Sports Litigation & Arbitration

Whatever sport you’re dealing with whether football, rugby league/union, equestrian sports or boxing, we’re likely to have expertise that covers it and our team has acted for sporting entities in all manner of contractual disputes, involving clubs, sponsors, agents, suppliers and other clubs. We’re also often asked to step in and help with image rights disputes and media crises.

Our remit is wide – we act on behalf of clubs in litigation and arbitration against players, playing and coaching staff, as well as other senior employees. Breach of contract, statutory employment claims and advising on the likelihood of success and out-of-court settlements are frequently the reasons for a client getting in contact.

We have a great deal of experience advising clients on private and confidential arbitrations between clubs as well as on contentious regulatory matters – applications and appeals to sports governing bodies for example.  We’re also well practised when it comes to advising on both on and off field misdemeanours for clubs, players and athletes too.

As well as traditional litigation through the courts, our team are experts in alternative dispute resolution for specific sports. This includes:

• Premier League investigations and arbitrations
• EFL investigations and arbitrations
• FA investigations and FA Rule K arbitrations
• EFL Disciplinary Commission Hearings
• RFL or RFU Disciplinary Panel Hearings

Whatever your concern, we’ll give you commercial and strategic advice that is realistic and no-nonsense. We settle disputes where appropriate, and we’re well-versed in mediation.