JAMES KITCHING

James Kitching is a recognised leader in the global sports industry. 

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James advises the global sports industry on governance, regulation, strategy, and integrity as Managing Director of The FC, a boutique sports advisory business. 

 

In addition, James currently holds the following executive leadership and arbitral tribunal positions:
- Supervisory Board Member, FIFA Clearing House S.A.S. (a licensing financial institution)
- Deputy President, Shooting Australia
- Chair, Basketball South Australia
- Arbitrator, Court of Arbitration for Sport
- Chair of Independent Hearing Panel, Badminton World Federation

 

James was previously Director of Football Regulatory at FIFA, where he managed a multinational and multidisciplinary team which oversaw the football transfer system and 'off the field' regulation in football. He led, among others, the reform of the football transfer system, creation of the FIFA Clearing House, introduction of the new global football agent framework, and implementation of the FIFA Football Tribunal. He also spent 5 years at the Asian Football Confederation as Head of Sports Legal Services, where among matters he led the modernisation of the confederation's corporate governance framework and managed its judicial bodies.

 

In 2025, James founded The Sports Network Adelaide, a platform designed to connect the people, ideas, and opportunities shaping the future of sport in South Australia, and its contribution to the state's identity, economy, and community.

 

James is a regular lecturer and speaker at conferences, postgraduate and undergraduate courses, and webinars. He is available for media comment on all aspects of sport.