Sports law – lawyer in Frankfurt am Main

Sport has its own rules – and not only on the field of play. Association statutes, licensing regulations and sports jurisdiction exist alongside general civil, employment and corporate law. Anyone active in sport has to keep both levels in mind.

In sport, the interests of athletes, clubs, associations, sponsors and investors come together. I combine these questions with my advice on commercial and corporate law. Sports law is a complementary practice area alongside my main areas of M&A and corporate law.

Association and club law

I advise clubs and team operating companies on questions relating to their articles, on hiving off professional divisions into corporations and on the licensing requirements of leagues and associations. This often concerns the interface between club law and corporate law, for example when investors take a stake in a team operating company.

Contracts in sport

• Player and coach contracts
• Transfer and loan agreements
• Sponsorship and marketing agreements
• Agency agreements between athletes and agencies
• Cooperation agreements between clubs

I review and draft these agreements in light of the relevant association rules and the requirements of employment and civil law.

Proceedings before sports tribunals

In disputes within the association system – for example about suspensions, eligibility or licensing decisions – association and arbitral tribunals often have jurisdiction first. I represent athletes and clubs in such proceedings and assess whether and when recourse to the state courts is available. Litigation and commercial disputes are also part of my practice beyond sport.

Investments in sport

Investors are increasingly acquiring stakes in clubs, team operating companies and sports businesses. Such investments raise corporate and association law questions at the same time, for example regarding ownership limits, approval requirements of the associations and the design of shareholders' agreements. Here I combine my experience in transactions and financing with sports law.

Frequently asked questions

Which rules apply to a player contract?

In addition to general employment and civil law, the statutes and licensing provisions of the relevant association must be observed. These may contain requirements regarding term, registration or transfers.

Do I have to go to the association tribunal first in the event of a suspension?

In many cases, yes, because the associations' statutes provide for an internal dispute resolution procedure. The details depend on the specific rules and on any arbitration agreements.

Whom do you advise in sports law?

I advise athletes, clubs, professional team companies and investors – for example on contract negotiations, association rules, the spin-off of professional operations into a company and investments in clubs.

What matters when spinning off a professional team?

When professional operations are transferred to a limited company, club law, corporate law and association requirements meet. Key questions include the shareholding structure, the voting and control rights of the parent club, licensing requirements and the transfer of contracts and rights. Early coordination with the association is usually advisable.