Free Expression in Sport: The Case of Manizha Talash – Examining restrictions on speech in sport under international law, with a focus on Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter

This event will spotlight the case of Manizha Talash, a young Afghan breakdancer and member of the Hazara community, who sought refuge in Europe and was selected to compete with the Olympic Refugee Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. During the pre-qualifying round, Talash performed wearing clothing with the slogan “Free Afghan Women”. The International Olympic Committee deemed this a violation of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits athletes from making political statements during Olympic events, and disqualified her. Her case raises pressing questions about how far sport organisations may go in restricting expression, and what protections athletes can rely on under international law.

Guiding Questions:

• When does individual expression in sport cross the line from a legitimate exercise of free expression to being labelled as “political” under restrictive rules such as Rule 50?
• How should international law standards be applied to ensure that athletes are not silenced for expressing identity, solidarity, or calls for equality?
• What does this case reveal about the broader right to participate in cultural life, especially for women, minorities, and displaced communities?
• What responsibilities do sports institutions bear to uphold freedom of expression as a cultural right, and how can accountability be enforced?

Speakers:

• Manizha Talash, 2024 Paris Olympian (breakdance)

• Andra Matei, Executive Director, Avant-Garde Lawyers 

• Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur in cultural rights

• Mark James, Professor of Sports Law, Manchester Metropolitan University

Led by Andra Matei, this discussion brings together athletes, legal experts, academics, and international stakeholders to affirm that freedom of expression in sport is an essential dimension of cultural rights. We will examine the legal issues surrounding Talash’s disqualification, and explore how to build stronger pathways to justice and advocacy for those whose voices are restricted.

Free Expression in Sport: The Case of Manizha Talash

 Examining restrictions on speech in sport under international law, with a focus on Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter

MONDIACULT 2025 Side Event

September 24, 2025 | 15h CET | online