Sports Disputes

Our sports practice provides sophisticated counsel tailored to the distinctive demands and complexities of the global sports industry. Led by an exceptional team of disputes specialists, we bring discretion, strategic insight, and an acute awareness of the sensitive commercial and reputational dynamics inherent in sports-related disputes.

Sports Expertise

Our expertise includes complex contractual disagreements between clubs, athletes, agents, and sponsors; civil fraud and asset-tracing matters involving sports-related investments; and insolvency disputes affecting teams and sports organisations. We also advise sports bodies and stakeholders on regulatory compliance and governance.

Our Clients

We represent and advise elite sports clubs, governing bodies, high-profile athletes, influential agents, and leading sports-focused commercial entities. Our clients benefit from our deep industry knowledge and tailored advice that aligns with their operational objectives and broader business interests.

International Arbitration & Litigation

Our team has extensive international experience and frequently manages multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration proceedings, particularly those involving complex cross-border issues and multiple stakeholders.

Seladore’s Milan office, founded in September 2024 and headed by highly regarded international arbitration expert Laurence Shore, adds further depth and distinction to our practice.

Guide to FIFA DRC Arbitration

FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) adjudicates employment disputes between players and clubs, and disputes relating to training rewards.
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Guide to CAS Appeal Arbitration

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) allows parties to challenge decisions made by sporting federations, associations, and other related bodies.
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Advising the then-President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Max Mosley, in relation to multiple Formula One and motorsport-related disputes, including in relation to the insolvency of the Arrows Formula One team, potential FIA liability for a fatal accident at the Goodwood Festival, and litigation regarding media access to the paddock.
Representing Bluewaters Communications in its High Court claims against Bernie Ecclestone, Bayerische Landesbank, Bambino Holdings, and others following the sale of a controlling stake in Formula One to CVC Capital Partners. Recognised by The Lawyer as a Top 20 case of 2018.
Advising a Premier League football club on a dispute with a player and related CAS appeal.
Advising a Premier League football club in connection to a computer software dispute.
Acting for a major global sports data business in relation to claims brought by professional footballers as part of “Project Red Card”, concerning the lawful use of player performance data.
Representing numerous football players and agents in multi-jurisdictional litigation in relation to a major investment fraud.
Advising a prominent businessman in the sports industry in relation to criminal investigations in the UK and Germany.
Acting in an AAA arbitration regarding the termination of a product endorsement contract involving a National Football League (NFL) player.
Sitting as a sole arbitrator in an ICC dispute seated in London between a Croatian football club and a US based sports agency, involving entitlement to loan and transfer fees for the movement of a player between England’s Premier League and Italy’s Serie A. (Laurence Shore, as arbitrator).