Praised for its ‘360-degree view’ of sports-related issues, Garrigues supports a wide range of stakeholders in the sports industry, including professional athletes, clubs, and leagues. Recent activity has kept the firm occupied across M&A, international arbitration, and advisory roles in global sporting events. Practice head Félix Plaza, a key contact for sports sponsors, often advises on football club acquisitions and club financing matters. Iván Zaldúa is regularly engaged by renowned footballers and Formula 1 drivers, while Diego Rodríguez is a recognised authority on sports-related tax issues. Dabid Etxebarria is skilled in the structuring of football transfer contracts and endorsement agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The coordination between the team and their strong level of knowledge of the subject matter, leaves no doubts for the client.’
- ‘They have extensive knowledge of the subject, applicable to different realities.’
- ‘They understand all the factors that affect us, they have a 360-degree view, and this allows them to tailor their responses to our situation more effectively. The team members who assist us are constantly attentive to our needs and respond efficiently and quickly.’
- ‘Specific experience and up-to-date knowledge of rulings and regulations in sports labour law.’
- ‘In addition to being experts in sports law, they are also labour lawyers; with this dual specialisation, they are excellent for labour litigation in the special employment relationship of professional athletes.’
- ‘Garrigues has a strong sports law team, with whom we have worked for many years. Both Iván and Dabid provide excellent service to their clients, and communicate well with us as overseas advisers.’
- ‘Iván Zaldúa and Dabid Exteberria are our contacts. Their sports law knowledge is excellent, and they communicate well with clients and advisers alike.’
Key clients
- Kosmos Global Capital, S.L.U. – Kings Competition, S.L.U.
- MSV Group LTD and Motor Sport Vision Spain, S.L.U.
- World Padel Tour (Setpoint Events S.A.)
- Spanish Professional Football League (LaLiga)
- Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Grupo Mediapro
- Asociación Española de Agentes de Futbolistas, Team Wasserman Spain, S.L., U1st Sports, S.A. and other 15 football agencies.
- European Leagues / FIPRO Europe
Work highlights
Acting as sole counsel to a coalition of football leagues and players' unions in a major EU complaint against FIFA’s match calendar and the 2025 Club World Cup, following the Superleague ruling.
Advising Real Madrid on day-to-day labour matters involving athletes across its football and basketball teams, including issues like contracts, terminations, litigation, and internal investigations.
Advises LALIGA and its subsidiaries on sport regulation and tax matters (direct and indirect tax issues and tax litigation).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Félix Plaza
Other key lawyers
Iván Zaldúa; Diego Rodríguez; Dabid Etxebarria