Tenerife Hosts International Sports Law Congress Led by Tania Tejeira
On October 30th, Tenerife will be the venue for the second edition of the International Sports Law Congress (CIDD), a significant event aimed at establishing a prominent position in the global sports law landscape.
Event Highlights and Focus Areas
This congress is not merely a conference; it represents a groundbreaking initiative to elevate the Canary Islands within the realms of legal and sports management. The event will feature eight panels and discussions that will address critical issues currently impacting the sports sector. Topics will include the operations of sports federations, the implementation of the Canary Island Sports Law, the professionalization of women’s basketball, athlete career transitions, and the dynamics between the EuroLeague and FIBA.
The program will showcase a variety of esteemed speakers, including Reyes Bellver, Beatriz Álvarez, Lucila Pascua, Vega Gimeno, Víctor Claver, Álvaro Benito, Albert Rivera, and Pier Luigi Cherubino, among others.
Who Should Attend?
The congress is designed for a diverse audience, including legal practitioners, athletes, managers, agents, students, and anyone interested in understanding the evolving legal landscape of modern sports. Tania Tejeira, the congress’s organizer and a prominent lawyer, emphasizes the importance of making sports law accessible. She aims to create a platform for knowledge sharing among professionals, institutions, and aspiring talents.
Tania Tejeira: A Unique Journey
Tania Tejeira’s background is a blend of criminology and legal practice, which she combines with her passion for sports law. Initially aspiring to be a police officer, her career took a different turn when she encountered Juan de Dios Crespo, a leading figure in sports law, during her partner’s football career in Malta. This meeting ignited her interest in the field.
During the pandemic, while on furlough, Tejeira took a bold step to establish her own legal practice from home, leveraging social media to share insights on sports law. Her efforts have garnered her a following of over 23,000 on Instagram, which has become a vital source of client engagement.
Advocating for Women’s Football
Tejeira’s contributions to women’s football have been noteworthy. In 2022, she joined Futbolistas ON to help draft the II Collective Agreement for Women’s Football, marking a significant advancement in the professionalization of female athletes. Her involvement coincided with the launch of Liga F, a pivotal moment for women’s sports in Spain.
In addition to her legal work, she has become a familiar face in the media, serving as a legal analyst on sports programs such as El Chiringuito and Radio Marca. Her insights into high-profile legal cases have made her a sought-after commentator in the sports industry.
Filling a Void in Sports Law Education
The inception of the International Sports Law Congress in 2024 was driven by a clear need for such events in the Canary Islands. Tejeira recognized that aspiring professionals had to travel to Madrid or Barcelona for training and knowledge in this field. She aimed to provide local access to essential information and resources.
The success of the inaugural congress surpassed expectations, with tickets selling out quickly and strong support from various institutions. This response highlighted a significant demand for education in sports law within the region.
Future Aspirations
This year’s congress aims to solidify its status as a recurring international event, with collaborations planned with organizations such as the Italian Sports Law Association and the Portuguese Sports Law Association. Tejeira envisions the congress not only as a platform for sports law but also as a means to promote Tenerife as a destination for international conferences in this sector.
The agenda reflects this ambition, featuring prominent speakers like Miguel Lietard, FIFA’s Litigation Director, who will contribute to the discussions.
Key points
- The second edition of the International Sports Law Congress will take place in Tenerife on October 30th.
- The event aims to establish the Canary Islands as a key player in sports law and management.
- Topics include federations’ operations, women’s basketball professionalization, and athlete career transitions.
- Tania Tejeira, a lawyer with a unique background, is the driving force behind the congress.
- Tejeira has made significant contributions to women’s football, including drafting a key collective agreement.
- The congress seeks to provide local access to sports law education and resources.
- Future editions aim to attract international partnerships and speakers.
