An analysis of Sports Direct’s failed injunction against Newcastle’s replica kit supply deal
![Football Kit Football Kit](https://www.lawinsport.com/media/zoo/images/football_kit_a3e1c2440a0c8c99b4e64226788d8034.jpg)
On 12 April 2024, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT - a specialist UK tribunal constituted to hear competition law cases) refused to grant apparel retailer Sports Direct an interim injunction requiring Newcastle United FC to supply it with replica kit. The ruling (available here) means that Newcastle United’s decision to supply replica kit to only one (rival) retailer, JD Sports, will stand until final judgment at trial (or further order).1
This article explains the background to the dispute and the CAT’s assessment of the merits of Sports Direct’s interim injunction application. It then provides some key learning points on competition law claims for in house lawyers:
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- Tags: Commercial | Competiton Appeals Tribunal | Competiton Law | Dispute Resolution | Football | UK
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Written by
Joachim Piotrowski
Simon Neill
Simon is the head of Osborne Clarke’s UK competition practice, with nearly thirty years’ experience advising clients on all aspects of UK competition law, merger control and, more recently, NSIA matters.
James Lister
James is a Solicitor Apprentice (Competition) at Osborne Clarke LLP.