Class Actions
England & Wales
19 August 2025
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has capabilities in the sport sector that encompass representing individuals on employment, wealth management and disciplinary matters, as well as counselling sporting organisations in non-contentious and contentious matters. Andrew Haywood heads up the group and focuses on employment, eligibility, and discrimination matters. Richard Marshall has deep experience in contentious sport matters whilst Nick Humphreys handles Employment Tribunal litigation for managers, coaches and backroom staff in football. James Severn is a key member of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The standout is Nick Humphreys. He is now something of a legend. No-one works harder than he does and no-one knows more about how to deal with high profile corporate and sports employment matters.'
‘Penningtons Manches Cooper undertake every aspect of Sports Law including employment contracts; arbitration; and regulatory law and disciplinary proceedings. Penningtons have experience in representing owners, associations, clubs, participants and players, and have a wealth of experience in all aspects of sports litigation.’
‘Richard Marshall is a lawyer with contacts and experience across various sports. Richard is a litigator that obtains excellent results for his client.'
‘Pennington Manches Cooper is a top-level firm at mid-range prices, which offers city-type services. It is particularly strong for commercial sports disputes.’
‘James Severn - brilliant at sport and arbitration disputes. Richard Marshall - you want him on your side in a litigation. Nick Humphreys - top class at sports and employment issues. Andrew Heywood - impressive at knotty sporting employment disputes.’
‘Very professional, responsive and fair on price.’
Key clients
- Enhanced Games
- Oxford Brookes University Boat Club
- Podhurst Orseck PA (on behalf of 43 individuals)
- England Badminton
- Gillingham FC
- British Elite Athletes Association
- Footbolé
- Sunday League Inc
- Mahindra Racing UK
- Sports Resolutions
- Gorgan Murray Group
- League Managers Association
Work highlights
Advised Gillingham Football Club in relation to the removal of chairman Paul Scally and connected matters.
Advised Enhanced Ltd on the master agreement for clinical trials and player participation agreement for the Enhanced Games.
Instructed by Oxford Brookes University to carry out an independent investigation in to the culture and Behaviour at Oxford Brookes University Boat Club.
Practice head
Andrew Haywood
Other key lawyers
Richard Marshall; Nick Humphreys; James Severn