James Kitching is a recognised leader in the global sports industry. 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 serves on several sporting boards and tribunals: - Supervisory Board Member, FIFA Clearing House SAS - Chair, Basketball South Australia - Deputy President, Shooting 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 oversaw the football transfer system and ‘off the field’ regulation in global football, and Head of Sports Legal Services, Disciplinary and Governance at the Asian Football Confederation. 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.
Experience
Managing Director
The FC
since February 2022
Founder
The Sports Network
since May 2025
Arbitrator
Court of Arbitration for Sport
since July 2023
Deputy President
Shooting Australia
since March 2023
Chairperson
Basketball South Australia
since May 2022
Member, Supervisory Board
FIFA Clearinghouse SAS
since February 2022
Chair, Independent Hearing Panel
Badminton World Federation
since January 2018
Director of Football Regulatory
FIFA
January 2020 – January 2022
Managing Director
Kitching Sports
September 2017 – December 2019
Head of Sports Legal Services, Disciplinary and Governance
AFC - Asian Football Confederation
July 2012 – September 2017
Lawyer
Australian Securities and Investments Commission
January 2010 – September 2011
Paralegal
DLA Phillips Fox
November 2008 – December 2009
Education
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Australian Institute of Company Directors
Company Director's Course
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IMD
Inspirational Leadership
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CIES
International Master in the Management, Law, and Humanities of Sport (Distinction)
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Law Society of South Australia
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
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University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Law (Honours)
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University of Adelaide
Bachelor of International Studies (First Class Honours)
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University of Adelaide
Diploma of Language (Italian)