Burness Paull LLP

Our market-leading sports team have acted in some of the most high profile matters in Scotland. With a broad range of clients, including governing bodies, sports clubs, tournament-organisers, sports people, venues, rights-holders and sponsors we have a wealth of sports sector experience.

We regularly provide advice across a wide range of sports including football, rugby, cricket, golf, cycling, snooker and squash.

Our client roster reflects the quality of our performance, and includes the Scottish FA, the International Cricket Council, the Scottish Rugby Union, Sky Sports, Everton FC, Hibernian FC, Aberdeen FC, Sir Alex Ferguson and two championship golf courses.

Our sports clients trust us with their IP and brand protection, broadcasting, media and streaming rights and reputation management.

We advise them on critical contracts including sponsorship/partnership agreements, licensing and image rights, and fan engagement terms & conditions.

We have experience drafting and advising on sports disciplinary and regulatory rules and their application. Our team has also successfully advised on a number of high-profile Judicial Reviews, so we are adept at advising when the stakes are at their highest.

Our specialist immigration team provides sports organisations and sporting individuals with advice in relation to visa requirements, including visitor visa rules for international coaching staff, and on compliance duties in relation to sponsor licences.

Our cross divisional team of experts also provides multidisciplinary support on wider issues such as:

• Employment law
• Data protection
• Corporate M&A
• Real estate