/J. Kleen/M. Kintrup, S. 342)

The article discusses the need for a domestic independent center for safe sport (ZfSS), an institution responsible for the investigation, prosecution and prevention of physical, psychological and sexual abuse and other forms of misconduct in sport. In their analysis, the authors compare the process of creating a center for safe sport in Germany to already established institutions in, for example, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and the USA. In a recent development, two legal opinions for the creation of a center for safe sport and two regulatory proposals for a national safe sport code have been released. These legal opinions and regulatory proposals are taken into account when considering the procedural, substantive and operational challenges involved in establishing and implementing a center for safe sport in Germany. Particularly, possible traumatisation of affected individuals should be considered at all stages of safeguarding proceedings, with due consideration being given to the basic procedural and substantive rights of the accused. Finally, the article proposes broader government support and specific legislative measures to ensure the effectiveness of the center for safe sport. The time factor plays an crucial role, and sport and representatives of sport and politics must realise that any further delay in creating a center for safe sport will be detrimental to those affected by abuse and other forms of misconduct in Germany.

Aufsätze 

  • The ESL, ISU, and Royal Antwerp judgements: towards a new framework of justification for sports governance under EU competition law? (A. Duval/B. Van Rompuy, S. 359)

The 21 December 2023 rulings of the European Court of Justice (CJ) in the International Skating Union (ISU), European Super League (ESL) Company, and Royal Antwerp Football club3 cases serve as foundational precedents that will shape the relationship between EU law and transnational sports governance for years to come. There are many aspects of the judgments which deserve a commentary, and many have already been discussed elsewhere. In this article, we take a closer look at one of the key analytical innovations of the Grand Chamber: the limitation of the reach and operation of the Wouters test as framework of justification in EU competition law cases involving sports governance.5 To do so, we first draw a brief genealogy of the emergence of this framework as a corrective to the purely sporting exception. We then discuss how the judgments appear to have diminished its importance by redirecting the focus of the antitrust scrutiny of sporting rules and practices to an assessment of their anti-competitive nature and efficiency-based justifications. The third, and final, part of the article argues, however, that the Wouters test is likely to persist through a nuanced understanding of the restrictive object of sporting rules and, in modified form, through the consideration of legitimate sporting interests as part of an efficiency defence.

  • Ehrenamtsförderung im Sport – notwendig und sinnvoll? (J. Holze, S. 367)

The article discusses the necessity and effectiveness of promoting volunteerism and civic engagement in German sports. With Germany being a country rich in associations and voluntary work, the shrinking number of volunteers, especially in sports,  presents a growing concern. The decline is highlighted by a loss of nearly a million sports volunteers in five years, not accounting for additional impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic which worsened the situation. As response, organizations under the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) are developing innovative engagement promotion strategies, focusing on developing both personal skills and organizational capacities. Notable efforts include fostering young volunteers through internship models and leadership academies, enhancing gender parity in sports leadership, and bolstering administrative support to reduce bureaucratic burdens for volunteers. The article also examines how state and federal government roles in volunteer support are largely facilitative and regulatory, with limited direct involvement except in cases like the „ReStart – Sport Moves Germany“ program during the pandemic. Furthermore, it presents examples of how public recognition and awards can help in retaining and motivating volunteers. Finally, the article mentions the potential of private and public foundations in providing financial support for sports volunteerism, emphasizing that the integration of state support, organizational initiative, and community involvement is crucial for sustaining and reviving volunteer engagement in sports, ultimately influencing societal cohesion and health.

  • EU-Kartellrecht und Ein-Platz-Prinzip nach der Super League Entscheidung – Coubertins Erbe in Gefahr? (P. Fischer/J. Wörner, S. 372)

The article focuses on the consequences of the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) recent Super League decision on the principle “one sport-one federation” as laid down in the statutes of international sports federations. Regulations providing for only one membership spot per country have traditionally promoted the monopoly structure of sports organizations and have – at least – considerably complicated the emergence of parallel structures that could challenge the existing hierarchal exclusive system of these organizations. The authors analyze whether the regulations of the federations expressing this principle would be considered anti-competitive under EU competition law. Significantly, the ECJ’s decision in the Super League case suggests that while the monopolistic structures themselves are not inherently anti-competitive, preventing competitive entry can indeed breach EU competition law. The article suggests that while pure sporting rules might be exempt from competition law, regulations in the interest of the principle “one sportone federation” have substantial economic impact and would therefore not qualify for such an exemption. Thus, the authors conclude that sports federations need to revise their regulations providing for the principle “one sport-one federation” in order to avoid breaches of EU competition law. They propose that possible modifications shall include transparent, objective, precise, and non-discriminatory criteria to ensure compliance while maintaining the integrity and primary objectives underlying the “one sport-one federation”-principle as envisioned by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. Overall, the article implies that the legacy of unified sports governance under a single recognized authority per sport per country can continue if adaptations are made to meet current legal standards set by the ECJ.

Against the backdrop of various legalisation projects in other European football leagues, the article discusses the potential legalisation of cold pyrotechnics in German football stadiums, examining its legal implications under the German Explosives Act (SprengG). It highlights the explosive regulations in Germany, where the use of any pyrotechnics may constitute a criminal offense or an administrative offense. The main focus is on so-called „cold pyrotechnics“, a safer alternative to traditional flares, which are known for lower temperatures and reduced risks, albeit still capable of causing harm such as burns and respiratory issues. The article presents a study that proves that cold pyrotechnics are less dangerous, although not completely risk-free. Legally, the article assesses whether and under which conditions the use of such alternative flares could comply with the current requirements of the SprengG. Therefore, it presents their classification, purchase, possession and use. Although cold pyrotechnics are considered a low-risk variant, they are equated with conventional flares in terms of explosives legislation. There seems to be a regulatory deficit for both variants that makes it more difficult to punish the responsible stadium visitor. Based on this interim result, the author outlines the legal framework conditions for partial legalisation, which is linked to test runs, strict supervision, safety measures and official approvals. In the conclusion, the author advocates for a correspondingly controlled handling of cold flares in football stadiums. Compared to the current uncontrolled use, the legalised route could provide a higher level of safety in stadiums. A dialogue between the conflicting parties (fans, national football association and politics) could be the first step in this process.

Rechtsprechung

Kurzübersicht (S. 388)

Internationales

  • BVwG: Erneute EuGH-Vorlage: DSGVO-Vereinbarkeit von Veröffentlichungen der öNADA (S. 388)

Ordentliche Gerichtsbarkeit

  • BGH: Unterschriftenersetzung auf einem Schiedsspruch (S. 391)
  • BGH: Wirksame Abberufung von Martin Kind als Geschäftsführer bei Hannover 96 (m. Anm. Scheuch) (S. 395)
  • BGH: Rückforderung von Einsätzen bei fehlender Konzession für Sportwetten im Internet (S. 402)
  • OLG München: Kein Ersatz für Rettungskosten nach privater Bergtour (S. 402)
  • OLG Hamm: Einstweilige Verfügung gegen verbandliche Aufarbeitungskommission (S. 405)
  • LG Augsburg: Haftstrafe für Böllerwurf bei Bundesligaspiel (S. 408)
Arbeitsgerichtsbarkeit
  • ArbG Mannheim: Unwirksame Befristung ermöglicht Vereinswechsel (m. Anm. Fischinger) (S. 412)
  • ArbG Nürnberg: Keine einstweilige Verfügung auf Feststellung der Wirksamkeit der Kündigung eines Handballprofis (m. Anm. Fischinger) (S. 416)

Verbandsgerichtsbarkeit

  • DFB-Bundesgericht: Strafbarkeit von Fanprotesten durch das Werfen von Tennisbällen (S. 421)
  • DFB-Bundesgericht: Spielwertung zu Lasten des Vereins bei Wechselfehler (S. 424)
  • DFB-Sportgericht: Wettbewerbsübergreifende Sperre bei Platzverweis im DFL-Supercup (m. Anm. Meier) (S. 426)
  • WDFV-Verbandsgericht: Nichtmeldung eines Regionalliga-SR zum Coaching durch die DFB Schiri GmbH (S. 428)

Schaufenster

  • 5. Sportanwaltstag vom 15. Bis 16. November 2024 (S. 430)
  • Grenzen einer privaten Super-Liga im europäischen Spitzenfußball. Eine unionskartellrechtliche Analyse. (Rez. J. Kornbeck) (S. 431)