Legal Impact of State Intervention on the Autonomy of Sports Organizations in Ecuador (Review)

Abstract

The general objective of this article is to analyze the impact of governmental interventions on sports autonomy. The methodological approach used is combined, or quantitative-qualitative, and methods such as exegetical, analysis-synthesis, and induction-deduction are applied. Among the emblematic cases chosen for illustration in this article are some from the National Sports Federation of Ecuador, Provincial Sports Federations of Morona Santiago, Chimborazo, Guayas, Azuay; Ecuadorian Federations of Boxing, Chess, Soccer, Athletics and the Cantonal Sports League of Pichincha. The findings reveal that state interventions, while seeking to improve transparency and efficiency, have been used to impose directors aligned with the government, affecting the democratization and participation regime, self-management of sports organizations and generating criticism for the failure to observe due process. This study highlights the need to protect sports autonomy as a fundamental constitutional right for the fair and equitable development of sport in Ecuador and recommends strengthening the legal mechanisms that safeguard the independence of sports organizations from state intervention, thus ensuring a more transparent and democratic sports environment in the country.