Public Law Studies Quarterly

Political Freedom of Expression in Sports: A Study of International Standards and Practices

Document Type : Article

Authors

Seyyed Mohsen Ghaemi Khargh 1
Saeed Esfahani moghaddam 2

1 Department of Human Rights and Environment, Faculty of Law, Shahid Beheshti University, ‎Tehran, Iran‎

2 Master in Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Humanities, Kashan University, Isfahan, Iran‎

https://doi.org/10.22059/jplsq.2024.362308.3356
Abstract
Freedom of expression encompasses various aspects of human life, including political activities, and is accompanied by the principle of limiting government intervention in this right, based on the characteristics of the first generation of human rights. The connection between sports and politics, along with the regulation of the concept of sports by governing bodies, places political freedom of expression in sports—meaning freedom of expression within the sports environment and the freedom of athletes to express themselves both in the sports context and outside of it—under legal and procedural limitations. This descriptive-analytical and library-based paper aims to identify the challenges restricting political freedom of expression in sports by examining international standards and practices related to this freedom, as well as proposing some legal considerations in this area. These considerations include the necessity for limitations on freedom of expression to be substantiated by the captive audience doctrine, the harm caused by certain expressions, the impact of contracts on limiting freedom of expression, and the need for social backing of the right. Political neutrality must be pursued legitimately, systematically, and limited to necessity, and will only be justified in cases where the law anticipates it, respecting the rights or dignity of others and maintaining national security, public order, health, or morals. Additionally, monitoring the relationship between sports and politics should not lead to neglecting the role of sports in building a peaceful society that upholds human dignity.

Keywords

sports
sports rights
freedom of expression
political rights
international law
Subjects

  1. English

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Public Law Studies Quarterly
Volume 55, Issue 3 - Serial Number 43
Autumn 2025
Autumn 2025
Pages 2099-2122

  • Receive Date 16 July 2023
  • Accept Date 15 April 2024

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