Melbourne Sports Law Association

09/06/2026

What better way to close out semester one than collaborating with Arizona State University to host an Australia vs USA Sports Law Panel! 🏈⚖️

A sincere thank you to Aaron Hernandez , the Executive Director of the Allan “Bud” Selig Sports Law and Business Program, and Annie Poulton, Legal Counsel at the AFL Players Association, for joining us to discuss some of the most pressing issues in sports law across Australia and the USA.

The panel covered a range of topics including the differences in player contracting between the two jurisdictions, athlete image and likeness rights, the role of tribunals in sports litigation, and how sports organisations promote athlete welfare and manage their duty of care — just to name a few.

We look forward to hopefully welcoming back ASU next year!

28/05/2026

As Southampton’s “Spygate” controversy sends shockwaves through English football, Jackson Benson explores how the EFL’s unprecedented disciplinary response exposes difficult tensions between sporting integrity, proportionality, and the expanding legal reach of football regulation.

24/05/2026

Who Pays the Price When the Final Whistle Blows?

Last Thursday, MSLA brought together two teams to tackle one of the most challenging questions facing Australian sport: "Should sporting bodies be held legally liable for acquired brain injuries suffered by their athletes?"

A sincere thank you to Adrian Anderson — former General Manager of Football Operations at the AFL and practising Barrister in sports disciplinary matters — for judging the evening and generously sharing his insight on an issue where his experience across both sport and law proved invaluable.

Both sides agreed that more must be done to support athletes with acquired brain injuries. The Affirmative made a compelling case that legal liability is the lever for driving real accountability and structural change. The Negative countered that liability risks undermining transparency and impeding care and research, instead advocating for an insurance-centred approach.

The debate covered a range of issues including voluntary assumption of risk, the place of sport in Australian community life and how our evolving understanding of sports-acquired brain injuries may reshape participation, from elite level to the grass roots competitions that sit at the heart of so many Australian communities.

Congratulations to the Negative team whose sharp advocacy and well timed humour carried the day, and thank you to both teams for leading a discussion that was as enjoyable as it was thought provoking.

21/05/2026

As the controversial Enhanced Games prepare to challenge the foundations of modern sport, Allie Vawser examines how medically supervised performance enhancement raises complex legal questions surrounding athlete autonomy, duty of care, liability, competition law, and the future of sporting regulation.

As the controversial Enhanced Games prepare to challenge the foundations of modern sport, Allie Vawser examines how medically supervised performance enhancement raises complex legal questions surrounding athlete autonomy, duty of care, liability, competition law, and the future of sporting regulatio

17/05/2026

Melbourne Sports Law Association invites you to join us for our upcoming debate on one of sport's most pressing legal questions: "Should sporting bodies be held legally liable for acquired brain injuries suffered by their athletes?"

From the AFL to the NFL, acquired brain injuries in sport are making headlines — but who must bear the legal responsibility for these life changing injuries?

Come watch the case unfold!

🗓 When: Thursday 21st of May, Week 11

📍 Where: MLS Moot Court Room (Room 538)

📢 Topic: “Should sporting bodies be held legally liable for acquired brain injuries suffered by their athletes?”

Whether you're passionate about sports law, keen to sharpen your advocacy skills, or just curious about the topic, this is one debate you won't want to miss!

14/05/2026

As the AFL Tribunal faces growing scrutiny over procedural standards and legitimacy, Will Bruhn examines how the Zak Butters appeal exposed deeper concerns about procedural fairness, accountability, and whether the league’s disciplinary processes are being treated with the seriousness they demand.

07/05/2026

As the AFL faces renewed scrutiny over homophobic conduct in the game, Shalaaka Brahmavar examines how the Lance Collard Appeals Board decision exposed deeper flaws within the league’s disciplinary framework, raising difficult questions about deterrence, transparency, judicial independence, and the AFL’s broader responsibility to protect LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Australian football.

As the AFL faces renewed scrutiny over homophobic conduct in the game, Shalaaka Brahmavar examines how the Lance Collard Appeals Board decision exposed deeper flaws within the league’s disciplinary framework, raising difficult questions about deterrence, transparency, judicial independence, and th...

03/05/2026

🏆 MSLA Sports Law Negotiation Competition - Grand Final 🏆

This week marked the conclusion of the 2026 MSLA Sports Law Negotiation Competition, with a thrilling Grand Final hosted at SportsLawyer.

Congratulations to our winning team, Sam Guthrie and Dominic O'Leary, and to our runners-up, Allie Vawser and Ethan Light, on an outstanding final.

The competing teams represented RedBull GmbH and The Victory Ownership Group in negotiating a potential acquisition of Melbourne Victory. The scenario required teams to navigate a complex set of issues, including club identity, pending regulatory investigations, sponsorship arrangements, and outstanding financial liabilities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Paul Horvath and Jackie Chan for judging the Grand Final and generously hosting the event at their office. The opportunity to compete in front of, and receive feedback from, leading industry practitioners was an invaluable experience for our contestants.

Thank you to all of our competing teams this year. We look forward to hosting the competition again next year.

Will Bruhn, James Forrester, James Theile - Competition Organisers

30/04/2026

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds amid geopolitical tensions, human rights concerns, and soaring ticket prices, James Forrester examines how the world’s biggest sporting event is straying from its unifying ideals, raising questions about access, integrity, and the true cost of the global game.

24/04/2026

📣2026 Committee Update📣

Welcome to our newest 2026 committee members: Amberley, James and Yvonne!

We are excited to have you all on board and look forward to a fantastic year ahead together.