University sports in Lebanon: between French heritage and American influence.

INTRODUCTION: This article examines the structure of university sports in Lebanon, a system that remains mostly overlooked in academic research. METHODS: By analyzing the governance of the Lebanese University Sport Federation (FSUL) through data collected from 131 student-athletes across 24 universities and interviews with 22 sports directors, this study identifies a particular model mixing variables from the French and North American sports models. RESULTS: While the administrative rules are based on French traditions, the growing use of students' sports scholarships shows a visible shift toward the American collegiate system. The results also show that universities are not yet the primary source for training top athletes; instead, sports associations still lead athletes' development. DISCUSSION: The study concludes that Lebanon is currently caught between the French and American university sports models while trying to build its own identity.