• Check Scope: The Pilot Scheme covers commercial sports disputes (e.g., sponsorship agreement, player transfers) and non-commercial sports disputes (e.g., athlete selection, disciplinary matters).
• Act Quickly: For disputes related to selection or eligibility, we recommend you to file a claim soonest possible after the relevant decision being communicated to you.
• Gather Evidence: Collate all relevant contracts, correspondence, and supporting documents.

For eligible cases, government subsidy is available on a reimbursement basis to cover the administrative cost, mediator fee and arbitrator fee of the dispute resolution proceedings, and only HK$3,000 will be charged to parties in equal share as registration fees.

Eligibility:

• The dispute is a non-commercial sports dispute;
• At least one of the parties to the dispute is a Hong Kong resident, a company registered in Hong Kong, a Hong Kong sole proprietor or partnership, a registered society, or a national sports association registered with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China or any of its members;
• Where subsidy is requested for arbitration, the dispute involves only issues of procedural fairness, errors of law, or other standards that may affect the integrity of the decision-making process; and
• No subsidy has previously been granted in respect of the same dispute.

To apply, complete and submit the Subsidy Application Form before the commencement of mediation/arbitration — either after submitting your claim/response via the Designated Online Platform, or via “Subsidy Application” on the platform’s homepage menu.

All claims are submitted and managed through the Designated Online Platform.

1. Click the SUBMIT A CLAIM button to access the Designated Online Platform.
2. Click the “Submit new case” button to select the case type.
3. Follow the steps to complete the online Notice of Commencement (Article 6, the Rules).
4. Upload supporting documents.
5. If applicable, indicate your interest in applying for subsidy by completing the Subsidy Application Form and uploading your supporting documents.

• AALCO-HKRAC will acknowledge receipt of your submission and provide guidance throughout the process.
• The process follows a “Mediation First, Arbitration Next” approach. You first attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation with the assistance of a mediator. If the dispute is not settled by mediation, you may refer the dispute to arbitration.
• AALCO-HKRAC may refuse to administer, or may discontinue, any proceedings initiated under the Pilot Scheme it deems inappropriate for mediation or arbitration.
• Proceedings under the Pilot Scheme are conducted in accordance with the AALCO-HKRAC Sports Industry Mediation and Arbitration Rules (2026).