FIFA MASTER ALUMNI - WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - MARISA DOMINGUEZ RUBIO

Maria Elisa (Marisa) Dominguez Rubio

Current Position: Senior Legal Counsel, FIFA Football Regulatory Sub-Division

Year of graduation: 2004 (4th edition)

Nationality: Argentinian/Spanish

What does your current role involve?

I started in my current position one month and half ago, after previously working eighteen years in the FIFA Players´ Status Department where I specialized in football dispute resolution in connection with the transfer of players.

In my present role, I work directly with the Director of the Football Regulatory Sub-Division. This sub-division deals with matters related to Regulatory Governance, Players´ Status, Regulatory Enforcement, Clearing House and Agents. My role as Senior Legal Counsel is mainly to assist the Member Associations in drafting their own National Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. I also research matters related to the Transfer System and deal with information requests in connection with Governance issues.

In addition, I am President of the Women in Sports Law (WISLaw) Association which connects approximately three hundred female lawyers working in the sector. WISLaw’s aim is to bring women in the sports law sector together through regular educational and networking events. WISLaw also promotes and raises awareness of women’s contributions in the sports law sector through increased visibility, awards, and publications.

Which aspects of the FIFA Master course have helped you most in your career?

The FIFA Master marked a ‘before and after’ moment not only in my professional career, but also in my life too. The course brought me from South America to Europe for the first time in my life, giving me the unique opportunity to understand different cultures from around the world via my classmates.  The fact that the course was interdisciplinary helped me to broaden my knowledge in sport, going beyond just the legal aspects of the industry and, therefore, enriching me as a professional. In addition, the field visits to various organizations and the guest speakers helped me to build my network too.

Furthermore, the FIFA Master Alumni Association (FMA) was crucial in supporting me once the course had finished. This was particularly valuable when starting a new job in Europe far away from family and friends. There are so many people that I can count on for advice and support, many of whom are now lifelong friends. I am proud to be part of such a welcoming and supportive association.

What advice would you give to future students on the course?

My recommendation is to fully engage with all of the classes, the teachers and guest speakers during your time on the FIFA Master. They are prominent people in the sector who can become part of your future network. Also, don't miss out on getting to know your fellow students. Regardless of any differences you may have, we always have something to learn from each other.

FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked No.1 Course in Europe 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 by the SportBusiness International global rankings.

Organised by CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (United Kingdom), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).