- Introduction
- Members
- Studies
- Research in Action
- Sports Law Insights
- Jean Monnet Chair
- EU Football Agents Project
- EU Sport Diplomacy Project
- EU Summer School
- Events
- Contact
Introduction
Introduction
The Centre for Sports Law Research is engaged in funded consultancy for both public and private bodies on issues relevant to the legal regulation of sport. The Centre has a particular focus on the intersection between sport and European law, but is also engaged with questions on both global and national levels.
Centre staff have produced reports and expert advice for a number of bodies, including the European Parliament, the European Commission and the House of Lords. Centre staff regularly give papers at professional and academic events worldwide.
The Centre welcomes proposals for collaborative ventures.
Members
Full-time members
The Director of the CSLR is Professor Richard Parrish, Jean Monnet Chair of EU Sports Law and Policy. Co-ordinating CSLR activities is Adam Pendlebury with other full-time members being Dr Andrea Cattaneo and Dr Leanne O’Leary who is a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) panel of arbitrators.
Practitioner Members
Academic Members
Alumni Members
Studies
The Centre is engaged in funded external consultancy within its fields of expertise, and has a number of international partners with which projects requiring external expertise can be completed. To discuss a proposal and costings, please contact the Director, Professor Richard Parrish.
The Centre has undertaken the following consultancy activities:
- Parrish, R. Cattaneo, A et al (2019), Promoting and Supporting Good Governance in the European Football Agents Industry, Final Report.
- Parrish, R. Cattaneo, A et al (2019), National Associations’ Report
- Parrish, Richard, Fourneyron, Valérie and Zintz, Thierry et al (2016) High Level Group on Sports Diplomacy. Technical Report. European Commission, Brussels
- Parrish, R. et al (2013), co-author with the Universities of Liverpool and Loughborough ‘Study on the Assessment of UEFA’s Home-Grown Player Rule’, Study for the European Commission, EAC/07/2012, pp.138.
- Parrish, R. & Miettinen, S. (2011), co-authors with TMC Asser Institute, ‘Study into the Identification of Themes and Issues to be Dealt with in a Social Dialogue in the European Professional Basketball Sector’, Unpublished Report for the European Commission.
- Parrish, R. & Miettinen, S. (2011), co-authors with TMC Asser Instituteand University of Leiden, ‘Study on the Equal Treatment of Non-nationals in Individual Sports Competitions’, Report for the European Commission, pp. 246.
- Parrish, R. (2011), Specialist Advisor, House of Lords Inquiry into Grassroots Sport and the European Union.
- Parrish, R. & Miettinen, S. (2010), co-authors with TMC Asser Institute and Loughborough University, ‘The Lisbon Treaty and European Union Sports Policy’, Report for the European Parliament, pp. 73.
- Parrish, R. et al (2010), Group of Independent European Sport Experts Report on ‘EU Priorities in the Field of Sport’, Report for Commissioner Vassiliou, 2010, pp. 8.
- Parrish, R. (2009), co-author with TMC Asser Institute, ‘Study into the Identification of Themes and Issues to be Dealt with in a Social Dialogue in the European Professional Cycling Sector’, Report for the European Commission, pp. 168.
- Parrish, R. (2008), co-author with TMC Asser Institute, ‘Study into the Identification of Themes and Issues to be Dealt with in a Social Dialogue in the European Professional Football Sector’, Report for the European Commission, pp. 237.
- Parrish, R. (2005), co-author with TMC Asser Institute and Sport2B consultants, Professional Sport in the Internal Market’, Report for European Parliament, pp. 92.
Research in Action
The Centre for Sports Law Research at Edge Hill University has been at the forefront of developments shaping the content and direction of EU sports law and policy and influencing standards in international sports governance. Below are a selection of some of our activities.
Influencing International Sports Governance
Shaping EU Sports Policy
Informing the Regulation of Football Agents
Promoting a Strategic Approach to EU Sports Diplomacy
Shaping Approaches to Nationality Discrimination in Sport
Sports Law Insights
Sports Law Insights
The Two Faces of Sports Law
Sports law is a fascinating and rapidly developing field of legal practice and academic inquiry. It is an area of law that presents two faces – a public and a private face.
The public face of sports law refers to the approach taken to sport by Government, Parliament and the Courts. The UK operates a non-interventionist sports model which implies an ‘arms-length’ role for the state in sport in which sports are organised by the sporting associations themselves rather than through state legislation. This model reflects the prevailing view in UK politics that sport is essentially a private pursuit to be organised and promoted by private interests. Nevertheless, the state has recognised that as sport performs some public and quasi-public functions, it should retain an interest in the sector, although this interest is generally elaborated through arm’s length / semi-governmental organisations such the Sports Councils. Consequently, in theory at least, sports bodies in the UK retain autonomy to determine their own organisational and regulatory choices free from state interference. In practice, these choices are restricted by statutory and judicial influences on sport most notably in the areas of:
- Stadium Safety
- Crowd Disorder
- Criminal Law to Sporting Conduct
- The Regulation of Sports Injuries
- Restraint of Trade
The public face of sports law has been expanded by the increasing involvement of the European Union in sporting matters. In the 1974 Walrave judgment, the Court of Justice of the European Union stated that sport is subject to European Union law whenever it is practiced as an economic activity, although some sporting rules, such as rules restricting eligibility to represent a national team, were removed from EU oversight if they amounted to rules of purely sporting interest. The recent approach of the Court is to treat most sporting activity as falling within the scope of EU law, although the Court does recognise that certain sporting rules should be sympathetically treated, particularly within the scope of the Treaty provisions dealing with freedom of movement for workers and competition law. The ability of the European Court to recognise the special characteristics of sport when applying these Treaty provisions has been strengthened by the entry into force of Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) which calls upon the institutions of the EU to recognise the specific nature of sport. Although the relationship between UK sport and EU law is in a state of uncertainty following Brexit, the EU has been particularly influential in developing sports law in the areas of:
- Home Grown Player Rule
- Transfer Windows
- Training Compensation
- The Rights of Non-EU Athletes
- Sports Broadcasting
- State Aid in Sport
- Anti-Doping Rules
- Selection Rules
- Nationality Discrimination in Amateur Sport
The private face of sports law refers to the rules and constitutions of sports governing bodies and the jurisprudence of the specialist sports tribunals and appeals bodies. In football, for example, FIFA rules establish the global parameters in which regional confederations, such as UEFA, and national associations, such as the English Football Association, devise their own set of regulations. At each level specialist sports tribunals operate to hear disputes arising from these regulations. These decisions, in some cases, can be appealed to the supreme court of sport – the Swiss based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The existence of these sports tribunals and CAS has led some commentators to argue that the public face of sports law should step aside to allow sport to develop its own legal system which is more cost effective and quicker than recourse to ordinary courts. This system of sporting justice, which is often referred to as the emerging lex sportiva, has substantially shaped a range of sporting rules including those related to commercial and disciplinary matters.
Jean Monnet Chair
Jean Monnet Chair
In 2016, Richard Parrish, Professor of Sports Law at Edge Hill University, was awarded the title of Jean Monnet Chair in EU Sports Law and Policy by the EU. Professor Parrish is the first Edge Hill academic to receive this accolade, which is named after one of the founding fathers of the European Union. The title is awarded by the EU following a worldwide call for applications. The Jean Monnet Chair is awarded to academics, policymakers, professionals and members of civil society who are active in the field of EU studies.
Throughout the duration of the award, running from 2016 to 2019, Professor Parrish has embarked on a programme of activities designed to advance awareness and understanding of EU sports law and policy.
EU Summer School
Research in Action
Events
EU Football Agents Project
EU Football Agents Project
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Promoting and Supporting Good Governance in the European Football Agents Industry
This project received financial support under the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme (Collaborative Partnerships). The project commenced in January 2018 and will conclude in December 2019. The project is led by Edge Hill University (represented by Professor Richard Parrish) and the project partners are the Universidad Carlos III Madrid, the German Sport University Cologne, the University of Umeå in Sweden and the University of Rijeka in Croatia.
The focus of this project is to undertake evidence based research in order to promote and support good governance in the context of the regulation of football players’ agents (now referred to as ‘intermediaries’) in the EU.
Throughout the duration of the project, we will be hosting a series of international seminars designed to foster dialogue between the football stakeholders. We will also be undertaking an ambitious research plan which will detail how the FIFA Regulations on Working With Intermediaries have been implemented by national football associations across the EU.
For further information on the project, see the EU’s Erasmus+ page and follow us on Twitter at @eusportslaw.
If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact Professor Richard Parrish: [email protected].
Outputs
Final Report (PDF)
National Associations’ Report (PDF)
Events
London, September 27th 2018
Madrid, December 14th 2018
Cologne, February 1st 2019
Malmo, April 24th 2019
Rijeka, June 10th 2019
Manchester, November 1st 2019
Project Partners
Professor Richard Parrish
Edge Hill University
Professor Carmen Pérez González
University Carlos III Madrid
Professor Jürgen Mittag
German Sport University, Cologne
Professor Johan Lindholm
University of Umeå
Professor Vanja Smokvina
University of Rijeka, Faculty of Law
Dr Andrea Cattaneo
Edge Hill University
EU Sport Diplomacy Project
EU Sport Diplomacy Project
This project received financial support under the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme (Collaborative Partnerships). The project commenced in January 2019 and concluded in December 2021 following a Covid-19 extension.
Promoting a Strategic Approach to EU Sport Diplomacy
The project was led by Edge Hill University (represented by Professor Richard Parrish) and the project partners were the Universidad Carlos III Madrid, The University of Rijeka, Faculty of Law, the TMC Asser Institute, ESSCA, Université Catholique de Louvain and the Macedonian NGO TAKT (Together Advancing Common Trust). We co-operated with our associate partner, the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) from the Council of Europe.
The project undertook primary research and staged a series of Multiplier Sport Events (MSE) to support EU priorities in the area of sport diplomacy. The project outcomes will help the EU adopt a strategic approach to sport diplomacy and provide evidence of instances where sport can help amplify key EU diplomatic messages and help forge better diplomatic relations with third countries.
Some members of the project team, including the project lead, were members of the EU’s High-Level Group on Sport Diplomacy that produced a report for the European Commission in 2016. Project lead, Prof. Richard Parrish, is also a member of a second Erasmus+ funded project examining the development of EU sport diplomacy. For further details see the TES-D project, Towards an EU sport diplomacy.
Outputs
Final Report: Final Report
Executive Summary: Executive Summary
Interim Report: Sport and Citizenship
Events
Zagreb, June 2019
Madrid, September 2019
Strasbourg, November 2019
The Hague, March 2020
Skopje, November 2021
Brussels, November 2021
Project Partners
Professor Richard Parrish
Edge Hill University
Dr Antoine Duval
The TMC Asser Institute
Professor Carmen Pérez González
University Carlos III Madrid
Silvija Mitevska
Macedonian NGO TAKT
Professor Albrecht Sonntag
ESSCA
Professor Thierry Zintz
Université Catholique de Louvain
Professor Vanja Smokvina
University of Rijeka, Faculty of Law
Dr Andrea Cattaneo
Edge Hill University
EU Summer School
In 2016, Professor Richard Parrish was awarded a Jean Monnet Chair in EU Sports Law and Policy. To mark this achievement, the Centre for Sports Law Research now offers an annual EU Sports Law and Policy Summer School. The first such Summer School was held at Edge Hill University at the end of August 2017. With the generous support of the EUs Erasmus + Programme, the events were offered free of charge and they attracted delegates from across Europe. In addition to the classes delivered by Professor Parrish, delegates were able to learn from a number of experts from the Sport & EU community.
2019 Summer School
2018 Summer School
2017 Summer School
Events
Events
The Centre for Sports Law Research has organised the following events:
Seminar on Sport and Human Rights
The Department of Law and Criminology, the Centre for Sports Law Research and the International Justice and Human Rights Unit hosted a Seminar on Sport and Human Rights.
Sport is a global system that generates its own rules and principles, but operates in the context of universal values, such as fair play, right to participate, and solidarity. Amongst these values, the protection of human rights of athletes, sportspeople, workers and fans must be upheld. The “Sport and Human Rights” seminar highlighted the challenges faced by a private system bound to apply public standards.
Topics for discussion included:
- Children’s Rights and Sport
- Human Rights and Sports Governing Bodies
- The International Olympic Committee and Freedom of Speech
Speakers
- Professor Mark James, Manchester Metropolitan University
- Dr Eleanor Drywood, Liverpool University
- Dr Leanne O’Leary, Edge Hill University
For further information, please contact Andrea Cattaneo or Patrick Butchard.
Policing Football
The Department of Law and Criminology, the Centre for Sports Law Research and the Policing Research Unit are pleased to announce an early evening discussion on ‘Policing Football’. Topics for discussion include:
- Alcohol control: is it time for reform?
- Safe-standing: opportunity or risk?
- Football Banning Orders: Effective or punitive?
- Policing costs: Who pays?
- Fan culture: Where do the boundaries lie?
Speakers
- Dave Charnock, Superintendent, Merseyside Police
- Amanda Jacks, Case Worker, Football Supporters’ Federation.
- Dr Geoff Pearson, University of Manchester.
- Owen West, Retired Chief Superintendent, West Yorkshire Police.
Details
Date: Friday 22 November 2019
Location: Law and Psychology Building, Edge Hill University
Drinks: 5pm – 5.30pm
Event: 5.30pm – 7pm
Reception: 7pm – 7.30pm
The Future of Sports Law and Business Flagship Conference November 2019
Kings Chambers, in conjunction with the Centre for Sports Law Research at Edge Hill University, presented a flagship conference looking at the future issues and opportunities in the sporting sector. This one-day conference brought together leading sports law and business experts from across Europe to offer their insight into current trends and future developments.
Rather than simply provide an update or debate an aspect of an area of sports law, this conference was intended as a critical event for those immersed in the world of sport. The conference provided the opportunity for those with an interest in sports law, governance and the business of sport, the chance to hear what the leading experts think about the important issues within sport in 2019 and beyond, as well as time to debate, discuss and expand up on the topics discussed throughout the course of the day.
The event incorporated the release of the findings from a major two-year study, generously supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme, into the regulation of football agents across Europe. Leading industry figures and stakeholders debated the findings and discussed what the future holds for football agents.
Resolving Sports Disputes Public Seminar
In November 2018, the Centre for Sports Law Research held an open public seminar on Resolving Sports Disputes. We are very grateful to our guest speaker, Steven Flynn (Barrister, St John’s Buildings Chambers), Elke Kendall and Matthew Ross (Solicitors, Brabners) and Gareth Farrelly (Solicitor, Bermans), for their contributions. The event was generously supported by the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme, Jean Monnet programme.
Sport & EU Conference 2018
Between July 3-4 2018, the Centre for Sports Law Research hosted the 13th annual Sport&EU conference. With over 100 speakers and delegates, this was the largest event in Sport&EU history.
The event brought together leading academics and sports practitioners to discuss the major issues facing sport in Europe. The conference received generous support of the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme.
Sports Law and Business Conference 2018
On March 16th, the Centre for Sports Law Research, in collaboration with St John’s Buildings Chambers, Manchester, hosted an international Sports Law and Business conference at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, home of Manchester City FC. Over 200 delegates heard industry leading practitioners discuss:
- Sports Media: Brand Rights in the Digital Single Market
- E-Sports: Legal issues and opportunities in this developing area
- Safeguarding: Ensuring the safety of participants & the possibility of future litigation
- Sports disciplinary and arbitration panels
- The need for a transfer system in professional sport
- Equality in sport
Speakers included:
- Rick Parry, former Head of the Premier League
- David Conn, The Guardian
- Clare Briegal, International Netball Federation
- Ramunas Linartas, European Commission
- Paul Stewart, former professional footballer. Author of ‘Damaged’
- Despina Mavromati, sports lawyer
- Giovanni Branchini, Sports Agent
- Anna Baumann, eSports lawyer
- Tom ‘Morte’ Kerbusch, eSports professional
- Amanda Hill, England and Wales Cricket Board
- Richard Cramer, Front Row Legal
- Sam Hillas, Judicial Officer RFU
- Richard Grundy, Barrister
eSports 2017
eSports refers to competitive video gaming. In recent years, eSports has become enormously popular. eSports tournaments are played for money and they can draw huge audiences. The legal issues connected with this activity are little understood and so in March 2017, the Centre for Sports Law Research hosted a half day workshop exploring the governance of sports and examining employment related issues within the industry. Our keynote speaker, Koen Weijland from Ajax FC not only spoke about working within the industry, he also demonstrated his eSports skills by challenging audience members to a game of FIFA 17. Also speaking were Kevin Carpenter, member of the Esports Integrity Coalition, and Robert Branco Martins, a sports lawyer.
Football Law 2016
In November 2016 at the Hotel Football, Old Trafford, Manchester, the Centre for Sports Law Research, in collaboration with St John’s Buildings Chambers, Manchester, hosted an international Football Law conference. Over 100 delegates listened to industry leading speakers discuss the football transfer system, football governance and the consequences of Brexit for football.
Speakers included:
- Jane Purdon, UK Sport
- Wil van Megan, FIFPro
- Malcolm Clarke, Football Supporters Federation,
- Yves le Losteque, European Commission
- Carol Couse, Mills and Reeve
- Simon Barker, Professional Footballers Association
- Angelique Bret, Pinsent Masons
- Daniel Geey, Sheridans
- Mark Hovell, Mills and Reeve
- Paul Rawnsley, Deloitte
- Kevin Carpenter, Captivate Legal
- Stuart Baird, Centrefield
- Roberto Branco Martins, European Football Agents Association
Previous Events
- Bosman at 20: The Future of Sports Law, November 27th 2015, Edge Hill University. Speakers: Sean Cottrell (LawinSport), Chris Anderson (Everton FC), Roberto Branco Martins (EFAA), Kevin Carpenter (consultant) & Alan Dafir (Front Row Legal).
- The Regulation of Players’ Agents and Third Party Ownership, Lisbon, June 2014, with Lisbon law firm Albuquerque & Associates.
- International Conference on ‘Football and the Law’, Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Manchester, 30th March 2012, in partnership with Brabners Chaffe Street Solicitors.
- Workshop on ‘The Future of European Sports Law: The Lisbon Treaty and Sport’, Speakers were Maurice Watkins (Director, Manchester United FC), Professor Stephen Weatherill (University of Oxford) & Ken Foster (University of Westminster), March 2010.
- International Conference, the Third Annual Sport&EU Conference, Edge Hill University, 4-5 July 2008.
- International Conference, British Council-NWO Partnership Programme in Science funded international post-doctoral conference, ‘The European Commission White Paper on Sport’, Den Haag, February 2008.
Contact
Contact
To contact the Centre, please email Professor Richard Parrish.
Edge Hill University
Centre for Sports Law Research
St Helens Road
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L39 4QP
United Kingdom
01695 657609