‘Makin’ an insurer pay? It’s a matter of interpretation
Makin v Protec & QBE [2025] EWHC 895 (KB); Burnett v International Insurance Company of Hanover Ltd [2021] UKSC 12 Two cases, both alike in dignity. But with very different…
READ MOREWe will help you protect your rights and achieve your commercial objectives.
Our sports lawyers handle legal issues in an increasingly diverse range of sports including football, darts, golf, boxing and snowboarding. We also have a specialist practice in the legal aspects of organising sporting events.
The team deals with a wide range of contracts, transactions and disputes, no matter their complexity and value.
One of our main strengths is acting for sports’ governing bodies, including the Scottish Football Association, and we thoroughly understand football corporate governance issues and the constitutions of football clubs.
With the support of specialists across our firm, we deliver a tailored service and creative solutions to our sports sector clients with a one-stop-shop.
We also work closely with in-house legal counsel to provide the “on-call” support, which is often required in this fast-moving sector.
Glasgow: +44 (0)141 221 8012 | Edinburgh: +44(0)131 222 2939 | Contact us
Our expertise
Our team advises on the full spectrum of issues facing this sports sector, including:
- Arbitration (for example, disputes between members of governing bodies)
- Business litigation (for example, matters arising from commercial contracts and corporate issues)
- Disciplinary matters (such as player and official discipline and anti-doping)
- Charity regulatory advice
- Commercial contract negotiation
- Corporate governance and constitutional matters
- M&A work, investments in, money out etc.
- Real estate
We also assist high profile sportspeople with personal and professional matters including family law, succession and asset and reputation protection.
- Agents and service contracts
- Disciplinary proceedings and dismissal
- Employee relations
- TUPE
- Abuse claims defence
- Cumulative head trauma
- Health and safety advice
- Advice on, for example, fairness/safety/privacy v inclusion in women’s sport
- Health and safety policy and rules
- Personal injury defence
- Breach of copyright / trade marks
- Copyright (for example, image rights, recorded material) advice
- Data protection / breaches
- Licencing
- Media
- Trade mark applications
Why BTO?
Sport is a fast-paced sector with a number of critical deadlines. A team which prides itself on responsive service, you will always be kept informed and your matter will be dealt with swiftly.
Advising the Scottish Football Association on:
- arbitration proceedings
- commercial agreements for the men’s and women’s international teams
- revising its Articles of Association
- the transfer of ownership of Hampden Stadium
Advising senior club and sports association executives on:
- claims for traumatic sporting injuries
- misconduct allegations
- staffing issues including senior level contract negotiations and TUPE.
- the management of long term injury risks
Advising overseas investors in a professional football club.
Our lawyers understand the sports sector, your language and the rules and regulations that govern you. Our advice considers the commercial realities, as well as the legal issues.
Who we work with
Our clients include:
- Broadcasting, production and events companies
- Governing bodies in sport
- Higher education institutions
- In-house counsel at sports clubs
- Professional football clubs
- Professional sports clubs
- Schools (independent and state)
- Sports agents
- Sporting bodies and associations
- Sports investors, including overseas investors
- Sports people
What people say...
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