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About Us

Advancing Ethics, Integrity & Safe Sport

About IWSLAW

The Iranian Women's Sports Law Association (IWSLAW) is an independent, international non-governmental organization established in 2023 in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. IWSLAW works to advance ethics, integrity, good governance, and safeguarding in sport, with a particular commitment to women and girls in sport. Through legal education, research, professional initiatives, and international collaboration, we support the development of fair, safe, inclusive, and athlete-centred sporting environments. The Association brings together athletes, legal professionals, academics, researchers, and sports stakeholders to strengthen knowledge, promote responsible practices, and contribute to positive change in sport. We also support Persian-speaking athletes and sports professionals by connecting them with knowledge, resources, and international expertise.

Vision

A sporting environment where women and girls can participate, compete, and lead in safe, fair, ethical, and inclusive conditions, supported by strong governance and effective safeguarding systems.

Our Mission

  • Advance education and awareness in sports ethics, integrity, governance, and safeguarding.
  • Promote athlete protection, equality, dignity, and safe participation in sport.
  • Provide accessible legal and professional guidance on issues affecting athletes and sports stakeholders.
  • Conduct research and develop practical resources that contribute to better policies and practices in sport.
  • Connect women athletes, legal professionals, academics, and sports organisations through international collaboration.
  • Support stronger and more accountable governance across the sporting environment.

Our Values

Integrity

We act with honesty, transparency, independence, and accountability in our work and partnerships.

Respect

We promote dignity, inclusion, equality, and respect for every individual in sport.

Protection

We place athlete safety, wellbeing, rights, and dignity at the centre of our work.

Collaboration

We connect athletes, professionals, researchers, and organisations to exchange knowledge and create meaningful solutions.

Excellence

We are committed to high professional standards in education, research, legal support, and organisational practice.

Our Team

Meet the Board

ZA

Zahra Ahmadpanah

Founder & Director | Board Member

International Sports Lawyer (LL.M) | Arbitrator. Specialisation: Safeguarding & Athlete Protection, Integrity & Ethics, Good Governance, Human Rights in Sport, Compliance & Dispute Resolution.

KN

Khayran Noor

Board Member

International Sports Lawyer (LL.M) | Arbitrator (MCIArb). Specialisation: Governance & Compliance, Human Rights, Safeguarding, Equality & Inclusion, Policy Development & Dispute Resolution.

Advisory Committee

JC

John Chali Fulai

Advisory Committee

Member of the International Sports Lawyer Association (ISLA) | Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association (ANZSLA).

CM

Caroline Mwanzia

Advisory Committee

Sports Lawyer | licensed FIFA football agent | Member of the World Sailing Safeguarding Disciplinary Tribunal.

EN

Eva Natsidou

Advisory Committee

Sports Lawyer | Global Master in International Sports Law from ISDE (Madrid).

PM

Pauline Mbanza

Advisory Committee

Sports Lawyer | Football Law specialist.

RC

Ralph Charbel

Advisory Committee

Sports Lawyer | Football Law specialist.

SZ

Santiago Zambrano

Advisory Committee

International Sports Lawyer from Ecuador | Advisory Member at Conlegal Sports & Entertainment.

AK

Adam Killen

Advisory Committee

Sports Law Paralegal & UK Project Coordinator. UK-based Paralegal with experience in sports and international law.

40+
Countries
150+
Professionals
30+
Research Projects
2023
Founded