The Panamanian Olympic Committee (COP) and the Panamanian Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (CECAP) of the Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (CCIAP) signed a collaboration agreement this Wednesday, which will allow for the establishment and operation of the Panamanian Sports Arbitration Tribunal (TADPAN).
The implementation of the Panamanian Sports Arbitration Tribunal (TADPAN) is a project initiated in 2013 by the Panamanian Olympic Committee in response to the pressing need to offer the Panamanian sports community, in accordance with the principles of good governance of the International Olympic Committee (CO1) and the COP’s own statutes, an independent arbitration body within the sports jurisdiction that will allow for the effective, timely, specialized, and accessible resolution of conflicts and disputes that may arise within the national sports movement.
Law 131 of December 31, 2013, which regulates arbitration in Panama, is a modern, suitable, and appropriate legal framework that guarantees up-to-date regulations, providing legal certainty and confidence in the national arbitration system. This is further enhanced by the recognized track record and extensive experience of over 20 years of the Panama Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (CECAP), which has been characterized by high credibility, reliability, and expertise in the field, thus enabling the optimal functioning of the TADPAN (Panama Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Tribunal).
The President of the Panamanian Olympic Committee (COP), Camilo Amado, and the President of CECAP, César Tribaldos, signed the agreement, which establishes the foundation for providing the sports community with an alternative center for conflict resolution. This center will offer a reliable, ethical, impartial, and highly professional service, as well as specific training and development initiatives for professionals interested in conflict resolution within the sports sector.
The Panama Sports Arbitration Tribunal (TADPAN) is scheduled to begin operations in August of this year and faces several tasks, including the formation of the Sports Arbitration Commission (CAD) and the appointment of a list of arbitrators, among other essential steps for its launch.
With the creation of TADPAN and the COP and CECAP Alliance, Panama continues to solidify its position as an International Arbitration Center for the Latin American region, now handling sports disputes for the country and with significant potential for expansion throughout the region.
Last modified: Tuesday April 28th, 2026
