Clifford Chance LLP’s sports practice has seen major growth, attracting industry recognition and press coverage for its involvement in high-profile mandates, notably including the ‘sports law trial of the century’ in which it defended Manchester City in disciplinary proceedings. A comprehensive team led by litigation specialists James Cranston, Chris Yates, and Jason Epstein represented the reigning Premier League champions against the Premier League, in light of the 115 charges of financial breaches against them. This case is demonstrative of the firm’s increased presence and capability in big-ticket sporting work, and on the transactional side, the team has advised key private equity investors on high-value deals including major domestic and international clubs and bodies. With deep expertise spanning commercial, IP, competition, and finance, the firm is a go-to adviser for major stakeholders and investors across UK and European sport. Jennifer Chimanga has an active transactional practice, whilst Jamie Andrew is the firm’s commercial lead.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very high calibre and charming individuals.'
‘Clifford Chance provided commercially practical advice, while still appreciating our priorities and protecting our interests.’
‘Jamie Andrew was responsive, provided excellent client service and demonstrated expertise in the area.’
- 'The performance of these solicitors has been outstanding: their knowledge of the law, their strategic skill, their judgement and their client care are very, very impressive.'
- 'I would place them in the top of solicitors in this category.’
- 'They are passionate, committed, enthusiastic, engaging, resilient and always patient to identify the best options and represent us to the best effect.'
- 'The approach of the team is to be innovative, inclusive, mindful of our best interests and focused on reaching a resolution.'
- 'The lawyers I’ve worked with are outstanding for their strategic insight, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of sports governance and regulation. Partners offer board-level advice with a calm, authoritative style, while associates bring sharp analysis and commercial instincts beyond their years.'
- 'Clifford Chance’s TMT team stands out for combining deep sector expertise with global reach and top-tier execution.'
- 'Chris Yates and James Cranston are energetic in seeking out and satisfying sports clients, bringing to bear a sophisticated background in large-scale commercial litigation.'
Key clients
- Manchester City
- Mercedes Grand Prix
- International Paralympic Committee
- Association of Football Agents
- European Super League
- World Rugby
- Arsenal
- Liverpool Football Club
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Aston Villa
- Leicester
- West Ham
- Invictus Games Foundation
- Sixth Street
- City Football Group
- Allwyn
- Telekom Srbija
- SX Global
Work highlights
Defending Manchester City Football Club in disciplinary proceedings brought by the Premier League for alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules. The matter went to trial last year and was one of The Lawyer's top 20 cases of 2024. The case has also been referred to as "the sports trial of the century" in the press.
Acted for eight Premier League football clubs in claims that made under their business interruption insurance policies for losses they have suffered in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. They suffered very significant losses of revenue, and we assisted them in presenting their claims to insurers and advising them on coverage and aggregation issues.
Advised Allwyn (a leading multinational lottery operator) on its partnerships with both McLaren Racing and Formula 1, marking their entry into the world of motorsport sponsorship. These strategic partnerships will see Allwyn become an official partner of both the McLaren Formula 1 Team and the Formula One World Championship itself, aiming to enhance brand awareness and fan engagement through the global platform of motorsport.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
James Cranston
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Jamie Andrew
Practice head
Chris Yates; James Cranston
Other key lawyers
Jason Epstein; Jennifer Chimanga; Jamie Andrew