3 8 August 2005

News:

Cricket’s growing popularity in the wake of the Ashes’ success has prompted UK Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell to suggest that the Government might reconsider the listing of Home Test matches so that they are free to view on terrestrial television.

World Sports Law Report is organising two half-day Briefings in London which will address key business issues in the sports industry.

European Union countries can still broadcast sports events sponsored by tobacco firms, despite legislation banning sponsorship and advertising deals between these firms and sports organisations.

Features:

The Ashes 2005 series has transformed the perception of cricket in the UK. James Earl, a sports lawyer at Clarke Willmott looks at the commercial and legal challenges the rise and rise of cricket presents.

The furore surrounding the FAPL ruling in “Cole-gate” has finally focussed attention upon the key issue of Restraint of Trade in Premiership football. Solicitor Mel Goldberg and barrister Simon Pentol examine the legal framework, the conflicting arguments and the repercussions that will flow from the ultimate resolution of this compelling issue.

After the euphoria of clinching the race to host the Olympics in 2012, the tough task is already underway to ensure that London delivers on its promises to organise a Games of which Britain can be proud. Sam Hollis, solicitor at athletes1 Legal, assesses what we can expect from Lord Coe and his team.

Branding conflicts are inevitable in sport. Ian Blackshaw, author of Sports Image Rights in Europe, looks at how such conflicts are addressed in European jurisdictions.

Key provisions of the London Olympics Bill are aimed at blocking ambush marketing. James Hennigan, a solicitor at Hammonds, spells out the range of new powers that the Bill will create.

The European Commission’s investigation of the sale of FA Premier League media rights has in recent months sprung back to life. With rumours that the Commission is aiming to cap Sky’s share of the rights to broadcast live Premiership matches at just 50%, the battle between the Commission and the Premier League is again hotting up. Will this end Sky’s monopoly of live matches?

The removal of restrictions on the number of foreign players that could be picked per team has created obstacles that block the progress of local young players into the first team. UEFA’s proposed new rules are designed to encourage the development of home talent. Adrian Rubenstein, a solicitor with Couchman Harrington Associates, looks at how far UEFA’s plans are consistent with the Bosman judgment.