Practical guide
How to draft a Lega Pro Arbitration Claim with AI
3 min read · Updated June 2026 · Editorial oversight: Avv. Federico Papa
An arbitration claim before the Lega Pro Arbitration Panel is the primary instrument for resolving economic or disciplinary disputes between clubs and registered members (tesserati). Pursuant to the Lega Pro Arbitration Panel Regulations and Statutes, this claim initiates proceedings aimed at issuing a binding arbitral award (lodo). It is essential for enforcing rights arising from contractual breaches, claiming unpaid remuneration, or challenging disciplinary sanctions imposed by clubs on players and technical staff. The procedure requires strict compliance with preclusive deadlines and notification formalities prescribed by the federal sports legal system.
In brief
The Lega Pro Arbitration Panel claim initiates an informal arbitration procedure for a binding award. Governed by Lega Pro Regulations and the FIGC Code, notification must occur within twenty days. The claim requires party identification, appointment of an arbitrator, and quantification of the petitum for procedural fees. AI facilitates drafting within the federal framework. Electronic filing requires proof of service via PEC. Although final in the sports legal system, the award is challengeable before ordinary courts for annulment pursuant to Art. 808-ter c.p.c.
The steps
- 1.
Verification of Jurisdiction and Notification Deadlines
Before drafting the claim, one must ensure that the dispute falls within the subject matter assigned to the Arbitration Panel under the Lega Pro Regulations. The deadline for serving the claim on the counterparty is generally set at 20 days from knowledge of the fact or notification of the decision, under penalty of forfeiture. It is essential to distinguish between ordinary and expedited proceedings to determine the correct timeline and procedure for establishing an adversarial process.
- 2.
Identification of Parties and Appointment of the Arbitrator
The claim must accurately state the details of the club and the registered member, specifying the elected domiciles for communications. Pursuant to the Regulations, the claimant must simultaneously appoint its party-appointed arbitrator chosen from the official federal roster. Failure to make the appointment or selecting an ineligible individual may cause procedural flaws that delay the constitution of the Panel.
- 3.
Determination of the Subject Matter and Dispute Value
The relief sought (petitum) must be clearly defined, distinguishing between financial claims (e.g., unpaid remuneration) and declaratory or constitutive requests (e.g., contract termination). The value of the dispute must be quantified to determine the administrative fees and procedural contributions payable. An incorrect valuation may result in procedural inadmissibility if the required fees are not properly supplemented.
- 4.
Statement of Facts and Legal Basis
The facts must be set out in chronological order, citing the relevant clauses of the filed contract and the specific provisions of the Lega Pro Regulations breached. Arguments must be aligned with the FIGC Code of Sports Justice (CGS), highlighting the causal link between the breach and the injury suffered. The factual narrative should be concise yet thorough, avoiding digressions unrelated to sports arbitration.
- 5.
Drafting of Conclusions and Evidentiary Requests
Final claims must be drafted analytically, requesting the Panel to issue an award including an order for legal costs. The evidentiary requests must explicitly list all evidence relied upon, such as documents, witness testimony, or expert opinions. Failure to attach key documents (e.g., the sports employment contract) may compromise the outcome of the proceedings at the evidentiary stage.
- 6.
Notification and Electronic Filing
The claim must be served on the counterparty via certified email (PEC) or registered mail prior to filing with the Panel's registry. Upon filing, proof of service and the payment receipt for procedural fees must be attached. Non-compliance with the electronic filing formalities prescribed by Lega Pro renders the claim unreceivable or inadmissible, depending on the severity of the defect.
Legal basis: Regolamento Collegio Arbitrale Lega ProStatuto Lega ProCodice di Giustizia Sportiva (CGS) FIGCArt. 808-ter c.p.c.Art. 1372 Codice Civile
Related checklist: key verifications before filing a request for arbitration with the Lega Pro Arbitration BoardThe template structure
The standard sections that make up the document. The full template can be opened and completed directly on edit.legal.
Adjudicating Arbitration Panel
Indication of the Lega Pro Arbitration Panel competent by territory and subject matter.
Parties
Identification details of the claimant and respondent, including the simultaneous appointment of the party-arbitrator.
Subject Matter of the Dispute
Summary of the nature of the dispute, whether economic, contractual, or disciplinary.
Statement of Facts
Chronological and detailed statement of the factual circumstances giving rise to the dispute.
Legal Grounds and Federal Rules
Legal framework based on Lega Pro Arbitration Panel Regulations, Statutes, and FIGC rules.
Claims and Conclusions
Precise and detailed formulation of the relief requested from the Arbitration Panel.
Evidence
List of attached documents and formal requests for testimonial or expert evidence.
Place, Date, and Signature
Signature of counsel authorized by power of attorney in compliance with regulatory deadlines.
Mistakes to avoid
- Failure to appoint a party-arbitrator simultaneously with the filing of the claim, triggering the substitution power of the Panel President or the League.
- Service of the claim beyond the 20-day forfeiture deadline from notification of the adverse decision.
- Omitting proof of service on the counterparty when filing with the Panel's registry.
- Failure to pay procedural cost contributions or fixed administrative fees required to initiate proceedings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the mandatory deadline for serving the claim?
The deadline for service on the counterparty is 20 days from receipt of the notification of the challenged measure or from the occurrence of the event, subject to shorter deadlines provided for urgent procedures under the Regulations.
What happens if the arbitrator is not appointed in the claim?
The appointment of a party-arbitrator is an essential requirement of the claim; failing this, the substitution power of the Panel President or League President is exercised to appoint the arbitrator.
Is the Lega Pro Arbitration Panel's award appealable?
The award is final within the sports legal system, but it may be challenged before the ordinary courts through an action for nullity pursuant to Article 808-ter of the Italian Code of Civil Procedure.
What edit.legal automates
- —Automated drafting with precise citations of the updated Lega Pro Regulations and FIGC CGS.
- —Automatic consistency check between the economic relief sought and the calculation of administrative fees.
- —Verification of forfeiture deadlines based on the event date and procedural rules (ordinary or expedited).
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