CROATIA Law and Practice Contributed by: Lovro Badžim, Badžim Law Practice
2. Commercial Rights 2.1 Sports-Related Rights Commercial Sports Rights in Croatia (Beyond Sponsorship and Broadcasting) In Croatia, sports organisations generate commercial income through merchandising, hospitality, and ticket - ing, all of which are governed by general commercial, tax, and public order laws rather than sport-specific regulation. Merchandising, such as the sale of club-branded products, is permitted if allowed by a club’s statutes and is subject to standard tax rules. Hospitality ser - vices at sports venues may be operated directly by clubs or through partners, provided general hospitality regulations are met. Ticketing is a core commercial activity linked to event organisation and is subject to public safety rules, including restrictions on sales to individuals subject to stadium bans. Secondary ticket resale is regulated only by general consumer law, while illegal resale or sales above face value may result in fines. Enforce - ment relies on ticket controls, surveillance, and public safety measures. 2.2 Sponsorship Terms In Croatia, sponsors use sport primarily to increase brand visibility and consumer trust by associating their products with successful athletes, teams, and sporting events. Branding appears on jerseys, equip - ment, venues, and digital platforms, while higher-tier sponsorships often allow the use of athletes’ names, images, and results in marketing campaigns. Fan engagement is a key objective, achieved through joint promotions, digital content, and prize campaigns that link sporting loyalty with commercial outcomes. Sports rights-holders attract sponsors by leveraging sporting success, audience reach, and reputation. They offer structured sponsorship packages with defined commercial rights, exclusivity, and branding opportunities. Sponsorship agreements in Croatia typically define the sponsor’s category, the scope of commercial rights, and the financial contribution. They regulate
the individual at the relevant time. Changes to integrity rules – such as limits on how long former participants remain subject to disciplinary authority – can be deci - sive, highlighting the importance of clear and lawful jurisdiction in betting-related sport cases. 1.4 Disciplinary Framework Disciplinary Proceedings in Sport: From Initiation to Enforcement Disciplinary proceedings in sport usually begin once a potential breach is identified, whether through a posi - tive doping test, a formal report or complaint, supervi - sory checks, or indicators linked to betting irregulari - ties or threats to sporting integrity. Once a suspicion arises, the competent sports federation or anti-doping body must act under its regulations and applicable anti-doping rules. The athlete – and, where relevant, coaches or medical staff – is formally notified and informed of the alle - gations and procedure. In serious cases, especially doping matters, a provisional measure such as a tem - porary suspension may be imposed while the case is examined. The disciplinary body of the federation then conducts the proceedings, during which the athlete has full defence rights, including the right to be heard, to submit evidence, and to challenge the allegations. After reviewing the evidence, the disciplinary body issues a reasoned decision. If a violation is estab - lished, sanctions may include suspensions or bans, forfeiture of results or prizes, loss of athlete status, and, in some cases, financial penalties or bans from sporting functions. Athletes have the right to appeal within the federation or, where allowed, before a com - petent authority, in line with statutory and regulatory time limits. Once final, decisions are enforced by the federation. The process is subject to external oversight, as sports inspectors may review the legality of disciplinary actions and order corrective measures if rules have been breached.
72 CHAMBERS.COM
Powered by FlippingBook