Bahrain Introduces New Licensing Framework for Sports Professions
Bahrain introduces new licensing requirements for sports professionals under Decision No. 8 of 2026.
MOHAMED SABER JALAL ABDELHALIM — 06/09/2026 04:00:00 AM — 17 views
MANAMA, BAHRAIN — Bahrain has introduced a new regulatory framework governing sports professions under Decision No. (8) of 2026. The Regulation establishes professional licensing requirements for individuals working across the sports sector and introduces standards relating to qualifications, professional conduct, athlete safety, anti-doping compliance and other regulatory obligations.
The Board of Directors of Bahrain’s General Sports Authority issued Decision No. (8) of 2026 on 24 August 2026 concerning the Regulation Governing Sports Professions. The Decision was published on 27 August 2026 and entered into force on 28 August 2026.
The Regulation introduces a comprehensive framework governing professionals and entities operating within Bahrain’s sports sector, including coaches, referees, doctors, physiotherapy and nutrition specialists, technical and administrative managers, performance analysts, player agents and sports media professionals.
Professional Licensing Becomes a Key Requirement
Under the Regulation, individuals may not practise a regulated sports profession without obtaining the required professional licence from the General Sports Authority.
Licences are issued for a period of two years and are renewable, subject to the applicant satisfying the applicable professional qualification, medical and physical fitness, and good conduct requirements.
Licensed professionals are also subject to obligations concerning professional ethics and fair play, confidentiality of information, anti-doping requirements and rules concerning sports betting.
Those falling within the scope of the Regulation have been granted a one-year period from its effective date to regularise their status.
Legal Perspective
The Regulation represents an important development in the institutional regulation of Bahrain’s sports sector. A formal licensing framework can contribute to improved professional standards, greater accountability and stronger protection for athletes and trainees.
Its practical implementation, however, will also require clear procedural safeguards.
Key considerations include establishing transparent criteria for approving or rejecting licence applications, defining the timeframe for regulatory decisions and clarifying broadly worded grounds that could affect a professional’s licence.
Procedural safeguards should also ensure that professionals are informed of alleged violations and given an opportunity to respond before sanctions such as suspension or cancellation are imposed.
A clear mechanism for administrative grievances and judicial appeals would further strengthen regulatory certainty.
Coordination will also be important where a sports professional is subject to licensing by another regulator, particularly healthcare professionals who may already fall within the regulatory framework of the relevant health authorities.
Finally, the legal position of existing professionals during the one-year regularisation period should remain clear so that practitioners understand whether and under what conditions they may continue operating while completing the licensing process.
What Does This Mean for Sports Professionals?
Professionals and organisations operating in Bahrain’s sports sector should assess whether their activities fall within the scope of the Regulation and determine the licensing requirements applicable to them.
Existing practitioners should also use the transitional period to review their qualifications, documentation and other regulatory requirements ahead of the applicable deadline.