On Thursday, 18 June, the Saeima adopted in the final reading a new Sports Law to promote a modern, transparent, and sustainable sports system in Latvia.
The new law has been developed to improve the legal framework of the sports sector, clarify the competences of sports organisations and state and municipal institutions, and introduce a new model for financing and governance of the sector. The law builds on the existing regulatory framework while substantially modernising it in line with current requirements.
The Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee responsible for advancing the draft law previously emphasised that the current Sports Law, adopted in 2002, no longer meets the development needs of the sector. Sports governance and financing are currently fragmented, lacking a unified, data-driven approach and clear good governance mechanisms. The new regulation will help address these shortcomings by strengthening responsible, transparent, and efficient use of resources.
The aim of the new law is to promote the development of sport as a foundation for societal growth and well-being, ensure a sustainable and safe sports environment, and facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in sport.
The draft law places significant emphasis on children’s and youth sport as a priority. It also highlights the role of local governments in long-term sports development planning, with particular focus on the accessibility of physical activities. The law provides for closer cooperation between the sports and education systems, as well as expanding opportunities for public participation in grassroots sport.
The new regulation provides for the establishment of a State Sports Fund as a targeted instrument to support the development of sport, diversify funding sources, and promote more efficient allocation of resources.
A unified Sports Register will also be created—a centralised data system compiling information on sports organisations, athletes, coaches, sports education programmes, sports infrastructure, and funding. It will support data-driven decision-making and more transparent governance of the sector.
The law also enshrines principles of good governance, fair play, safety, and ethics, and sets clear criteria for the recognition of sports federations, as well as requirements for the public availability of financial reports.
In view of the geopolitical situation, the new law maintains restrictions regarding aggressor states, including a prohibition on organising and participating in sports competitions involving representatives of Russia and Belarus, as well as restrictions on cooperation with sports institutions of these countries.
The Sports Law will enter into force on 1 August 2026.
Saeima Press Service