In the dynamic world of sports, we prioritize the equitable treatment and inclusivity of every individual, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion, and belief (or non-belief), sex, and sexual orientation.

While strides have been made in emphasizing these values, there is still a substantial journey ahead. Achieving true inclusivity requires a collaborative effort from individuals, sports teams, national governing bodies, governments, and international organizations. Taking collective responsibility for this endeavour is crucial, and it involves adopting tailored approaches that cater to the unique needs of specific individuals. Together, we can continue fostering a sports environment that embraces diversity and ensures the well-being of everyone involved.

With an extensive background in providing counsel to Government Departments, International Bodies, and agencies spearheading Anti-Racism Initiatives and Projects, we have established ourselves as trusted advisors. Our experience includes collaborations with Pressure Groups, Premier League Football Clubs, European Football Governing Bodies, and international organizations, showcasing a robust track record in Anti-Racism and Equality work and cases.

This track record has positioned us as a go-to firm, drawing a diverse clientele that spans from international and national governing bodies to individual sportspersons, clubs, and teams. Our expertise, coupled with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable sports environment, continues to attract a wide range of clients seeking guidance and support in Anti-Racism initiatives and related matters.

Our notable work includes:

1. Advising and assisting a number of International and County Cricketers who have come forward with complaints of racism from clubs, coaches, players and persons in authority. The players, all of black and Asian origin, have highlighted racism from the 1990’s up to the current time of what they have experienced at all levels of the Sport and beyond including verbal abuse, institutional racism, direct and indirect discrimination, unfair bias, prejudice, unlawful employment practices etc.

2. Yasin Patel appeared on National and Regional BBC following the release of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s report. The ECB’s report is in response to the ICEC Report that described cricket as institutionally racist as well as elitist, sexist and class ridden.

3. Yasin Patel appeared on Sky News regarding the verdict on the Azeem Rafiq cricket case.

4. Representing a young tennis player and their family in an anti-racism case before CAS, challenging discrimination and racism due to the suspension imposed by the LTA that resulted in the player being banned from international tennis tournaments.

5. Advising Government Advisory Board for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) (Policy Action Team 10) on Social Exclusion, Anti-Racism and Community Development.

6. Advising sporting bodies, including the Dutch Football Association, in developing their Anti-Racism Rules, policies, initiatives, and laws.

7. Advising the Northern Irish Football Association on the development of their Anti-Racism rules, policies, and initiatives.

8. Investigation, interviews and full disciplinary hearings in a large Sports organisation that resulted in the introduction of new policies and procedures and training for all associated with it.

9. Writing of Equality and Diversity Policies and Procedures for Sports Board and representative teams.

10. Worked with Kick it Out to develop Anti-Racism strategies to tackle racism at Professional Football Clubs to grassroots football.

Sports law, whilst governed by their own regulations, is not immune from criminal law. Athletes, coaches, governing bodies and other sportspersons is not immune fom criminal prosecution for on-field or off-field behaviour. We have expertise in a variety of types of crime which includes:

● Sports Bribery and Game Fixing

● Corruption

● Assault and Battery

● Safeguarding Issues

● Sexual Offences

● Use of performance-enhancement drugs

Notably we have represented the former Pakistan Cricket Captain in the Spot-Fixing case at both the trial at Southwark Crown Court, and the Appeal at the Court of Appeal. The case involved the sting from an undercover News of the World reporter.

We also represented a former international Heavyweight Boxing Champion at the Central Criminal Court. Charged with several serious offences, the case involves a number of allegations including violence, threats to kill and assault.

Traditionally, sports are sex-segregated and labelled into male and female-based categories. Whilst there remains a valid argument in protecting the integrity of women’s sport, the justification for current regulations seems to fail those intersex athletes who fall into a forgotten category. Gender testing or sex verification is used to determine the gender of an athlete to check if they are eligible for a particular sport. The restrictions are imposed on the players if the game is constrained to a single-sex.

Multiple issues have arisen over time, in the Olympics and other competitions, where the male players have competed under female and intersex conditions imposed on female athletes resulting in an unfair advantage.

Currently, there is no proper structure for transgender in sports participation. With the rise and gathering pace of the issue of transgender athletes in sport, the role of gender, sex and testosterone level will continue to be a major topic of discussion.

We have advised numerous athletes, competitors, bodies and organisations on this matter and written advices and procedures for them to follow and consider.

In most organized sports, internal disciplinary procedures are established to address rule violations and misconduct by participants. Criminal proceedings are typically reserved for situations where the conduct is deemed severe enough to warrant criminal categorization. This aligns with the principle that criminal prosecutions should be reserved for more serious offenses.

On the civil side, government bodies owe a duty of care to athletes when they assume a regulatory role rather than a mere advisory one. When a governing body takes on a regulatory function, it implies a responsibility to establish and enforce rules, safety standards, and fair play. In such cases, if an athlete suffers harm due to a breach of this duty of care, the governing body could be held liable in civil court.

We have represented Jackson Sousa, the former World Brazilian Jiu–Jitsu Champion, who was accused of sexual harassment, misconduct, and intimidation. Advised and represented by Yasin Patel, the decorated fighter had been “tried by social media” after accusations and allegations had been circulated and aired on various social media platforms globally leading to loss of sponsors, fights and promotions. Following a lengthy and through investigation by a specialist investigator before a Disciplinary Committee, Patel successfully cleared Sousa of all allegations by the UKBJJA as well as other International Bodies.

We are currently representing leading International and national coaches in proceedings brought by British Gymnastics following allegations relating to Safeguarding, Assault and Child Protection.

The very essence of sport is that competition is fair. With the amount of money involved through advertising, betting and endorsements etc., the need to win and perform has meant that those involved in the sports are willing to push the boundaries to their limits. In some cases, it is against the rules, in others, against the law.

We have:

Our notable work includes:

1. Acted for English domestic and international cricketers, Bangladeshi cricketers and Bangladeshi cricket club owners in relation to corruption and anti-bribery charges brought against them under the ICC rules.

2. Representation of an International cricketer investigated by the ICC for Breaching the Code on corruption

3. Legal counsel at CAS for International Tennis player accused of corruption and match-fixing by the ITF

4. Snooker players accused of corruption and cheating

Described by the English and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) Disciplinary Panel as ‘a cancer that eats at the health and very existence of the game’, match fixing is detrimental to the sport and governing body in question and has continuing repercussions. The consequences of match-fixing are often lifetime bans, a heavy and career damaging sanction, it remains a fundamental human right for athletes facing these allegations to have trust in the process and the establishment of evidence.

“Footballers' reputations and livelihoods are at stake here. People cannot be arrested or charged under match-fixing just because a newspaper headline screams the term. Everyone needs to be smarter and speak to the experts. We all want sport to be clean but we have to clean it up using the laws of the country in the right manner.”

Ensuring fair and just proceedings is paramount, even in cases as serious as match-fixing allegations. Athletes should have confidence that the investigative and disciplinary processes are conducted rigorously, adhering to legal standards, and providing a platform for the presentation of evidence. This commitment to due process not only upholds the rights of the individuals involved but also reinforces the integrity of the sport and the governing body overseeing it.

Our expertise in this realm is demonstrated through just a few of the various notable cases we have been involved with:

1. Leading Case on Match Fixing and Corruption: We represented the Pakistan Cricket Captain in the leading case on match-fixing and corruption before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), conducted under the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules.

2. Bangladesh Premier League: Acted for Bangladesh Cricket Captain, English domestic and international cricketers, and BPL club owners in relation to corruption and anti-bribery charges brought against them under the ICC rules.

3. South African Cricket Board: We provided counsel to a South African Cricket Player concerning his match-fixing ban imposed by Cricket South Africa (CSA), with the case heard under the CSA rules.

4. Representation in a Spot Fixing Case for an International England Cricketer: We acted on behalf of an International England cricketer in a spot-fixing case initiated by the ECB. The matter involved hearings before CAS and the High Court in London, showcasing our comprehensive approach to legal representation.

5. Representation of Pakistan Cricket Players in a Spot Fixing Case: We represented Pakistan Cricket Players in a spot-fixing case under the ICC rules, with proceedings held in Doha, further underscoring our commitment to addressing match-fixing challenges globally.

6. Hearing Panel: Yasin Patel has sat on the Snooker Fixing Hearing panel which involved two professional snooker players accused of match fixing In navigating these complex cases, our firm has demonstrated a deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding match fixing and the legal framework that govern such matters. Yasin Patel, the lawyer who defended Butt, says sport, the legal profession and the courts must get to grips with the nuances of legal and illegal betting if corruption is to be checked.

The transformation of sports from a social and recreational activity into a highly commercialized venture has significantly altered its dynamics, with money playing a pivotal role in every sports event. The commercialization of sports, including branding, licensing, and merchandising, has led to substantial revenue generation but has also introduced complexities related to the exploitation and violation of intellectual property rights.

While sports organizations often leverage these intellectual property rights for their economic interests, it becomes imperative to safeguard them through proper registration, conditions, terms, and agreements. The evolving landscape of these legal issues in sports reflects the dynamic nature of the industry, demanding ongoing attention to ensure the fair and lawful utilization of intellectual property rights within the commercialized sports environment.

In relation to NFT’s, we,

1. Are involved in drafting and negotiating contracts with Crypto.com on behalf of Hollywood and Bollywood actors, International cricketers, tennis players, footballers, entertainers, rappers and music industry artists.

2. Advise national and International cricket franchise teams in auction purchases and terms for contracts.

3. Regularly assiste in the drafting of players contracts incorporating multi-party commercial deals and agreements as well as commercial contracts between athletes and sponsors.

Regarding Image Rights we have experience of,

1. Reviewing Cricketers playing & commercial contracts and setting up of Image Rights

2. Advising of International Franchises on Players contracts, terms and legal obligations

3. Reviewing and setting-up of contracts and legal corporate structures for Rugby International players

4. Advising and consultation with teams and owners regarding image rights and contractual requirements

Here at SLAM, we are committed to providing our clients with top-tier advice on intricate, high-value, and strategic contractual matters. Our approach is rooted in an in-depth understanding of the sports industry and the multifaceted legal and commercial challenges faced by individuals and organizations operating within it.

Our specialization in sports law contractual advice spans a diverse range of sports, including amongst others, football, cricket, rugby, archery, athletics, gymnastics, and rowing. Our clientele is diverse, ranging from amateur sportspersons to sporting clubs, associations, and professional athletes. We extend our expertise to both current and retired players, ensuring optimal terms in their commercial and sponsorship opportunities.

Our notable work includes being instructed as counsel in the sale of a leading Professional Football Club in the UK. We represented the interests of potential buyers of the club ensuring that all of the necessary steps and criteria are met for the purchase of the club as well as the drafting of the shareholder purchase agreement, review of the club’s assets, property, corporate structures, as well as the personnel meeting the Owners and Directors test of the Governing body. The successful purchase of the club and the change of ownership could have huge beneficial effects for the club, its supporters, the staff, the players and management in light of the club’s current position.

We have provided,

1. Legal advice and challenging contracts on behalf of players with sponsors, clubs, agents, commercial bodies and advertisers, media bodies and television corporations

2. Advising of Bangladesh Cricket Board Chairman in relation to players contracts

3. Advising of Premiership football clubs in relation to contractual requirements and laws based upon the Rules of the Premier League, FA, UEFA and FIFA

4. Advising of International Sports Franchises on Players contracts, terms and legal obligations

5. Advising of Domestic Cricketers regarding Professional Contracts in line with ECB and PCA requirements

6. Consultation and advice to players from Premier League Clubs all the way to amateur level

7. Commercial contracts with sponsors, advertisers and Governing Bodies have been negotiated, reviewed and analysed

8. Writing and development of contracts with kit and sports clothing sponsors

9. Negotiation and discussions on players’ behalf for contracts with clubs, governing bodies, players’ associations and private sponsors

We are regular commentators on legal issues in sports, featuring in national and regional press as well as on radio and television. We are highly experienced and specialised legal advisers who truly understand the sports environment.

SLAM has considerable experience in both domestic and international sports arbitration practices. Members of SLAM not only appear as counsel regularly in arbitrations before CAS, the FA, Sport Resolutions, EWCB and other governing bodies but also sit as Arbitrators before many panels.

We have represented:

1. Leading Athletes in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Proceedings. Charges have ranged from the International Olympic Committee based upon alleged Anti-doping Rule violations at the Tokyo Olympics charges brought by the UCI against the world’s elite cyclists

2. International cricketers in proceedings before CAS and in hearings before an Independent Tribunal in Bangladesh on offences of match-fixing in the BCB with evidence of fixing in test matches and One-Day Internationals..

3. Salman Butt, the Former Pakistan Cricket Captain, at Appeal at the CAS in Lausanne.

4. International tennis players at the CAS accused of match-fixing by the ITF

9. Negotiation and discussions on players’ behalf for contracts with clubs, governing bodies, players’ associations and private sponsors

We are regular commentators on legal issues in sports, featuring in national and regional press as well as on radio and television. We are highly experienced and specialised legal advisers who truly understand the sports environment.

Members of SLAM have incomparable expertise and experience in appeals, ranging from sports body governance and regulation to sanctions and unfair dismissal. With this breadth, SLAM has developed a prestigious reputation for representation in appeals.

Our notable work includes:

1. Representing a leading football club at an FA Appeal Tribunal held at Wembley Stadium. We successfully overturned an FA decision to push a football club which would have resulted in their relegation from their current division. The matter heard by the Panel involved the alleged breach of FA Rules on Ground Regulations and contractual duties of clubs.

2. Representing a county cricketer in front of County Tribunal Hearing.

3. The successful appeal of a young English cricketer before the ECB Independent Tribunal Appeal.

4. Being instructed by the CAS to represent a young black tennis player in a dispute between the Lawn Tennis Association and the individual.

5. Being instructed to represent some of the UK’s leading Olympians and Coaches in Appeals. A number of British coaches have been suspended following a number of allegations against them by young gymnasts.

6. SLAM Members sit on panels in appeals before the English FA, the MCC and various sports bodies.

SLAM leverages our unique expertise in the sports industry alongside high quality advisory and dispute resolution work to meet our client’s needs. Our commitment to excellence is evident in the quality of our work, and we regularly provide advisory services to clients at every stage of a dispute utilizing communication channels such as telephone, email, written correspondence, and in-person consultations.

Our advisory services cover a broad spectrum of issues, including but not limited to, the implications of legislation and changes to jurisdiction, interpretation of Codes of Conduct and Constitutions, and the fulfilment of contractual obligations. We understand the intricacies of the sports domain and are dedicated to offering comprehensive guidance that addresses the multifaceted challenges our clients may encounter.

Our notable work includes:

1. Advising the Sri Lankan Cricket Board in relation to player’s rights and International rules

2. Acting for Indian Cricket players who were banned from participating in the Indian Cricket League which was a league not recognised by the ICC. This involved ICC rules, BCCI rules and the Indian National Law in conjunction with the advice given by lawyers in India.

3. Advising and training Professional sports clubs and bodies including rugby, cricket, football and martial arts.

4. Providing advice to Sports Leagues Committees, teams and individuals in relation to a plethora of subjects including drugs and misconduct issues.

5. Advising of International sporting franchises in relation to leagues, tournaments, rules and national and international laws

We have expertise on the law of head contact, injuries and concussions in contact sports. We have advised clubs, governing bodies and individual players in relation to injuries, long-term rammifications and potential damages due to injuries.