From The Olympic Track To The FIFA World Cup 26 Pitch: The Legal Fault Line Over Athlete Expression
Above the Law
by Michael J. EpsteinFebruary 19, 2026
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The Olympic Track To The FIFA World Cup 26 Pitch: The Legal Fault Line Over Athlete Expression
When Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was barred from competing at the Milan-Cortina Games for wearing a helmet honoring fallen Ukrainian athletes, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) drew a clear line between training and competition. While Heraskevych was allowed to wear the helmet during training, it was prohibited during official events under IOC rules that aim to keep politics out of sports. This incident highlights a critical legal distinction and raises important questions for FIFA as it prepares for the World Cup 26 in a politically charged environment.
The "Field-of-Play Doctrine" is a foundational principle in international sports governance, ensuring competitions remain neutral by prohibiting political or religious expressions during matches. Both the IOC's Rule 50 framework and FIFA's regulations reflect this principle, allowing governing bodies to enforce strict guidelines on athlete expression. While these rules grant federations significant authority, their application must be consistent to avoid legal challenges. Heraskevych's case underscores how selective enforcement can create vulnerabilities, particularly when athletes perceive unfair treatment compared to others.
The legal risks for sports governing bodies arise not from the existence of these rules but from their application. Inconsistent enforcement can lead to claims of discrimination or arbitrary decision-making, which are difficult to defend under the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) framework. As FIFA World Cup 26 approaches, with its global audience and high stakes, the organization must navigate a complex geopolitical landscape marked by active conflicts and polarized politics. Athletes may attempt symbolic gestures during warmups or training, but official matches remain off-limits for political expression under FIFA's regulations.
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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/19/2026