PRISCA MUTESI
“I have found that having a "can do" attitude will take you places you never dreamed.”
Meet Prisca Mutesi, a Ugandan lawyer and international sports law professional with over a decade of experience working at top organisations including FIFA and FIA. Having lived and worked across the UK, France, and Switzerland, she’s committed to creating practical and sustainable legal solutions that shape fairness, inclusion, and integrity in global sport.
“My journey in sports began as a student in England where I worked at Stamford Bridge as a Steward/Reception. Many years later, as a young lawyer, I was hired by FIFA as a legal counsel for Regulatory Compliance. I was then promoted to Senior Legal Counsel and worked in the Players' Status Department (Dispute Resolution). Later, I moved to the FIA where I currently work in the Commercial Legal Affairs Department.”
“When I was starting out as a young lawyer, it was women with significant power or influence that gave me access to opportunities.
Maria Teresa Sapiente at WIPO, Beris Gwynne at World Vision Geneva, and Kimberly Morris at FIFA — these women inspired and mentored me. They took a chance on me, and because of that experience, I’ve made it my mission to do the same whenever possible for younger women who reach out seeking the kinds of opportunities I once sought.”
THE POWER OF SPORT
“During my time at FIFA, I had the opportunity to travel to many FIFA stakeholders where I saw first hand the positive impact that sports has on communities and how it can change lives for the better, especially when used a community building tool.
Media is a powerful tool and when used correctly it is a driving factor in bridging the gap and ensuring diversity and inclusion for all.
Representation is very important. Think back to when we were kids, we watched the television and were inspired by the people that looked and sounded like us or were from the same background as us.
So the media has a huge role to play in sport, not only in ensuring representation but also telling the right stories.”
BARRIERS TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN SPORT
“Work permit restrictions in certain jurisdictions is a major factor. I know lots of brilliant sports professionals who do not have access to opportunities on the international market because of the passport they carry. For example, I believe that this is a big reason for lack of sufficient representation for talented ethnic minorities from certain background on the international markets.
Sports Governing bodies have a role to play in advocating for change in this area in collaboration with the relevant Governments. I think this is probably already ongoing but perhaps not fast enough.”
ADVICE TO YOUNGER GIRLS IN SPORT
“There are so many incredible inspirational women and men in the sports industry, find the one who speaks to you the most, follow, observe and learn from them. More importantly, be brave enough to use the tools at your disposal. As a job seeker, I used LinkedIn to message Chief Legal Officers, Legal Directors and sought to connect with them, introduce myself and my professional journey/aspirations. You will be surprised at how many of them actually respond, so do not be afraid to put yourself out there.”
“I do not pretend to have all the answers as I am a work in progress myself but I have found that having a "can do" attitude will take you places you never dreamed.”
