Helping clubs, governing bodies, sponsors, broadcasters & competitors stay onside.
Our market-leading sports team have acted in some of the most high profile matters in Scotland.
With a broad range of clients, including governing bodies, sports clubs, tournament-organisers, sports people, venues, rights-holders and sponsors we have a wealth of sports sector experience.
Their response rate was good, as was their willingness to work hard for solutions. They gave good wider commentary about the industry and issues that may be of impact.
Chambers UK, 2025
Key Contacts
We regularly provide advice across a wide range of sports including football, rugby, cricket, golf, cycling, snooker and squash.
Our client roster reflects the quality of our performance, and includes the Scottish FA, the International Cricket Council, the Scottish Rugby Union, Sky Sports, Everton FC, Hibernian FC, Aberdeen FC, Sir Alex Ferguson and two championship golf courses.
Our sports clients trust us with their IP and brand protection, broadcasting, media and streaming rights and reputation management.
We advise them on critical contracts including sponsorship/partnership agreements, licensing and image rights, and fan engagement terms & conditions.
We have experience drafting and advising on sports disciplinary and regulatory rules and their application. Our team has also successfully advised on a number of high-profile Judicial Reviews, so we are adept at advising when the stakes are at their highest.
Our specialist immigration team provides sports organisations and sporting individuals with advice in relation to visa requirements, including visitor visa rules for international coaching staff, and on compliance duties in relation to sponsor licences.
Our cross divisional team of experts also provides multidisciplinary support on wider issues such as:
One of the leading Scottish practices for Sport disputes.
Legal 500, 2024
Etihad Arena
Advised the Etihad Arena on the naming rights deal with Etihad Airways.
Football intermediaries
Advising football intermediaries in relation to player contracts and compatibility with Scottish rules.
Scottish Premier League football team
Advising a top Scottish Premier League football team in relation to their visa requirements for signing international players in preparation for the next football transfer window, and on players going to pay in matches in the European Union.
Work Highlights
Golf clubs
Acting for golf clubs in a variety of matters including commercial agreements, membership disputes, boundary disputes and corporate governance and company secretarial work.
Elite Sports Group Limited
Advising Elite Sports Group Limited, the licence holders for the Hummel brand in the UK, in its dispute with Rangers Football Club in relation to unpaid sums.
Governing body
Advising a governing body on the multi-million pound sale of its broadcasting rights for men’s, women’s and youth competitions and international matches.
Football clubs
Acting for football clubs and sports governing bodies in relation to a variety of corporate governance issues including the exiting of senior directors.
The Scottish Professional Football League Limited
Entrusted by The Scottish Professional Football League Limited with the enforcement of all its intellectual property rights in Scotland.
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