Govt. Updates Sports Industry Business Licensing Framework: New Requirements for Professional Athletes and Detailed Sanctions Rolled out

The Minister of Youth and Sports (“Minister”) has issued Regulation No. 9 of 2026 on the Sports Industry (“Regulation 9/2026”), which has now resulted in the repeal and replacement of Regulation of the Minister No. 3 of 2023 on the Guidance and Development of the Sports Industry (“Regulation 3/2023”).[1] Regulation 9/2026 has been introduced in an effort to address the increasing complexity and economic significance of the sports industry, as well as to provide legal certainty to various stakeholders (e.g. government and professional sports organizations).[2]