How We Can Help

CAS Arbitration

Advice and representation in disputes and appeals before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where the applicable rules and jurisdiction provide for CAS proceedings.

FIFA Disputes

Advice on contractual, transfer, employment, agent and regulatory disputes involving players, clubs and other football stakeholders.

Sports Governing Body Disputes

Advice on disputes and proceedings involving national and international sports federations, associations and governing bodies.

Contract Disputes

Disputes arising from player, club, agent, sponsorship, endorsement and other commercial agreements connected with sport.

Disciplinary & Regulatory Proceedings

Representation and strategic advice in disciplinary, regulatory and integrity-related proceedings.

Appeals & Challenges

Advice on challenging decisions of sports federations, governing bodies, disciplinary panels and other sporting tribunals where a right of appeal or challenge is available.

Who We Advise

We advise participants across the sporting and commercial landscape, including:

• Athletes and professional players
• Sports clubs and teams
• Agents and intermediaries
• Sports federations and organisations
• Sponsors and commercial partners
• Investors and sports businesses

Sports Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

Sport has developed its own sophisticated system for resolving disputes. Depending on the sport, parties may find themselves before a federation, disciplinary body, specialist tribunal or arbitral institution rather than an ordinary national court.

The correct forum can depend on the parties’ contract, the regulations of the relevant governing body and the nature of the decision being challenged.

Early analysis is therefore important. A party should identify the applicable rules, jurisdiction, limitation or appeal period, available remedies and evidential requirements before deciding how to proceed.

Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

The Court of Arbitration for Sport is an independent arbitral institution based in Lausanne, Switzerland, which provides specialist dispute resolution services for sports-related disputes.

CAS proceedings can arise through contractual arbitration agreements or through rights of appeal contained in the rules and regulations of sporting organisations.

We can advise on issues including jurisdiction, admissibility, procedural strategy, evidence, written submissions, hearings and the consequences of an award.

Where a client receives a decision that may be appealable to CAS, obtaining advice promptly can be particularly important. Appeal periods can be short and depend on the rules applicable to the particular decision and sporting body.

FIFA, UEFA & Football Disputes

Professional football generates disputes involving players, clubs, coaches, agents, intermediaries, federations and commercial partners.

These may concern player contracts, transfers, contractual termination, compensation, regulatory obligations, disciplinary decisions or other matters governed by football regulations.

We assess both the contractual framework and the applicable regulatory regime before determining the appropriate forum and strategy.

Where a decision may be subject to an internal appeal or a further appeal to CAS, we can advise on the available procedural route and relevant deadlines.

Player, Club & Agent Disputes

The relationship between a professional athlete, club and agent can involve substantial contractual and financial obligations.

Disputes may arise over remuneration, bonuses, termination, representation arrangements, commissions, transfers, contractual performance or alleged breaches of regulatory requirements.

We advise on the interpretation and enforcement of agreements, available remedies and the most appropriate method of resolving the dispute.

Contractual Disputes in Sport

Many sports disputes ultimately arise from contracts.

These can include player and coaching contracts, agency agreements, sponsorship agreements, endorsement arrangements, image rights agreements, broadcasting arrangements and other commercial contracts.

When a dispute develops, we consider not only the contractual wording but also jurisdiction, governing law, dispute resolution provisions and any relevant sporting regulations.

Disciplinary & Regulatory Proceedings

Athletes, clubs and other participants may face disciplinary or regulatory proceedings brought by sports governing bodies.

Such proceedings can have significant sporting, financial and reputational consequences. Depending on the applicable rules, potential sanctions may include fines, suspensions, sporting penalties or restrictions on participation.

We can advise on the allegations, applicable regulations, evidence, procedural rights and available avenues of challenge or appeal.

Appeals Against Sporting Decisions

A decision made by a federation, disciplinary body or other sporting authority may sometimes be capable of appeal.

The first question is not simply whether the original decision was wrong. It is necessary to establish whether an appeal is available, which body has jurisdiction, what grounds can be advanced and when the appeal must be brought.

Different governing bodies and competitions operate under different procedural rules. We therefore review the relevant regulations and decision carefully before advising on the appropriate course.

Urgent & Interim Measures

Sports disputes can require urgent action. A suspension, exclusion from a competition, transfer-related decision or other regulatory measure may have consequences before an ordinary dispute process can be completed.

Where the applicable procedural framework permits it, interim or provisional relief may be available.

We assess the urgency of the matter, the available jurisdiction and the procedural options at an early stage.

International Sports Disputes

Sports disputes are frequently international. An athlete may be based in one country, represent a club in another, have an agent elsewhere and be subject to the rules of an international governing body.

Contracts may also contain foreign governing law provisions or provide for arbitration outside England and Wales.

LawLex Solicitors advises on English law and international dispute resolution matters within its areas of practice. Where advice on another jurisdiction’s law is required, we can work with appropriately qualified local lawyers, including through the wider LawLex Global network where appropriate.

Our Approach to Sports Disputes

1. Initial Assessment

We review the relevant decision, contract, regulations, correspondence and available evidence. We identify jurisdiction, procedural requirements and any immediate deadlines.

2. Strategy

We assess the client’s objectives, the strengths and risks of the case, available remedies and the appropriate dispute resolution route.

3. Evidence & Submissions

Where proceedings are required, the case is developed around the applicable rules, contractual framework and supporting evidence.

4. Hearing

Where a dispute proceeds to a hearing, we assist with preparation, case strategy and representation as appropriate.

5. Decision, Award & Next Steps

Following a decision or award, we advise on its consequences and, where relevant, enforcement or any available challenge or appeal.

Why Clients Instruct LawLex

Dispute-Focused Approach

Sports disputes require careful analysis of jurisdiction, evidence, procedure and strategy. We approach them as disputes rather than treating them simply as regulatory questions.

International Perspective

We are accustomed to matters involving parties, contracts and legal issues across different jurisdictions.

Commercial Understanding

A sporting dispute can affect a client’s career, business relationships, finances and reputation. We consider the wider commercial position alongside the legal case.

Clear Strategic Advice

We aim to identify the available options, material risks and practical next steps at an early stage so that clients can make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sports arbitration?

Sports arbitration is a form of dispute resolution in which a sports-related dispute is determined by an arbitral tribunal rather than an ordinary national court. The jurisdiction of the tribunal will usually arise from a contract or the rules of a sporting organisation.

What is the Court of Arbitration for Sport?

The Court of Arbitration for Sport, commonly known as CAS, is an independent arbitral institution based in Lausanne that deals with sports-related disputes. It administers both ordinary arbitration proceedings and appeals from certain decisions of sporting organisations.

What types of disputes can go to CAS?

CAS can determine a wide range of sports-related disputes where it has jurisdiction. These can include contractual, disciplinary, regulatory and other sporting disputes, as well as appeals from decisions of sports organisations where the applicable rules provide a right of appeal to CAS.

Can I appeal a FIFA or UEFA decision?

Potentially. Whether a decision can be appealed, the appropriate appeal body and the applicable deadline depend on the nature of the decision and the relevant regulations. The decision and governing rules should therefore be reviewed promptly.

How long do I have to appeal to CAS?

There is no single deadline that applies to every sports dispute. The relevant time limit may be determined by the applicable federation rules, regulations or other governing provisions. Some appeal periods can be short, so legal advice should be obtained promptly after receiving a decision.

Can a player bring a claim against a club?

Depending on the circumstances, a player may have contractual, regulatory or other rights against a club. The appropriate forum will depend on the contract, governing regulations, applicable law and nature of the dispute.

Can a club bring proceedings against a player or agent?

Yes, depending on the contractual and regulatory framework. Clubs may have claims arising from contractual obligations, representation arrangements or regulatory matters. Jurisdiction must be considered before proceedings are commenced.

Can LawLex assist with international sports disputes?

Yes. We can advise on international dispute resolution and English law issues within our areas of practice. Where a matter requires advice on foreign law, we can coordinate with appropriately qualified lawyers in the relevant jurisdiction where appropriate.

Related Sports Law Services

Our wider Sports Law practice includes:

• Athlete & Player Representation
• Clubs & Sports Organisations
• Player Transfers & Agreements
• Sports Contracts
• Sponsorship & Image Rights
• Regulatory & Disciplinary Matters
• Sports Governance & Compliance

Speak to Our Sports Arbitration Lawyers

If you are involved in a sports arbitration, contractual dispute, disciplinary proceeding or appeal, speak to LawLex about the available options and next steps.