Freshfields

Freshfields has demonstrated a comprehensive range of capabilities in the sport sector, spanning regulatory, transactional and contentious matters. Most notably, the team has been advising Manchester City FC on various regulatory issues, including a claim against the Premier League, which was led by Rhodri Thomas and Deba Das. Beyond the firm’s wider capabilities, which enable it to provide advice to sporting organisations on high-value corporate matters, they have a number of lawyers with other specialisms who contribute to the practice. Charles Hayes has a private capital practice which handles high-value transactions in the sports space, such as SURJ Sports Investment’s deal with DAZN, a global streaming platform. David Brooks advises on a range of intellectual property and commercial issues arising from the sector, including image rights, sponsorship arrangements and player agreements. Chris Mort leads the sport practice and leads on many of the team’s most significant matters, whether they be contentious or non-contentious. Associate Felix Schaaf has been described by clients as a ‘brilliant and creative lawyer’.