LTA accused of racial discrimination in challenge to decisions on funding and support

Such benefits are vital for any aspiring young tennis player in their quest to reach the top of the rankings. It is perhaps no surprise therefore, that decisions regarding the provision of funding, opportunities and publicity for junior players have given rise to legal challenges by individuals who feel they are not being treated fairly.

 

A recent example of such a challenge is provided by the case Isaac Stoute is bringing against the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), in which he alleges that the LTA has discriminated against him on racial grounds. This blog looks at Stoute’s case and an earlier case, and considers the types of legal issues that may arise in respect of the provision of funding and support.

Isaac Stoute is a black, 18-year old professional tennis player from South Croydon. In February 2012, Stoute started proceedings against the LTA (the governing body for UK tennis), contending that it had discriminated against him in relation to funding, training opportunities, tournament selection and publicity, preferring to provide such benefits and support to lower ranking white players¹.

  

This claim marks the latest stage in what is apparently a long history of dispute between Stoute and the LTA going back over a number of years². In fact, Stoute had previously brought proceedings against the LTA complaining of discrimination in 2009, although those proceedings were settled³.