The first edition of the FIFA - Miami Law EASL International Football Law Summer Campus kicked off in Miami, coinciding with the FIFA Club World Cup. The event, held from June 23 to July 3, 2025, brought together 24 practitioners from five continents at the University of Miami School of Law. This intensive program featured 30 modules and aimed to provide football professionals with a comprehensive understanding of international football law.
"For the inaugural edition of the International Football Law Summer Campus, it has been our ambition to provide participants with a rigorous academic experience as well as with the real-world applications of football law – and I must say without any doubt: this has been fully accomplished," said Emilio Garcia Silvero, chief legal and compliance officer at FIFA, who co-taught a unique course in soccer law to Miami Law students this past fall. He is also an EASL Program Board Member and Adjunct Faculty, who co-directed the summer campus program with Greg Levy, associate dean and director of Miami Law’s LL.M in Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law program.
The program was designed to cater to professionals from various backgrounds, including legal professionals working in FIFA member associations, lawyers in player unions, executives in clubs or leagues, and sports lawyers in law firms. The curriculum provided both foundational and advanced knowledge in football law, equipping participants with the tools necessary to address the challenges of the ever-evolving football landscape.
Participants learned about the latest legal developments, rules, and trends in global football from industry experts. The program combined theoretical learning with interactive sessions, starting with football law basics and moving to specialized topics and case studies. Experts, including FIFA lawyers and seasoned international sports lawyers, provided practical knowledge of the global football legal landscape, addressing current industry challenges and opportunities.
The program also included comparative modules on the U.S. sports ecosystem, such as professional sports in the U.S., sports as an asset class, the structure and regulations of Major League Soccer, and an overview of college athletics, which included a visit to the University of Miami Athletic facilities. The comprehensive approach ensured that participants gained an important comparative perspective on the global sports law ecosystem.
Beyond the classroom, participants enjoyed group dinners and attended Club World Cup games. These activities provided opportunities for networking and building meaningful connections among participants, creating a rich and immersive educational experience.
"We were thrilled to collaborate with FIFA on this unique joint program, which was held during an exciting time in Miami—right in the heart of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025," said Levy. “Both the University of Miami School of Law EASL program and FIFA share a common goal to educate, connect, and train the next generation of industry professionals. With FIFA having moved its legal and compliance department to Miami last August, this was a natural synergy. They are outstanding partners, and the participants in year one were exceptional. We look forward to collaborations for years to come.”
Participants left the program with enhanced knowledge, new connections, and greater confidence to drive forward the game of football with clarity and expertise.
Read more about Miami Law’s entertainment, arts, and sports law area of study.
