ABSTRACT
The present structure of Hungarian sport has been in existence since the political regime change in the country took place in 1989-1990.1 On the surface the structure exhibits fundamental similarities to those that function in a great number of other countries, which consist of government, non-government, and intermediary structures with divided tasks and shared responsibilities (Hédi and Földesi 2004). In reality, the true nature of the intermediary and the non-governmental sectors, as well as the relationship between the three sectors, are different in many respects. In spite of the seemingly de-centralized division of labour, sport is dominated by the State, and the autonomy of intermediary and not-for-profit organizations is restricted (Bakonyi 2008). This situation is understandable if one considers the historical context.
