Advising on on and off field problems faced by those involved in professional sport
Both on and off the field of play, those involved in the sports industry have seen many changes in the last twenty years, with increasing opportunities from the exploitation of commercial rights to the challenges of ever-increasing regulation and media interest in all those who participate in sport. Few barristers can compete with 3PB’s industry-recognised sports law team either in terms of breadth of services offered or the quality of service.
Whether you need legal advice regarding sports and media contracts, regulatory issues, employment, reputation and privacy including defamation/libel, tax, criminal or family issues, our barristers offer unrivalled expertise. We are involved in cases regarding a wide range of sports and our proven record specifically includes:
We have represented some of the biggest names across all sports throughout this time, and remains at the cutting edge of sports law – establishing and enforcing rules and regulations, negotiating rights across new media channels and representing elite athletes and governing bodies facing new challenges and opportunities arising from changes to technology and betting on and in sport.
Our strength lies in the fact that we understand the sports industry from both a legal and a regulatory perspective. This allows our barristers to give the best possible advice to our clients who include governing bodies, sports rights owners, sponsors, teams individual sports personalities and player associations; and sees us advise across the full range of issues from misconduct, drugs and doping to corruption as well as helping corporate and brand sponsors, official broadcast partners and sports equipment and technical suppliers on sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights and contract issues.
Our clients tell us that our ability to quickly get one or a few trusted barristers across various practice areas to specifically suit their (often urgent) requirements is a significant plus in sorting out disputes for sportsmen and women – some high profile celebrities and many not but your sporting career is stopped or at risk – or governing bodies.
If you are a governing body, club or event owner you also need to ensure that your rules, and any sanctions that you may impose under them, are lawful. If they are not then they risk challenge, which, if successful, may be financially and reputationally damaging. If you are a sports club or player you need the assurance that the custodians of your sport treat you fairly, lawfully and reasonably, and that they are protecting your rights and your career.
We will advise you on all sports regulatory matters including issues such as selection, eligibility, disciplinary, doping and corruption sanctions, commercial disputes and employment matters. We advise on high-profile disciplinary hearings and appeals to sports specialist arbitration panels such as Sport Resolutions and the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.
For help and advice please contact Stuart Pringle on +44 (0)3333 231 586 or email us.
Yes of course. You don’t have to be ready to instruct a barrister to contact us. One of our experienced team of clerks will be happy to talk to you about your situation and whether you might need to instruct a lawyer; whether this be a solicitor, barrister or other legal adviser. Our clerks will […]
These vary according to the sport, but an example from UK athletics may be illustrative and helpful. The following are examples of gross misconduct which may result in immediate de-selection from the World Class Performance programme: Actual or attempted theft, fraud or dishonesty. Sports betting, corrupt conduct, disclosure of confidential information pertaining to your sport […]
When legal issues arise for professional and high-profile sports personalities, we know it’s vital these are resolved as quickly and painlessly as possible. 3PB Direct lawyers know the issues you may face throughout your career, and are well-positioned to guide you through your options and provide you with expert legal advice and guidance, so that […]
Bookmakers now also accept bets about individual performances in team sporting events, which has prompted a phenomenon known as spot fixing – such as the 2010 Pakistani cricket players’ no-balling scandal – for the benefit of gamblers. After investigations by the News of the World and Scotland Yard, Mazhar Majeed, Pakistan’s captain, Salman Butt, Mohammad […]
Many sports are investigating and managing this internally through appropriate rules and penalties drawn up by the various governing bodies. For example, the Football Association tackled the problem of match fixing by introducing a worldwide ban on betting on football for all those involved in the game at Premier League, Football League, National League and […]
An investigation can be extremely stressful. Not only is the reputation of your club and your sport at stake, but your own reputation can also be damaged. We provide cost effective, tactical and realistic advice to anyone fearing or currently under investigation. If investigations span different jurisdictions, we can also work alongside legal teams overseas. […]
The minimum sanction for a “non-specified” substance, such as cocaine, is 12 months (except in rare instances where an athlete’s period ineligibility is eliminated because the athlete establishes that he or she bears no fault for the presence of cocaine in their body like tennis player Richard Gasquet who tested positive for cocaine by kissing […]
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is a foundation created through a collective initiative led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The agency’s key activities include scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities, and monitoring of the World Anti-Doping Code.
Much of the controversy surrounding the Olympics and sports in general is related to doping. Doping is the use of prohibited substances to enhance performance in sports. UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) was created in December 2009 and is the UK national organisation dedicated to protecting a culture of clean sport. UKAD helps athletes to understand and […]
While many agents are lawyers, being a lawyer is not required. Most of your responsibilities as a sports agent will be recruiting new clients and managing the lives of your current clients. Contract negotiations only occur once every several years per client.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) helps settle sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation by means of rules adapted to the specific needs of the sports world. CAS was created in 1984 and is under the administrative and financial authority of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS). CAS has nearly 300 arbitrators […]
3PB Direct lawyers have considerable experience in representing sports managers and coaches, commercial staff, medical staff, commentators and writers as well as the professional sporting staff. We understand how the industry operates.
Due to the often high profile nature of professional sports people, 3PB Direct understand that it is preferable that legal matters are dealt with in a discreet and efficient a manner. Our lawyers are renowned for their professionalism and you can be assured that your matter will be dealt with by an experienced barrister.
Unlike sports agents, sports lawyers do not work on a commission or fee percentage basis, and can therefore provide you with advice that represents your best interests at all times. Our specialist lawyers understand the issues within the sporting arena and work closely with clients to achieve their legal aims and objectives.
There are an increasing number of cases in football with agents in dispute with clubs for monies due to them under representation contracts. It is sensible for both club and agent to engage in sensible discussions as soon as a problem arises to avoid being dragged into time consuming formal arbitration proceedings and build up […]
Many athletes now self-monitor their performance through the use of technology that tracks personal data via a wearable device. Some devices aid injury prevention, through the use of data for medical analysis like Saracens ‘xPatch’ that measures the effects of concussion on players; and Leicester City Football Club use of a ‘Catapult Sport’s OptimEye S5 […]
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Our experienced team of specially-trained clerks make instructing a 3PB Direct barrister simple. Watch our video for a step-by-step guide on how to work with us to achieve a resolution to your legal issue.
We’ll be here every step of the way to support and guide you through the legal challenges at hand.
