1. What is the current legal landscape for Sports Law in your jurisdiction?

Greece’s sports law framework – anchored by Law 2725/1999 and its recent amendments – is steadily evolving to support both governance and growth, blending strong state oversight with a pro-business approach. The commercial landscape is increasingly investor-friendly: professional clubs operate as corporate entities, and the government offers incentives such as tax breaks and grants for sports infrastructure and events.

In football specifically, stricter regulations aligned with UEFA standards have improved club governance and fan safety, boosting stability in the Super League. Overall, the legal environment encourages private investment and partnerships in Greece’s sports sector, from team ownership to event hosting.

2. What three essential pieces of advice would you give to clients involved in Sports Law matters?

1. Stay Compliant: Adhere strictly to sports governing rules and anti-doping regulations to avoid sanctions. Keeping up with league and federation requirements prevents costly violations.
2. Secure Strong Contracts: Use clear, well-drafted contracts for all deals (player agreements, sponsorships, etc.). Cover key terms like compensation, image rights, and exit clauses to protect your interests and prevent disputes.
3. Resolve Disputes Smartly: Choose sport-specific arbitration and internal dispute mechanisms over court litigation. Engage experienced sports law counsel early to navigate disciplinary hearings or appeals (e.g., before CAS) effectively.

3. What are the greatest threats and opportunities in Sports Law law in the next 12 months?

Greek Sports Law: Key Threats and Opportunities in 2025

Investment & Growth Opportunities: Investment momentum is strong: sponsorship and media deals remain robust (e.g. betting firms backing leagues) and global private capital is eyeing sports assets amid a $25 billion boom. Undervalued Greek teams, new infrastructure, and growing women’s (double-digit global growth expected ) and esports markets offer significant upside.

Regulatory & Integrity Risks: Tightening governance rules and EU competition scrutiny are forcing changes in the sector. Greece has ramped up anti-corruption and anti-piracy enforcement (e.g. dynamic blocking of illegal streams). Clubs face pressure to meet new transparency and ESG standards, with sustainability a condition for hosting events.

4. How do you ensure high client satisfaction levels are maintained by your practice?

Contract Negotiation & Compliance: The firm’s expertise in drafting and negotiating contracts is complemented by deep knowledge of regulatory compliance. Together, these strengths safeguard client interests within Greek and international sports frameworks.

Sector-Specific Insight: Specialized understanding of the sports industry’s challenges allows the firm to offer tailored advice aligned with regulatory requirements and business realities. This insight ensures solutions that are legally sound and commercially attuned.

Global, Client-Centric Support: A multilingual team offers commercially attuned, cross-border guidance to international clients. By prioritizing openness, thoroughness, and each client’s needs, its proactive approach builds long-term trust and delivers measurable value to sports organizations, athletes, and investors.

5. What technological advancements are reshaping Sports Law and how can clients benefit from them?

Technological innovation is transforming sports law. Digital broadcasting expands audiences, turning media rights into a major revenue source and prompting updated IP licensing models. Blockchain-based ticketing and smart contracts promise secure transactions and new fan monetization but demand compliance with evolving crypto regulations. Sports data analytics enable monetizing player and game data, requiring robust data protection and licensing frameworks. Meanwhile, esports’ rise opens a new market built on IP licensing rather than traditional sports rules, underscoring the need for legal counsel to help investors capitalize on these innovations’ revenue potential while managing emerging IP and regulatory risks.