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Sports Ticker 7 – 'Premflix and Chill', McIlroy and Allianz

Published on 28 Feb 2020. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the second edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from the sports industry.

Sports Ticker 6 – Coronavirus, Nike Air Zoom Alphafly and the 'Mozart of Chess'

Published on 14 Feb 2020. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the sixth edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from the sports industry.

Sports Ticker 5 – Saracens, W Series and Speedrunning

Published on 29 Jan 2020. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the fifth edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from the sports industry.

Sports Ticker 4 – Epic Games, acquisition of Charlton and tackling mental health

Published on 16 Jan 2020. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the fourth edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from the sports industry.

Sports Ticker 3 – GAME's eSports arena, Amazon broadcasts and Russia's WADA suspension

Published on 18 Dec 2019. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the third edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from the sports industry.

Sports Ticker 2 – The Special One, Juventus FC and Lacrosse

Published on 04 Dec 2019. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the second edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from the sports industry.

Sports Ticker 1 – Saracens, DeepMind AI, Under Armour

Published on 19 Nov 2019. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

We are delighted to welcome you to the first RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from around the sports industry.

Sheffield United, or divided? Implying duties of good faith

Published on 04 Nov 2019. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

The High Court has held that the duty to act with good faith should not be implied into an agreement between the owners of Sheffield United FC.

Sporting compromise – tips for settling sports disputes

Published on 24 Oct 2019. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Some practical tips for sports clubs when settling disputes – with a focus on those issues that regularly arise in a sporting context.

Look what you made me do – avoid inducing a breach of a sporting contract

Published on 12 Sep 2019. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

eFootball transfers: Juve and Man U snub FIFA to sign for PES

Published on 07 Aug 2019.

The RPC Sports group round-up football eSports deals: Juventus and Manchester United sign eSports partnerships with Pro Evolution Soccer, whilst Liverpool FC partners with FIFA.

Spurs suffer Champions League defeat to the Advertising Standards Authority

Published on 08 Jul 2019.

Spurs' heartbreak in Madrid was not the only loss they suffered on their Champions League journey this year. A tweet from Spurs announcing their line-up for their knock-out game against Borussia Dortmund featured the gambling operator William Hill, and was ruled to contravene the CAP Code.

Reforms to the FA's Regulations on Working with Intermediaries

Published on 01 Jul 2019. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

RPC summarise the key changes to the FA's Regulations on Working with Intermediaries (the "Regulations"), and offer practical tips to agencies, clubs and players to manage their impact.

Smoke and mirrors? Big Tobacco slip(stream)s back into Formula One sponsorship deals

Published on 18 Feb 2019.

RPC reports on Philip Morris and British American Tobacco securing major partnerships with Ferrari and McLaren, prompting investigations into their compliance with domestic and international advertising laws.

CMA clamps down on unfair gambling promotions

Published on 01 Feb 2018. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial

The CMA has spoken: online gambling operators must act now to avoid falling foul of misleading terms and practices. See below for our list of dos and don’ts.

Spurs 2 : 0 HMRC – termination payment not taxable earnings

Published on 20 Dec 2017. By Michelle Sloane, Partner and Adam Craggs, Partner

The Upper Tribunal (UT) has confirmed the decision of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) that payments made by Spurs in respect of two players on early termination of their contracts were not earnings. They were termination payments and, therefore, were outside the scope of national insurance contributions (NICs).

Swansea City player Bony keeps former agents in play

Published on 14 Sep 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

In a dispute with his agents over secret commissions, Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony has succeeded in opposing a stay in English Court proceedings, which would have been implemented had the Court found he had agreed to arbitrate. The decision is an important reminder that national courts will have jurisdiction to hear a claim if the parties have not agreed (expressly or impliedly) to resolve the dispute using arbitration.

Edgar Davids wins League of Legends image rights claim

Published on 23 Aug 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Dutch football icon Edgar Davids has succeeded in suing Riot Games – makers of the world's biggest video game and eSports phenomenon, League of Legends.

Barton succeeds in reducing betting ban

Published on 04 Aug 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Joey Barton has succeeded in reducing the ban imposed on him by the FA Commission following breaches of FA Rules concerning betting – but he's still banned until 1 June 2018

Using VR in sports – virtual insanity or future reality?

Published on 01 Aug 2017. By Joseph Byrne, Senior Associate

Stoke City has become the latest Premier League club to announce that it will use virtual reality (VR) technology as a training tool for its goalkeepers.

A shot in the arm for football sponsorship – clubs take advantage of new shirt sleeve regulations

Published on 24 Jul 2017.

As forecasted in our blog post back in April, it wasn't long before other Premier League teams followed Manchester City's lead in announcing major tie-ups for shirt sleeve sponsorship.

Indian sports broadcast network 'bowled out' for breach of a media rights agreement

Published on 18 Jul 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

This article considers New Zealand Cricket (Incorporation) v Neo Sports Broadcast PVT Ltd in which the High Court exercised its discretion and lifted a stay to allow the claimant, New Zealand Cricket, to successfully obtain summary judgment on a breach of contract claim with elements of bad faith counter-arguments.

Bournemouth bets on shirt sponsorship deal with M88

Published on 05 Jul 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

AFC Bournemouth announces a two year deal with online gambling company M88, which includes shirt sponsorship and pitch-side branding.

Barton bets big and loses: sanctions, mitigation and next steps

Published on 15 May 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

What is the appropriate sanction for breaching the prohibition on betting on football matches, and what effect will mitigating factors have on the sanction?

Hacked – IAAF victim of cyber-attack compromising athlete data

Published on 10 Apr 2017.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has been subject to a data breach – allegedly by Russian hacking group Fancy Bears - potentially compromising the sensitive data of a number of athletes.

Sleeve sponsorship – a new trick up the sleeve for Premier League teams

Published on 03 Apr 2017. By Joseph Byrne, Senior Associate

The blog provides an insight into the consequences arising from the introduction of sleeve sponsors to the Premier League, with a particular focus on club's existing commercial arrangements and deals that are being negotiated/will be negotiated.

Going for Gold: A New Code for Sports Governance

Published on 30 Jan 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Any sports body or organisation that wishes to rely on public funding must now comply with a new Code for Sports Governance, and it requires preparation now.

Chelsea swap Adidas for £900m Nike deal

Published on 28 Oct 2016. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Chelsea FC and Nike have agreed the largest kit sponsorship/ supply agreement in the English Premier League worth £900m (£60m per year for 15 years). The announcement comes nearly 6 months after the Chelsea and Adidas kit sponsorship/supply agreement was terminated part way through a 10 year term.

FAPL v Wells: High Court orders Norwich Pharmacal Relief Against Publicans Screening Premier League Matches Without Permission

Published on 29 Sep 2016.

In this article for Entertainment Law Review first published in June 2016, Andrew Crystal and Joshua Charalambous discuss Snowden J's decision in the Football Association Premier League Limited -v- Richard Alan Wells (& Ors) [2015] EWHC 3910 (Ch).

Copyright test match

Published on 22 Sep 2016.

Copyright test match—High Court provides guidance on substantiality and fair dealing in relation to sports clips

Sponsors drop lying Lochte - the fallout from Rio 2016

Published on 24 Aug 2016. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Importance of anti-embarrassment clauses highlighted by US Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte being dropped by sponsors, including Speedo and Ralph Lauren.

China’s richest man strikes deal to host new global football tournament

Published on 21 Jul 2016. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Dalian Wanda Group planned to create a European club tournament to rival the UEFA Champions League.

Penalty saved by CAS with a little help from English Courts

Published on 06 Jun 2016. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

World eSports Association formed

Published on 26 May 2016. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

A new governing association was formed this month by the Electronic Sports League (“ESL”) and a number of eSports teams.

FIFA’s Member Associations approve package of reforms

Published on 16 May 2016.

“FIFA is currently going through the worst crisis of its history. The current crisis should also be considered as a unique opportunity for FIFA to renew itself.”

Top tips for negotiating football kit sponsorship deals

Published on 27 Jan 2016.

(including considerations when working with betting companies)

Wyscout Forum London 2013 - Image is everything

Published on 12 Jun 2015.

What are image rights?

Virtual roundtable with Corporate Livewire: Sport Law 2015

Published on 12 Jun 2015.

In our Sports Law Roundtable we spoke with four experts from around the world to discuss recent regulatory changes and interesting developments across their field of work.

Sports & Esports

You’re passionate about sports - so are we. Let’s channel that shared passion to secure the best legal outcomes for you. Whether you’re out on the field or in the boardroom, we want to help you thrive.

CMA investigates Ticketmaster for dynamic pricing of Oasis tickets

Published on 10 Dec 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

Can dynamic pricing breach consumer protection rules?

CMA publishes guidance for fashion retailers on environmental claims

Published on 10 Dec 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

How best can fashion retailers protect themselves from regulatory action when making green claims?

CJEU rules on pricing display strategies of Aldi Süd

Published on 10 Dec 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

European consumer body challenges in-game premium currencies

Published on 10 Dec 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

When does the use of in-app and in-game premium currencies pose consumer regulatory issues? Does this consumer complaint herald a tightening by the EU on revenue streams for game and app developers and platforms?

UK pricing practices in the spotlight

Published on 10 Dec 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

What should businesses take note of recent amendments to the UK’s Price Marking Order and the CMA’s newly published report on loyalty pricing?

News Flash: Timeline for the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act

Published on 10 Dec 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

On 24 May 2024, the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) received Royal Assent.

A new era for sustainability consumer products: the EU’s new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

Published on 20 Nov 2024. By Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead and Sophie Parkinson, Associate

On 18 July 2024 the ESPR entered into force setting a framework for new ecodesign rules in the EU. It will have significant impacts for retailers and consumer brands selling products in the EU. It will introduce new minimum ecodesign requirements for specific product categories (with an initial focus on textiles), make digital product passports mandatory and set rules on the destruction of unsold products. Companies face the risk of fines, consumer claims and reputational damage for non-compliance.

Product liability and safety legislative refurb

Published on 05 Nov 2024. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer Manager

The current legislation governing product safety is the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), but its shortcomings, especially on tech, are evident.On 13 December 2024 the EU will be replacing the GPSD with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), and the latest King’s Speech indicated it will be replaced in the UK by a Product Safety and Metrology Bill.Separately, EU Member States are rolling out a revised Product Liability Directive (PLD) which captures the provision of software, digital services and online marketplaces.

The EU Compliance headache you don't know you have? A priority primer on the European Accessibility Act

Published on 31 Oct 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate

It is now less than a year until the EU Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force, which will require businesses to ensure a range of products (eg smartphones and computers) and services (eg e-commerce services, consumer banking services, and ebooks) are accessible for persons with disabilities.

Seeing the wood for the trees: preparing for new deforestation due diligence rules in the UK and EU

Published on 24 Oct 2024. By Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead

Urgently Misleading: the CMA secures undertakings from Wowcher and £4 million of customer refunds

Published on 17 Oct 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

When does a selling practice create a false sense of urgency that is considered misleading by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)?