Sports Law 2025

DENMARK Law and Practice Contributed by: Frederik Bruhn, Tim Krarup Nielsen, Robert Jønsson and Rasmus Theis Madsen, DAHL Law Firm

1. Regulatory 1.1 Anti-Doping

Enforcement and Recent Cases Disciplinary matters related to doping in Den - mark are adjudicated by DIF’s Doping Tribunal. Athletes or clubs may appeal tribunal deci - sions to DIF’s Board of Appeal, which serves as the highest judicial authority within the Danish sports system. Further appeals may be brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Denmark has seen very few doping cases in pro - fessional football. One notable case occurred in 2009, when a Danish football player received a six-month ban from all football activities follow - ing a ruling by CAS due to the use of asthma medication. 1.2 Integrity Legal Framework and Regulatory Measures In Denmark, the regulation of match-fixing and related integrity issues falls under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark (DIF). DIF has estab - lished the “Regulations on the Prohibition of the Manipulation of Sports Competitions and Similar Unethical Conduct” , which aim to protect the integrity of sports by preventing, addressing, and sanctioning match-fixing and other forms of unethical conduct. These regulations apply to all sports under DIF’s governance. Athletes found guilty of match-fixing can face severe sanctions, including exclusion from all organised sports activities in Denmark. Football-Specific Regulations In addition to DIF’s general regulations, the Dan - ish Football Association (DBU) introduced “Cir- cular No. 86” in 2014 to further regulate match- fixing in football. This circular was implemented in response to UEFA’s integrity requirements and serves as a supplement to Sections 7 and 27 of DIF’s regulations. It sets out specific obligations

Legal Framework and Prohibited Substances Doping can be a criminal offence in Denmark under the Danish Anti-Doping Act. The act pro - hibits the manufacture, import, export, distribu - tion, and possession of specific doping sub - stances (eg, anabolic steroids, testosterone, derivatives and growth hormones), unless they are prescribed by a doctor for medical treat - ment or used for scientific purposes. Violations of these provisions can result in fines or impris - onment for up to two years. The use of substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency is strictly regulated within the governance of sports in Denmark. The Dan - ish Anti-Doping Rules, enforced by Anti Dop - ing Denmark in co-operation with the National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark (DIF), apply to all athletes compet - ing at elite and competitive levels across various sports, including football. Football players and clubs in Denmark must also adhere to FIFA’s Anti-Doping Regulations. Addi - tionally, national football regulations, including the Danish Football Association’s (DBU) stand - ard player contract, contain provisions mandat - ing compliance with anti-doping rules. National Anti-Doping Organisation Anti-Doping Denmark is the designated national authority responsible for implementing the World Anti-Doping Code. Its primary role is to ensure compliance with international and national anti- doping regulations through testing, prevention efforts, and education.

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