Key facts
- Linklaters has hired two litigators previously associated with FIFA.
- The law firm believes it is premature to align definitively with specific parties in sports litigation.
- Linklaters offers a comprehensive suite of services to the sports industry, including M&A, financing, commercial matters, and regulatory advice.
- The firm emphasizes its global reach and specialized expertise in sports law.
Magic Circle law firm Linklaters has recently strengthened its sports litigation practice by hiring two prominent litigators who previously worked with FIFA. Despite this strategic move, the firm indicated that it is too early to commit to taking sides in the complex and evolving landscape of sports litigation. Linklaters highlighted its comprehensive approach to serving the global sports industry, offering a wide array of services that cater to various stakeholders including corporates, financial sponsors, high-net-worth individuals, sports teams, clubs, and governing bodies.
The firm's international, cross-practice team is equipped to handle matters such as mergers and acquisitions, investments in clubs and competitions, media rights acquisitions, debt and equity financing, commercial agreements, sponsorship deals, intellectual property, data protection, and event planning. They also specialize in litigation, arbitration, investigations, reputation management, and regulatory and anti-trust issues, including large-scale investigations and governance reviews. Employment law and real estate transactions, such as stadium development, are also within their purview.