Sports Law in Spain
Most people associate sports law with professional football and the business surrounding it, which is often lucrative. Although our law firm does advise clients in the world of professional football, we understand “sports law” in a much broader sense. For us, this branch of law includes advice regarding numerous sports, at both amateur and professional levels. It also requires, apart from advice on sports law in the strict sense of the term, advice from other legal fields, such as employment law and tax law. Our Sports Law Department works closely with colleagues in other departments in order to offer our clients comprehensive, professional advice.
Another characteristic of international sports law is the conflict between the regulations of international federations and the laws of each particular country. These conflicts serve as an ever-present source of discrepancies and disputes regarding interpretation and application in practice. Thorough knowledge of both international regulations and applicable national legislation is therefore essential to providing our clients with the best, most accurate advice.
Advice on Contractual Matters
Even use of an agreement which has been carefully negotiated and drafted cannot completely eliminate the possibility of a legal dispute arising at a later stage; it is absolutely crucial, therefore, to receive comprehensive, detailed advice on contractual matters, especially in a sector as dynamic and in constant flux as sports and sports-related business.
Our goal is to completely safeguard our clients’ interests, even at decisive moments and under deadline, the end of transfer windows, etc. This legal “protection” we provide is evident in all contracts we negotiate on behalf of our clients, which include athletes, athletic clubs, agencies and other parties active in the sports sector.
We advise our clients on agreements typical in sports law, such as employment contracts for team players, transfer agreements, advertising contracts and representation agreements, but also on the drafting of special contracts and new contracts in such a dynamic and constantly shifting field as sport. In line with our firm’s focus, these contracts are often international.
Sports Law Litigation and Representation before Arbitration Courts
We represent and defend our clients in sports law litigation before ordinary courts, dispute resolution bodies belonging to national and international federations, the FIFA Players’ Status Committee as well as arbitration courts such as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with headquarters in Lausanne.
Court litigation and arbitration in the field of sport have their own special characteristics, both in proceedings for disciplinary measures and doping as well as contractual litigation between two parties. Many cases are decided in the last or sole instance before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Proper defence of our clients requires knowledge of the CAS Code or Procedural Rules as well as CAS “case law.”
Comprehensive, Ongoing Advice
A top-tier athlete must have a clear head in order to fully concentrate on achieving his/her sporting goals. Permanent access to legal advice is thus a prerequisite, not only in those matters particular to sport, but on any legal issues that may arise. This is the only way to guarantee that the athlete avoids unnecessary distraction.
We offer comprehensive legal advice to both athletes and the agents and advisers supporting them, and are available 24 hours a day to advise them on their legal problems. Preventive advice plays a crucial role in avoiding problems before they appear.
Do you need advice in Spain? We would be delighted to help you. Please contact us at +34 91 319 96 86 or via email at mad@mmmm.es.