Legal issues and risks of holding sports events in the metaverse

Aim. The paper was aimed at identifying and systematizing the key problems of legal regulation and associated risks during sports events in the metaverse. Materials and methods. A number of methods of legal research have been used, including a technical and legal method that allows analyzing the prospects for the organization of sports events in the metaverse. The method of legal modeling makes it possible to form key models for regulating such events. The experimental method stimulates, within the experimental legal regime, the holding and broadcasting of official sports events in the metaverse. Results. The paper systematizes the main problems and risks of legal regulation of sports events in the metaverse. Sports relations in the metaverse, as well as the management of sports events, require a comprehensive solution to both the general legal problems associated with the legal nature of the metaverse and the legal protection of the rights and legitimate interests of participants in such relations. Conclusion. The main directions of legal regulation in this area should be arranging the information space in the metaverse, defining the legal status of the subjects of these relations, and defining the legal regime of emerging objects. Legal conditions for participation in these relations should be provided to sports organizations, athletes, fans, the media, and other entities. As society evolves, the metaverse will provide the sports industry with an amazing opportunity to communicate directly with consumers in an interactive way that, until recently, was considered science fiction. Therefore, it is important to ensure these processes from a legal standpoint.