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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

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.

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.

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 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.

Rising to the challenge, how insurers will adapt in 2025

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Simon Laird, Partner, Insurance Sector Lead

The global insurance industry is on the brink of transformation as geopolitical tensions, accelerating AI adoption, and escalating climate crises converge to create a perfect storm in 2025. From navigating a volatile economic landscape to addressing emerging risks in cyber and ESG, insurers face a year of unparalleled complexity and opportunity.

Annual Insurance Review 2025

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Simon Laird, Partner, Insurance Sector Lead and Robert Morris, Partner and Toby Higginson, Partner, Co-head of Clients and Markets (Insurance)

With the Christmas and New Year festivities already becoming a blur in the rear-view mirror, what better way to blow away the few remaining cobwebs and see-off the January blues than to immerse yourself in RPC's Annual Insurance Review 2025.

Medical Malpractice

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Dorothy Flower, Partner and Sian Morgan, Partner

2024 has seen an increase in the number of physician associates (PAs) working across the medical sector (NHS and private). Employment of PAs is considered a fast and cost-effective method of addressing workforce shortages and ever-growing healthcare demands. In June 2022, there were 1300 PAs in England and Wales, rising to over 3,300 by June 2024. The numbers are expected to increase.

Pensions

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Iain Anderson, Partner and Toby Savage, Partner

A key development in 2024 has been the Court of Appeal's ruling in Virgin Media v NTL Pensions Trustees II Ltd [2024] EWCA Civ 843, which has significant implications for contracted out final salary pension schemes. The court confirmed that any amendments affecting guaranteed minimum in these schemes must be accompanied by a so-called Section 37 actuarial conformation. Without this confirmation, the amendment is deemed void, regardless of whether such confirmation would have been granted had it been sought at the time of the amendment.

Political Risk and Trade Credit

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Naomi Vary, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and Iain Anderson, Partner

For the previous two years we have started our review with commentary on the war in Ukraine and, unfortunately, its continuation means we are obliged to do so again. Last year we indicated that positions were entrenched, but as we head into 2025 it appears Ukraine's prospects are becoming gloomier. Support from the United States is likely to be less forthcoming under the new presidency and if there is still territory to be gained it is likely Russia will take advantage of this. Accordingly, underwritten assets deeper into western Ukraine are increasingly becoming at risk of the types of losses seen across the market for the last couple of years.

Procedure, Damages and Costs

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Jonathan Wyles, Of Counsel

Alternative Dispute Resolution received a boost in 2024, when the Civil Procedure Rules were amended to expressly empower the court to order ADR. These changes follow the December 2023 judgment in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil [2023] EWCA Civ 1416, in which the Court of Appeal concluded that it was lawful for the court to order parties to engage in ADR, provided the process does not interfere with the parties' access to a judicial determination.

Property and business interruption

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Jonathan Wyles, Of Counsel

Technip Saudi Arabia Limited v The Mediterranean & Gulf Insurance and Reinsurance Co. (MedGulf) [2024] EWCA Civ 481 concerned a dispute over coverage for a claim by Technip under its construction all risks policy with MedGulf written on an amended WELCAR wording. The claim arose from damage to a wellhead platform offshore of Saudi Arabia caused by a tug. The tug was chartered by Technip, who had contracted with the wellhead's owner, KJO, an unincorporated joint venture.

Restructuring & Insolvency

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Finella Fogarty, Partner, Head of Restructuring & Insolvency and Paul Bagon, Partner

2024 has seen one of the most significant insolvency cases in recent years. In June, Justice Leech handed down his judgment on the claim brought by the liquidators of BHS against certain of its former directors for wrongful trading and misfeasance. This judgment is likely to have important consequences for the D&O market.

Technology

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Jonathan Crompton, Partner

There have been a range of court judgments in recent years concerning the interpretation and scope of contractual clauses intended to limit liability.

Surveyors

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Ben Goodier, Partner

The previous UK Government set a legally binding 'net zero' target to reduce the UK's net emissions by 100% by 2050 compared with 1990 levels. In the UK, an estimated 25 million homes require a form of energy improvement. In response to this target, the new residential retrofit standard was launched in March 2024 and came into full effect on 31 October 2024.

Toxic Torts and Legacy Exposures

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Lucy Dyson , Partner

As predicted in last year's review, PFAS/ forever chemicals continued to dominate the toxic tort stage during 2024, with litigation rapidly expanding outside of the USA.

Middle East & Africa

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Toby Savage, Partner and Alex Almaguer, Partner, Head of Latin America and William Jones, Of Counsel

In our last Annual Insurance Review, we predicted strong growth in the renewable energy sector in the Middle East, with solar and wind energy expected to play a major role in increasing the region's energy capacity, alongside a rise in investment and infrastructure development throughout 2024.

Warranty & Indemnity

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Dorothy Flower, Partner and Sian Morgan, Partner

We predicted last year that 2024 would see deal volumes increase, owing to improving market conditions. Indeed, a pullback in inflation (and stabilisation of the cost of capital) has led to a rising M&A market, with notable growth among larger deals. Among European markets, the UK has been particularly active, reflecting perceived political stability following the decisive general election result (2024 was a bumper year for elections, too).

Australia

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Jonathan Crompton, Partner

It was a case of 'another year; another tough economic outlook' in Australia. Wafer-thin economic growth, cost of living pressure, higher than forecasted inflation, flatlining productivity and decade-high interest rates, combined with non-economic concerns around climate change, social inflation and cyber risk, has left the insurance industry with a smorgasbord of uncertainties to balance.

Asia

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Carmel Green, Partner and Antony Sassi, Managing Partner and Iain Anderson, Partner and Rebecca Wong, Partner

As the soft market continues, insurance premiums in Asia have consistently declined across all major product lines during Q1-Q3 due to increased competition and challenging economic conditions.

USA

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Jonathan Crompton, Partner

In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2025, we look at the main developments in 2024 and expected issues in 2025 for the USA.

Canada

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Jonathan Crompton, Partner

Canada faced significant challenges in 2024, with slow economic growth and a strained judicial system. Looking ahead to 2025, professional liability and construction claims are likely to remain on the rise, while the upcoming Canadian election could result in significant regulatory changes.

Netherlands

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Jonathan Crompton, Partner

In a class action brought by ‘Stichting Fossielvrij’ against KLM concerning greenwashing, the Court of Amsterdam ruled on 24 March 2024 that several of the advertisements run by KLM were misleading and therefore unlawful. The public attention for the harmful effects of PFAS also continued. In April 2024 eleven interest groups (including firemen, military personnel and residents living near airports) commenced a lawsuit against the Dutch State, asking the State to take faster measures to curb both the emissions and spread of PFAS. The lawsuit also calls for improved monitoring and quicker enforcement. Further developments will likely take place in 2025.

Latin America

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Jonathan Crompton, Partner

The Latin American insurance market witnessed remarkable growth in 2024, reflected in an increase in product sophistication and robust premium growth. This is due to the continued economic growth in different countries, which has led to Latin America becoming one of the fastest-growing regional insurance markets in the world.

D&O

Published on 14 Jan 2025.

2024 highlighted the importance of a directors' duty to consider or act in the interests of creditors where a company is insolvent or bordering on insolvency. The claim brought by the liquidators of BHS Group against certain of its former directors following the group's collapse into insolvency in 2016 saw the first time where a court held company directors guilty of "misfeasant trading". The directors were held to have not considered the creditors' interests before entering into an onerous and expensive secured loan which would exhaust the group's assets if it could not be repaid. The directors were therefore found to have acted against their statutory duties by entering into the loan instead of the group going into administration.

Brokers

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Daniel Charity, Associate

The claims inflation seen in the market over recent years continues to pose a significant risk in relation to underinsurance, putting brokers at risk of negligence claims where an insured finds its cover insufficient to compensate for its losses. Industry research indicates that over 40% of commercial properties are underinsured, and claims managers are increasingly having to have difficult conversations with underinsured property owners. The impact of underinsured losses can be catastrophic for customers, particularly when policies contain average clauses. Insufficient property damage cover can also lead to longer business interruption periods, which are also not adequately insured. Brokers are playing a crucial role in seeking to tackle the underinsurance crisis and should continue to have frank discussions with clients and provide detailed advice on the implications of underinsurance in the event of a claim, including the application of average clauses.