CAS to settle disputes during Asiad

In an unprecedented move, Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), the world's highest tribunal in sports, will set up an office here during the Asian Games, starting Friday, to help quickly settle disputes arising from the continental tournament.

The official Asiad Daily said Wednesday that CAS, which is headquartered in Switzerland, will open an ad-hoc division in Incheon during Sep 19-Oct 4, reports Xinhua.

The organising committee of the Asian Games said it will be the first time that CAS will have a regional office in operation for the duration of an Asiad. The CAS had similar arrangements at the Olympics since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

The benefits for the Asian sports movement will be free representation and consultation and a quick solution to settle any disputes.

The CAS rulings are final and take immediate effect. An official with the organising committee said the CAS aims to resolve all cases within 24 hours of the filing of a complaint, thereby avoiding lengthy and costly disputes and appeals.

"I think this move is designed to ensure disputes don't boil over any more than necessary," the official said.