Legal and Ethical Challenges of Genetic Editing Technologies in Professional Sports: An Advanced Statistical Assessment
Mojtaba Ghorbani Asiabar, Morteza Ghorbani Asiabar and Alireza Ghorbani Asiabar
Volume 1, Issue 1
Published: Octomber 28, 2025
Abstract
The rapid advancement of genetic editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, has introduced
unprecedented opportunities and challenges within professional sports. This study aims to
systematically evaluate the legal and ethical implications associated with the application of
gene editing among elite athletes. Employing a mixed-methods design, we conducted a
comprehensive survey of 312 stakeholders-including athletes, coaches, legal experts, and
ethicists-across five continents. Advanced statistical analyses, including Structural Equation
Modeling (SEM) and Multivariate Logistic Regression, were utilized to identify significant
predictors of legal risk perception and ethical concern. Results reveal a pronounced divergence in stakeholder attitudes: while 68% of legal professionals emphasize regulatory gaps, 74% of
athletes express uncertainty regarding long-term health consequences. The SEM model
demonstrated that perceived fairness (β=0.41, p<0.001) and regulatory clarity (β=0.36,
p<0.001) are the strongest predictors of overall acceptance. These findings underscore the
urgent need for robust international frameworks to address the multifaceted risks of gene
editing in sports and highlight the importance of transparent policy-making. Our research
provides actionable insights for regulators, sports organizations, and bioethics committees to
anticipate and manage the evolving landscape of genetic technologies in athletics.
Keywords
Genetic Editing, Professional Sports, Legal Challenges, Ethical Issues, Crispr-Cas9,
Structural Equation Modeling, Policy Frameworks
Corresponding Author
Mojtaba Ghorbani Asiabar, Post-doctorate in management and planning, Payam Noor University, Qazvin, Iran.
Citation
Mojtaba, G, A., Morteza, G, A., Alireza, G, A. (2025). Legal and Ethical Challenges
of Genetic Editing Technologies in Professional Sports: An Advanced Statistical Assessment. Econ Dev Glob Mark, 1(1), 01-14.