Dispute and Regulatory

Our clients demand, and we deliver, expert guidance in the increasingly wide range of contentious matters that occur within sport.

It is likely that any dispute within a sporting context will be dealt with by a sporting body with the courts excluded from doing so. These bodies have their own particular rules and broad powers to apply sanctions - both financial and in terms of competition.

Knowing how to deal with any dispute is vital. We have substantial experience of dealing with disciplinary, regulatory and competition matters before domestic and international tribunals in all major sports. Our work has included challenging points deductions, enforcing rights, defending sporting decisions and creating the framework of rules a sport needs to function.

We also assist clients in preventing disputes arising. Our fixed price risk assessment of rules and agreements, advice on incorporating alternative forms of resolving disputes and limitation of liability have all delivered significant savings to the bottom line for our clients.

Where the court system does apply, we have market leading expertise in handling disputes of both a civil and criminal nature. We regularly represent clients at mediation and arbitration. The firm is a leader in the provision of innovative forms of alternative funding methods for dispute work.

Our work has also included:

• matters before the Football Association, Football Disciplinary Commission, Court of Arbitration for Sport, RFU, ECB, ICC, FIA and UIM
• advising on selection, promotion, relegation and eligibility
• commercial disputes relating to transfers, sponsorship, intellectual property infringement, ticketing, insurance, merchandise and product liability
• advising governing bodies, clubs, competitions, event organisers and rights holders on dispute resolution procedures
• challenging/defending rules within sport, including the Concorde Agreement in F1, Premier Rugby rules, FA football creditors and commercial rights within cricket

For more information, please visit Club Support: our specialist service offering bespoke, practical advice on all regulatory and disciplinary matters in the world of sport.

Contact: Alex Jakubowski