International sports are large-scale competitions that draw participants from more than one country. They showcase the pinnacle of athletic excellence and promote competitive rivalries and cultural significance on a global level. International sporting events are hugely popular with fans around the world, generating billions in revenue and bolstering local economies. They are also widely seen as a way of promoting national identities, and advancing social change through sport.
The most prominent examples of international sports are the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. However, there are many more such international competitions. This article focuses on competitions between teams representing at least two different countries, rather than individual competitors from more than one country (see Category:Sports competitions featuring individuals from multiple nations).
In addition to the rules set by international sports bodies, there are a number of laws that regulate and govern the activities of athletes and spectators. The main legal sources in this area are the Olympic Charter and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
This guide outlines the main institutions and organizations that govern international sport, with particular attention paid to their structures and key documents. Dispute settlement mechanisms for sports are discussed, along with references to landmark cases of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.