3 6 June 2005

News:

The greater freedom of gambling operators to sponsor programmes and advertise on television could be a ‘double edged sword’ for sports event organisers has warned leading media lawyer, John Enser, a partner at Olswang in an interview with World Sports Law Report.

FIFA Regulations that come into force on I July 2005 pose a ‘threat to the integrity of the FA Premier League’ warns leading sports lawyer, John Hewison, senior partner of George Davies Solicitors, writing in this issue of World Sports Law Report.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is to create a unified policy addressing sports-related crime in England & Wales by Autumn 2005.

Features:

The Ashley Cole case has raised the profile of the rules governing the transfer of players. Discrepancies between domestic and international frameworks means the issue will continue to run. John Hewison, senior partner at George Davies Solicitors examines the issues.

Malcolm Glazer’s recent takeover of Manchester United is the latest in a series of commercial milestones involving England’s top clubs. Michael Stirling, Head of Pricing Strategies at Field Fisher Waterhouse, examines how clubs are exploiting their assets to achieve ever-higher commercial objectives.

The motives behind bidding to host a major sporting event must be more than just a celebration of sport. Decision-makers consider an award to be a significant right requiring a lasting legacy from the host. Danny Downs, solicitor in the Sports Business Group at Addleshaw Goddard, examines the issues to be addressed in a successful bid.

Despite recognition by the Government of the social and policy benefits of sport, the UK tax structure fails to support these aims says Richard Baldwin, Lead Tax Partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP.

The Beckham’s failure to obtain an injunction preventing revelations from a former Nanny appearing in a national newspaper highlights the current uncertainty surrounding UK privacy laws. Dan Tench, Head of public law and a media partner at Olswang, examines the difficulties sports stars and celebrities face in protecting their privacy.

Conduct in professional sport has questioned the adequacy of sporting regulatory processes, with governments and the judiciary intervening. Michele Verroken, Director of Sporting Integrity, argues the need for sport itself to control unacceptable sporting practices.

The sacking of St Helens Rugby League coach Ian Millward for the use of abusive language raises important issues for sports organisations explains Russell Brown, solicitor at Glaisyers.