Bichara e Motta Advogados is highly regarded for its expertise across the full range of sports-related legal matters, from high-profile M&A transactions and international player transfers to representing clients in CAS and FIFA arbitration disputes. The team is under the joint leadership of Bichara Neto and Marcos Motta, who possess significant experience in the sector, representing high-profile players including Neymar Jr, Thiago Silva and Philippe Coutinho, as well as a variety of clubs and agents. Notably, the team is adept at handling cross-jurisdictional matters, advising on SAF conversions, private equity acquisitions with foreign aspects and the privatisation of foreign clubs.
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Key clients
- S.A.F. Botafogo
- Neymar Jr.
- Public Investment Fund
- Roc Nation Sports International
- Club Athletico Paranaense
- Al Ahli Saudi Football Club
- Thiago Silva
- Phillippe Coutinho
- P&P Sports Management S.A.M
- Bônus Track
- Tauá Partners
- Gabriel Barbosa Almeida
Work highlights
Advised on the transfer of Brazilian defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras to Manchester City, representing both the player and his agent.
Represented Gabriel Barbosa Almeida in his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which overturned a decision rendered by the Brazilian Anti-Doping Tribunal on 28 March 2024 that had previously suspended the footballer.
Advised private equity fund Tauá Partners and co-buyer Revee on the acquisition of a majority stake in local football club Portuguesa/SP and its conversion into a SAF (Sociedade Anônima do Futebol).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Bichara Neto
Practice head
Bichara Neto; Marcos Motta
Other key lawyers
Pedro Sousa