The 'unique expertise' of Clifford Chance's sports group is valued by clients who take advantage of the cross-practice expertise the firm is able to provide. Representing leading professional federations including the FFF, the LFP and the FFT, the department is often involved in high-profile matters, recently handling summary proceedings related to the annulment of the 2019/20 League 1 club championship. Yves Wehrli is the key name, typically retained on the organisation of major sports events, the sale of television broadcasting rights and other related regulatory issues. On the contentious side, partner Thibaud d’Alés is active, having represented clients in major litigation related to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Best known for its work assisting major sporting events, De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés is also increasingly involved in the challenge against third-party resellers of sports tickets, this year representing the French Tennis Federation in its claim against Viagogo. Another area in which the practice excels is integrity-related issues, where it is typically retained by several leading sport governing bodies. The team has capabilities across the main areas of practice, spanning commercial law, IP and TV rights issues and has experience advising foreign investors in order to clarify national sporting regulations. Department head Louis de Gaulle regularly appears before civil, administrative, criminal and arbitration courts. Other key contacts include IP and IT specialist Serge Lederman and public law expert Jean-Louis Valentin. Agnès Macaire is also active. Rhadamès Killy left the firm.

Recognised for its proficiency in advising on media rights and sports events organisation, Joffe & Associés acts as strategic adviser to some of France's highest profile leagues and federations including the French Handball League, the French Professional Football League and the French Athletics Federation. The full-service offering at the firm means the team is able to advise on a wide variety of matters ranging from assisting investors with the acquisition of French football clubs, to representing the FFF in litigation brought against third-part ticket resellers. Romain Soiron is the key name, working exclusively on sports matters, with good experience negotiating sponsorships and broadcasting rights.

Uniting a 'variety of competences', August Debouzy is regularly retained on large sponsorship mandates for high-profile brands such as Nike. Its track record in sports financing includes significant acquisitions, contract negotiations and restructurings, with the team recently leading on Valenciennes FC's reorganisation following its relegation to the second division. Drawing on the firm's well-established IP and TMT groups, the department has a strong sports media offering, with highlights including bringing an image rights dispute for a leading French newspaper. Distribution and consumer law expert Alexandra Berg-Moussa and litigator Basile Ader jointly lead the practice.

At AYACHE, tax partner Jacques Messeca is retained by major football clubs, including Paris Saint German, as well as federations and players, to provide strategic tax guidance and to advise on tax audits. Messeca, who is the co-founder of the French Association of the Sports Lawyer, has led on several takeovers and also assisted the French basketball league with the setting up of the tax impatriate regime by professional clubs.

Established in 2019, the sports law practice at Bignon Lebray is particularly sought after by major rugby clubs, with Stade Toulousain and CA Brive among its clients. Neil Robertson is the key contact, and regularly represents players from the aforementioned clubs before European rugby disciplinary commissions. Other highlights include advising CA Brive on an investment into it by Vivendi Sports and on the contract termination of a senior player and handling negotiation and settlement of the subsequent dispute.