Our Association is international
Sports is by definition universal, hence so should be the law that governs it.
Football is played worldwide
Through passion and practice, it has built a real social network at both local and international levels. Following the example of famous international football competitions, AIAF aims to create a link between various legal cultures, in a spirit of exchange and sharing.
The independence of lawyers and their professional ethics must serve football in its social dimension.
We value law as much as sport and we think that our ethics as independent lawyers can contribute to the development of football all the while enhancing the respect of fundamental rights.
The Signet Library
Your venue to the 13th AIAF Congress.
The Signet Library, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, is one of the city’s most elegant and distinguished venues. Home to the Society of Writers to His Majesty’s Signet, one of Scotland’s oldest professional bodies of lawyers, the library dates back to the early 19th century and reflects the greatness of Georgian architecture.
Its magnificent Upper Library is particularly striking, with soaring ceilings, classical columns, and long rows of books that create a refined and timeless atmosphere. Overlooking the Royal Mile and just moments from St Giles’ Cathedral, the Signet Library combines historical prestige with exceptional beauty, making it a remarkable setting in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic locations.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city where history and culture meet dramatic natural landscapes. Dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, the city blends medieval charm with elegant Georgian architecture. Its historic Old Town and the graceful New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are filled with winding streets, grand squares, and lively cafés, creating a unique atmosphere.
Renowned for its festivals, world-class museums, and welcoming spirit, Edinburgh offers visitors a rich cultural experience alongside breathtaking views, from the Royal Mile to the summit of Arthur’s Seat. Whether exploring centuries of history or enjoying its dynamic modern scene, Edinburgh leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
The Signet Library
Your venue for the 13th AIAF Congress.
The Signet Library, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, is one of the city’s most elegant and distinguished venues. Home to the Society of Writers to His Majesty’s Signet, one of Scotland’s oldest professional bodies of lawyers, the library dates back to the early 19th century and reflects the greatness of Georgian architecture.
Its magnificent Upper Library is particularly striking, with soaring ceilings, classical columns, and long rows of books that create a refined and timeless atmosphere. Overlooking the Royal Mile and just moments from St Giles’ Cathedral, the Signet Library combines historical prestige with exceptional beauty, making it a remarkable setting in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic locations.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city where history and culture meet dramatic natural landscapes. Dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, the city blends medieval charm with elegant Georgian architecture. Its historic Old Town and the graceful New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are filled with winding streets, grand squares, and lively cafés, creating a unique atmosphere.
Renowned for its festivals, world-class museums, and welcoming spirit, Edinburgh offers visitors a rich cultural experience alongside breathtaking views, from the Royal Mile to the summit of Arthur’s Seat. Whether exploring centuries of history or enjoying its dynamic modern scene, Edinburgh leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Programme
13th AIAF Congress – Edinburgh 2026
DAY 00 > 30 September 2026
15:00 - 17:00
AIAF General Assembly (for AIAF Members only)
DAY 01 > 1 October 2026
8:15 - 9:00
Registration & Welcome Coffee
9:00 - 9:15
Opening Addresses
9:15 - 10:20
Session 1
Deep Dive into UK Football
This roundtable will provide a practical overview of the key legal and regulatory issues currently shaping UK football. It will examine the impact of Brexit ten years on, the practical implications of the Independent Football Regulator, and the main financial oversight and cost-control mechanisms in England and Scotland, with a focus on the key takeaways for clubs and advisers.
10:20 - 11:20
Session 2
AIAF Podcast – Special Live Edition: Inside Club Leadership at the Top of the Game
This special live edition of the AIAF Podcast will bring together senior football executives to discuss how key decisions are made at the highest level of the game. It will explore leadership, judgment and the practical realities of operating under sporting, financial and regulatory pressure, while also highlighting the importance of involving lawyers early in major decision-making processes.
11:20 - 11:45
Coffee break
11:45 - 13:00
Session 3
Ownership, Investment and Financing of Football Clubs
The ownership and financing of football clubs are facing growing legal and regulatory scrutiny. This panel will explore acquisition structures, shareholder funding, financial sustainability rules, related-party transactions and the growing tension between investment ambition, governance expectations and regulatory compliance, while also highlighting the lawyer’s key role in structuring deals and addressing regulatory risk.
13:00 - 14:15
Networking Lunch
14:15 - 15:15
Session 4
Tax and the Footballer’s Career
Tax issues remain central to the legal and financial management of a player’s career. This session will explore selected questions from the professional player’s perspective, with a focus on the practical tax challenges that arise throughout a player’s career and across jurisdictions.
15:15 - 16:15
Session 5
Keynote – AI and the Future
of Legal Practice
This keynote will offer a high-level perspective on how AI is affecting not only the daily work of lawyers, but also the wider legal system. It will address the impact of automation on legal practice and education, the changing role of young lawyers, and the opportunities and risks that AI creates for access to justice and the future of legal services + Q&As
16:15 - 16:45
Tea Time
16:45 - 17:45
Session 6
Football Agents: What Future for the FFAR?
The regulation of football agents is entering a decisive new phase. This session will examine the future of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) in light of the expected judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union, with a particular focus on remuneration, representation structures, licensing and regulatory oversight, and their practical consequences for clubs, players, agents and their advisers.
19:00
Congress Dinner at Easter Road Football Stadium – home of the Hibernian Football Club (for all participants – included)
DAY 02 > 2 October 2026
8:45 - 9:30
Welcome Coffee
9:30 - 10:15
Session 7
Football Cases Driving the Market: Annual Review
This session will focus on a limited number of recent cases with real practical significance for football lawyers. The objective is not to revisit abstract doctrine, but to identify the legal lessons, procedural developments and strategic implications emerging from disputes that are reshaping practice.
10:15 - 10:40
Session 8
Keynote – AI Rights in Football: New Assets, New Risks, New Opportunities
10:40 - 11:10
Coffee break
11:10 - 11:45
Session 9
FIFA Regulatory Update: What’s New and What Comes Next
This session will provide a focused update from FIFA on the latest regulatory developments affecting the football industry. It will highlight the most relevant recent changes, ongoing reform processes (e.g. minors…) and key issues to watch in the coming months, with particular attention to those matters most relevant to practitioners advising clubs, players, agents and other stakeholders.
11:45 - 12:45
Session 10
Structured Q&A Session – Practical Questions for Football Regulators and Decision-Makers
This session will be built around questions submitted in advance on practical issues arising in the day-to-day work of football lawyers. Rather than a traditional panel, the format will allow for direct and focused exchanges on procedural questions, regulatory practice, recurring difficulties and recent developments affecting football disputes and governance. The objective is to provide practical insights from the perspective of those involved in the application, interpretation and enforcement of the relevant frameworks.
12:45 - 13:45
Session 11
Contract Termination Under the (New?) RSTP
This session will explore the main legal and strategic issues arising from a contract termination dispute from the perspective of the player, the former club, the new club and FIFA. It will focus on strategy, evidence, registration, sporting consequences and financial exposure under the evolving RSTP framework.
13:45 - 13:50
Closing Remarks
13:50
Food & Drinks
Accomodation Partner
Participants may benefit from a discounted rate at:
Hotel Malmaison Edinburgh City
Corporate code: LOMB900
When booking, please make sure to select “Corporate code” and enter LOMB900 for the discount to apply.
Information
Visitors:
Visitors from eligible countries can apply for a visa through the quick and easy-to-use eVisa platform prior to travel: www.gov.uk/eta
Visitors from countries not eligible for the eVisa must apply for a consulate visa in their home country.
For detailed information on the necessary formalities and to check if you are eligible for an eVisa, please visit the United Kingdom visa information.
Venue:
The conference will take place at The Signet Library.
Address:
Signet Library,
Parliament Square, Edinburgh
General Assembly & Social Event (Wednesday 30 September) will be held in the National Museum of Scotland (Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF).
Congress sessions:
Congress sessions will start on Thursday 1 October at 09:00 and continue until Friday 2 October (approximately 14:00).
Registration:
You can register online by clicking here.
Registration rates include attendance to the Conference, two lunches, coffee breaks and a Dinner.
COVID-19:
By registering for the 13th AIAF Congress, you are responsible for informing yourself about the specific health measures in the United Kingdom, your country of departure or any stop-over countries. There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the United Kingdom. AIAF disclaims any responsibility for your health situation or any incident related to it and no refund will be made.
Intended audience:
AIAF Members, counsels and lawyers, representatives of associations or federations, Clubs’ officials, Players’ Agents, companies in the “football business”, sport channels representatives, media specialists and Sport State Authorities.
Scientific Partner
Partner
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