Sports Law barristers Chambers in London

Members of 25 Bedford Row’s Sports Law Group are accomplished at representing individual sports professionals, teams, clubs & agents, sports institutions, professional bodies and sponsors. We combine expertise in regulatory law, criminal law, financial crime and human rights to provide specialist advice on the full spectrum of Sports Law issues.

We have unrivalled expertise in all types of appellate work. Our advocacy experience includes conducting proceedings at the highest level, including contested matters in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

We have considerable experience in discipline and regulatory issues in a variety of sports including football, horse racing, athletics, boxing and cricket.

The Sports Law barristers at 25 Bedford Row include registered FA intermediaries. Our members have lectured on Sports Law in respected post-graduate Sports Law courses.

What types of cases do 25 Bedford Row’s Sports Law barristers deal with?

All sports are now subject to regulation both on & off-field. All participants & stakeholders at all levels are now held to account by both internal and external agencies. Contracts have become the lifeblood of sport.

The Sports Law barristers at 25 Bedford Row are best placed to secure the optimum outcome in your case.

Our expertise includes:

• Disciplinary Tribunals: from first-steps advice to representation in hearings  – our dynamic Sports Law barristers have a wealth of experience in cases brought under the regulatory control of the Football Association, Federation International Football Associations, British Boxing Board of Control, England and Wales Cricket Board International Cricket Council  and British Horseracing Association.
• Regulation: our Sports Law experts advice in all aspects of compliance and offer skilled defence  representation for regulatory breaches.
• Arbitration: Resolving disputes and regulatory appeals at CAS.
• Anti-Doping: from initial advice to defending proceedings brought by anti-doping agencies such as UKAD and WADA.
• Contractual matters: negotiating and concluding contracts of employment (especially football & boxing); resolving player/club or manager/club disputes.
• Governance: advising organisations & federations on best practice and regulatory reforms.
• Criminal matters: from advising on investigations into match or spot fixing, corruption and financial/tax irregularities to representation at trial. As a pre-eminent criminal defence chambers, our Sports Law barristers have unrivalled expertise on sports-related criminal matters.
• Reputation management:  advising on steps that may be taken to mitigate any reputational damage caused by criminal or regulatory proceedings.

Why should I choose 25 Bedford Row for a Sports Law barrister?

At 25 Bedford Row, our team of Sports Law barristers comprises specialist counsel with a proven track record for successfully representing sports professionals, clubs and organizations.

Our barristers are equipped with an in-depth knowledge of the workings of all major sports and are experienced in the interpretation and application of rules by regulatory bodies. We have dealt with organizations such as the Football Association, Professional Football Association, and British Board of Boxing Control at a high level.

With an unrivalled expertise in criminal law and financial crime, our team is able identify the issues quickly and provide strategic advice at every stage. Our forward thinking Sports Law barristers are renowned not only for their dedication to clients, but also for setting the highest standards in courtroom advocacy and negotiation skills.

We fully understand the impact that an investigation, charge or prosecution can have on a professional sportsperson’s career and reputation and can assist with reputation matters associated with sports disciplinary proceedings.

We are able to respond quickly to sports disciplinary issues and aim to resolve matters at the earliest opportunity

Why do I need a Sports Law barrister? Can I just use a solicitor?

Professional sportspeople depend upon representation from Sports Law specialists. Solicitors will often employ the services of a Sports Law barrister in complex matters to provide independent advice on strategy and specialise advocacy services.

barristers and solicitors work together to prepare and present cases before a tribunal or a court. In less complex cases it will often be advantageous to instruct a specialist barrister directly as an efficient means of accessing the expertise you need whilst keeping your costs low.

What is the Direct Access Scheme?

Members of the public seeking legal advice or representation can now approach a barrister directly without the need to first engage the services of a solicitor. To instruct a Sports Law barrister directly, contact chambers by telephone or email with details of your case and your requirements. Our experienced clerks will advise on which barristers may be suitable and the likely cost.

What is the process of instructing a Sports Law barrister?

If you have been using the services of a Sports Law solicitor, our barristers will be instructed on your behalf by your solicitor. 25 Bedford Row has a good working relationship with leading solicitors and together will be able to help identify the most suitable Sports Law barrister to deal with your case. 

If you have chosen to work directly with one of our barristers without instructing a solicitor, just get in touch with us to arrange an appointment.

Can I use the Direct Access Scheme for Sports Law cases?

Yes. Simply get in touch with our clerks team and you will be advised as to which of our Sports Law barristers is the most relevant to your case.