header-logo header-logo

Sports law

Subscribe
The case of Caster Semenya highlights the disadvantages faced by athletes under mandatory sports arbitration systems: Dr Estelle Ivanova sets out the need for greater oversight
In Semenya v Switzerland, the European Court of Human Rights found that Switzerland violated Caster Semenya’s right to a fair hearing by failing to rigorously review a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that upheld discriminatory testosterone regulations. Dr Estelle Ivanova of Valloni Attorneys at Law examines the ruling, in which the court criticised the structural imbalance in international sports arbitration where athletes face mandatory arbitration under rules set by powerful governing bodies, in this week's NLJ
As the women’s Euros kicks off, Ian Blackshaw pitches in from the sidelines with some tips on how to tackle ambush marketing
Professor Ian Blackshaw, international sports lawyer and CAS member, warns in NLJ this week that ambush marketing is set to shadow the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland

The Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland, on the application of the Equality Act 2010 has sparked widespread confusion among proprietors of sports clubs, cafes and other venues. How do they provide an inclusive environment and stay on the right side of the law? In this week’s issue of NLJ, Fiona McAnena, of campaign group Sex Matters, and Anya Palmer, Old Square Chambers, assert that the judgment is ‘a model of clarity’. They share their consideration of the landmark judgment, and what it means for sports clubs, employers and proprietors

Fiona McAnena & Anya Palmer on why the inclusion policies of some sports bodies & their member clubs are not based on good law
Michael L Nash muses on sports, advertising & the survival against the odds of Salomon boots
As the Games continue, sports lawyers are poised to deal with any Olympian controversies, writes Ian Blackshaw

The seeming impossibility of triple back-flips and impeccably synchronised dives may impress and inspire, but have you ever tried to breach the legal safeguards surrounding the five Olympics rings? 

Not only the athletes but the lawyers should win a gold medal, writes Athelstane Aamodt
Show
10
Results
Results
10
Results

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bellevue Law—Lianne Craig

Bellevue Law—Lianne Craig

Workplace law firm expands commercial disputes team with senior consultant hire

EIP—Rob Barker

EIP—Rob Barker

IP firm promotes patent attorney to partner

Muckle LLP—Ryan Butler

Muckle LLP—Ryan Butler

Banking and restructuring team bolstered by insolvency specialist

NEWS
The Supreme Court has delivered a decisive ruling on termination under the JCT Design & Build form. Writing in NLJ this week, Andrew Singer KC and Jonathan Ward, of Kings Chambers, analyse Providence Building Services v Hexagon Housing Association [2026] UKSC 1, which restores the first-instance decision and curbs contractors’ termination rights for repeated late payment
Secondments, disciplinary procedures and appeal chaos all feature in a quartet of recent rulings. Writing in NLJ this week, Ian Smith, barrister and emeritus professor of employment law at UEA, examines how established principles are being tested in modern disputes
The AI revolution is no longer a distant murmur—it’s at the client’s desk. Writing in NLJ this week, Peter Ambrose, CEO of The Partnership and Legalito, warns that the ‘AI chickens’ have ‘come home to roost’, transforming not just legal practice but the lawyer–client relationship itself
A High Court ruling involving the Longleat estate has exposed the fault line between modern family building and historic trust drafting. Writing in NLJ this week, Charlotte Coyle, director and family law expert at Freeths, examines Cator v Thynn [2026] EWHC 209 (Ch), where trustees sought approval to modernise trusts that retain pre-1970 definitions of ‘child’, ‘grandchild’ and ‘issue’
Fresh proposals to criminalise ‘nudification’ apps, prioritise cyberflashing and non-consensual intimate images, and even ban under-16s from social media have reignited debate over whether the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA 2023) is fit for purpose. Writing in NLJ this week, Alexander Brown, head of technology, media and telecommunications, and Alexandra Webster, managing associate, Simmons & Simmons, caution against reactive law-making that could undermine the Act’s ‘risk-based and outcomes-focused’ design
back-to-top-scroll