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Sports Court Declines Jurisdiction, Leaving Basque Pelota’s International Status Intact

The tribunal said it lacks authority under FIPV statutes that do not provide for such appeals.

Overview

  • On January 20, 2026, the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne declined to hear the Spanish federation’s challenge to Euskadi’s admission.
  • The decision keeps in force the FIPV General Assembly vote of December 28, 2024, so the Basque team continues competing internationally.
  • Arbitrators found no arbitration clause in FIPV rules allowing national federations to appeal Assembly decisions to CAS after a virtual hearing on September 11, 2025.
  • Spain argued Article 65 permitted review, and Cuba initially joined the appeal before withdrawing in November 2025.
  • The ruling did not address the merits of Spain’s claims of an irregular assembly, which the FIPV disputes, and Basque president Joxemari Mitxelena urged respect for the federation’s equal status.