HM King issues decree amending Sports Professionalism Law

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, today issued Royal Decree-Law (40) of 2025 amending certain provisions of Law (8) of 2021 regarding sports professionalism.

The amendment was made following the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the approval of the Cabinet.

Under the new changes:

• The terms “minister” and “ministry” in the original law will be replaced with “authority” and “president.”

• The General Sports Authority, established by Royal Decree (61) of 2021, will now be the main body responsible for overseeing sports professionalism in the Kingdom. Its chairman, or anyone appointed by royal decree, will be recognized as the “president.”

Key changes to the law:

1. Regulatory Framework:
   The president of the General Sports Authority will issue a general framework for regulations governing professional sports and athlete contracts. This ensures contracts align with Bahraini laws and international sports federation rules.

2. Sports Federations’ Role:
   Each sports federation will issue detailed regulations for professionalism in their respective sports. These will cover:

   • Conditions and requirements for professional athletes.

   • Sports that fall under the professionalism system.

   • Whether professionalism is applied fully or partially.

   • Rules on contracts, transfers, and financial entitlements of professional athletes.

3. Terminology Update:
   The word “authority” will officially replace “ministry” in relevant legal definitions.

The decree also states that the Prime Minister and concerned ministers must implement the provisions of this law, which will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.