In a significant boost to sports law development in Africa, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially endorsed the Football Law Annual Moot (FLAM), a pioneering academic-sporting initiative transforming legal education and discourse in football across the continent.

In a letter dated June 10, 2025, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi described FLAM as “a laudable step in the right direction,” affirming the Federation’s full support for the initiative. He commended the organizers for creating a unique platform that brings together aspiring sports lawyers, FIFA-recognized arbitrators, club representatives, and media professionals to engage with pressing legal issues in the football ecosystem.

“We recognize the importance of creating avenues for intellectual exchange and capacity-building within the sport’s legal framework,” Dr. Sanusi said. “FLAM has the potential to significantly contribute to the development of sports law in Nigeria and across Africa.”

Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2024—which saw participation from 25 Nigerian universities and a grand finale in Abuja—the University of Lagos emerged champions, taking home prizes totaling over ₦2 million. Now, in its second edition, FLAM has expanded across Africa, becoming the continent’s largest football law moot.

Launched on April 2, 2025, FLAM 2025 features over 40 participating law faculties from various African countries. The competition includes brief-writing, oral advocacy rounds, and knockout debates spread over eight months.

Following the brief-writing stage in May, the competition is now in the Round of 16, with matchups including:

University of Calabar vs Ecole Detroit

University of Ilorin vs Lead City University

University of Benin vs Kissi University

Kenyatta University vs Elizade University

University of Ibadan vs University of Kampala

Adekunle Ajasin University vs Cavendish University

University of Lagos vs Makerere University

Edo State University vs Assiut University, Egypt

These oral rounds, held virtually, have been lauded for their depth, quality of advocacy, and educational value.

FLAM is more than a competition; it is a growing platform for thought leadership and professional development in African sports law. In 2025 alone, it has hosted monthly webinars featuring top legal experts on timely topics, including:

Maternal Rights in Football

Breach of Contract in Sports Law

Mechanisms for Resolving International Sports Disputes

Over nine international experts have addressed hundreds of participants, cementing FLAM’s reputation as a leading force in legal education within the sports industry.

With official backing from the NFF and growing pan-African participation, FLAM is calling on corporate brands, institutions, and stakeholders to partner in expanding its reach and impact.

“FLAM is not just about moot court debates; it’s about building capacity, fostering collaboration, and preparing the next generation of African sports law professionals,” the organizers stated.

The grand finale of FLAM 2025 is scheduled for December 5–6 in Abuja and will feature a distinguished panel of global sports law experts, including FIFA-accredited arbitrators and senior legal professionals.

FLAM continues to champion excellence at the intersection of law and sport, positioning itself as a transformative force in Africa’s legal and footballing landscape.