Belgian Athletics’ code of conduct labeled “problematic” by sports law expert

Withdrawal from Championships Sparks Controversy Over Belgian Athletics Code

Belgian Athletics faces mounting controversy following Nafi Thiam’s refusal to sign a new code of conduct perceived as a contract infringing on athletes’ commercial rights. The situation escalated as Thiam alleged the federation threatened to bar her from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as a consequence of her stance, reports 24brussels.

The code’s stipulations on portrait rights contradict existing sponsorship agreements, prompting Thiam’s decision to withdraw from the competition. Her claims also indicate that she was barred from participating in a pre-camp event, adding to the emotional burden of the Olympic champion, who ultimately chose to exit the tournament.

Frea De Keyzer, a sports law expert at KU Leuven, has criticized the federation’s approach, declaring the code of conduct as “problematic.” She highlighted that it functions more as a contract regulating the commercial rights of athletes rather than a mere guideline, emphasizing the need for negotiated agreements.

Code or Contract?

De Keyzer noted that numerous athletes expressed concerns about being informed that individual modifications to the code were off-limits. This restriction is particularly problematic in athletics, where personal sponsorships are vital for financial stability.

Moreover, the selection criteria outlined by Belgian Athletics allow for athlete exclusion “for any reason,” including the refusal to sign the code. De Keyzer found this excessive, stating, “The time when athletes blindly followed their federations is over. Athletes also have rights, and federations can no longer impose everything without proper justification.”

Political Pressure

Thiam’s withdrawal has further attracted political scrutiny. Flemish MP Gwendolyn Rutten described the code as “completely illegal” and has called for a complete reform of the federation. Rutten stressed, “The federation forces athletes to sign a document that is not a code but a contract. Contracts must be negotiated — especially when it comes to image and sponsorship rights. Refusing to negotiate under threat of exclusion from international competition is unacceptable.”

The developments surrounding this issue raise critical questions about the rights and relationships between athletes and their governing bodies, particularly in situations where personal sponsorships and image rights are at stake.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for both Belgian Athletics and its athletes remain a focal point of discussion within the sports community.