The success of the sport industry relies on the effective application of its rules. sport regulation and governance is essential to maintaining a competitive balance both on and off the field of play. Participants not only need confidence in the rules themselves, but also in the effectiveness of sport governance so that they know they will be applied effectively and will withstand inevitable legal challenge.
We assist clients with all aspects of the creation, maintenance and enforcement of sport regulation. Our clients include some of the UK's leading sports governing bodies, as well as participants within those sports. We have advised on – and helped to draft – complex regulatory frameworks for a number of high-profile sports.
Our specialist sports disputes lawyers have been involved in many leading cases involving sport regulation over the last 20 years. These range from financial fair play to anti-doping. Lead partner, Jeremy Dickerson, has been recognised by Legal 500 as an “anti-doping expert.”
Areas of focus
Our lawyers play a part in all aspects of sport regulation for our clients, with particular expertise in the following:
- Advising governing bodies on their regulatory frameworks including constitutional structures, disciplinary processes and field of play rules.
- Advising on financial regulation and FFP Rules and acting on challenges to / enforcement of the rules.
- Representing governing bodies, clubs, players and athletes and other participants in disciplinary proceedings.
- Representing bodies and athletes in anti-doping proceedings before national anti-doping authorities and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
- High Court proceedings involving challenges to the decisions of sports regulatory bodies.
- Advising on gambling regulation under the Gambling Act 2005 and its implementation within sports such as horseracing.