Adam Lewis KC

Acted for the FA in arbitral proceedings brought against it under FA Rule K by several leading sports agencies, alleging that the FA’s implementation in National Football Agents Regulations (NFAR) of the new FIFA Football Agents Regulations (FFAR) breaches competition law and should consequently be restrained. FIFA intervened to defend its FFAR, but some aspects of them were found unlawful. Also advising The FA on implementation and related issues more widely.

Acted for the Premier League in successive proceedings in 2023 and 2024 in which two Section W Commissions found the Club to have breached the PL Financial Regulations (the Profitability and Sustainability Rules or PSRs) in Season 2021/22 and then Season 2022/23. Each imposed points sanctions. The first Commission’s sanction of 10 points was reduced on appeal. Further proceedings are currently stayed. Purported mitigation based on amongst other things the Covid epidemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine were rejected. Interested clubs have also sought before the PL Section W Commission to recover consequent compensation from the Club. This decision is the first PL Section W Commission imposition of a sanction under the PSRs. Also advising the PL in relation to several other clubs’ compliance with the rules.

Acted for the EFL in proceedings in which the Club’s persistent failures to pay other clubs on time have been referred to an EFL Commission for sanction under the EFL Financial Regulations. The case settled with the Club accepting a sanction.

Acts for the league in relation to a wide number of possible rule changes, including to the owners and directors test, to financial regulation, to the regulatory process, and in light of UEFA club licensing requirements.

Separately acted for tennis bodies and football bodies on competition law issues relating to the structure for the marketing of commercial rights in the sport.

Acted for World Rugby on competition law issues relating to the relationship between the club game and the international game, and to a proposed new competition format, based on the IPL. There is a perpetual balance to be struck between the interests of the club game, which employs players, and their unions, which wish them to be released for international duty. There is equally such a balance to be struck as to which parts of the year are to be allocated to the international game, and which to the club game. Clubs and leagues have challenged that balance. In addition World 12s requested sanction of a new competition format with 12 players and shorter matches to be played each August, where franchises would bid for players on the model of the IPL.

Acted for The FA in relation to the PFA’s funding.

Acted for the ECB in relation to the review of its disciplinary processes and the drafting of appropriate changes in light of developments in cricket. 

Acted for The FA in the context of the UK GBE arrangements under which a sports governing body can apply rules as to when a foreign player has reached a level that justifies the grant of a UK visa to the player.

Acted for UEFA in CAS proceedings brought by expelled officials of the Belarus Football Federation challenging the decision of UEFA not to change on review the discretionary decision of the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors not to open disciplinary proceedings against the Belarus Football Federation or its officials.

Acted for PGAET in the context of LIV Golf’s creation of an unsanctioned competition, and the disciplinary proceedings brought against several players as a result of their playing LIV events rather than PGAET events, when their requests for permission to do so had been refused. LIV, and the players, challenge the need for permission and the refusal of it as unlawful.

Acted for the FA in FUR’s challenge in CAS to UEFA’s and The FA’s exclusion of Russian international teams from participation in international competitions (one being about to be held by the FA in England) following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Acted for the Premier League in its successful defence of an arbitration brought by Burnley FC challenging the Premier League’s decision not to implement in full FIFA regulations permitting players at Russian Clubs  to move following the invasion of Ukraine, because to do so would advantage some Clubs and disadvantage others.   

Acted for the Premier League in the context of the Government sanctions on the Club’s owner following the invasion of Ukraine.  Absent licence from the Government to allow the Club to complete its fixtures, the Premier League competition would have been fundamentally undermined.

Acted for The FA in defence of disciplinary proceedings opened by UEFA against the FA into crowd behaviour at the 2022 match between England and Germany.  The charges were dropped.

Acted for the FA in an appeal against a Regulatory Commission’s finding a disciplinary case not proven, to obtain amongst other things an authoritative Appeal Board ruling, which was made, that the balance of probabilities test does not involve any requirement that the more serious the charge, the more cogent must be the evidence to prove it.

Acted for the Premier League in the context of investigations into several Clubs’ compliance with the Financial Regulations during season 2021/2022, and complaints by other Clubs that they had not complied.

Acted for the Premier League in the context of an investigation into whether Club ownership requirements were satisfied in a particular case. 

Acted for the Premier League in the context of a Club’s complaint as to the consequences of incorrect VAR decisions.

Acted for the Premier League in several cases in relation to the grant or refusal of match postponements, disciplinary proceedings, and the possibility of rule changes, all in the light of the continuing aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Acted for the Premier League in an arbitration brought by Newcastle United challenging the PL Board decision that if the proposed acquisition of the Club by a consortium led by the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proceeds, the KSA would become a “Director” of the Club, such that it would fall to be assessed against the PL Owners and Directors Test. The Club’s challenge to the chair of the Arbitral Tribunal on bias grounds failed before the Commercial Court. Prior to the hearing of the arbitration, legally binding assurances were provided that meant that the KSA did not fall to be assessed against the OADT.

Also acted for the Premier League in the simultaneous additional competition law proceedings brought before the Competition Appeals Tribunal by the 100% owner of the Club, St James Holdings Ltd, in relation to the same PL Board decision. The Premier League's challenge to CAT's jurisdiction was heard by the CAT, with an online audience of 33,000, but before judgment the proceedings were withdrawn when legally binding assurances  were provided.

Advised and acted for the Premier League in response to the threatened but aborted establishment of the European Super League, unsanctioned by football’s governing bodies, in Spring 2021. The response of amongst others the Premier League caused its member clubs that were involved to withdraw from the project. Proceedings continue in Spain and a reference has been made to the European Court. Continues to advise in relation to the subsequent consequences of the events.

Advises and acts for the Premier League in the context of the continuing consequences of the failed late 2020 and early 2021 Big Picture proposals for the restructuring and funding of the Premier League and EFL. The response of amongst others the Premier League headed off the proposals at that point, but the issues that gave rise to them remain. Similarly advised the Premier League in relation to the attempt to set up the European Super League in 2021.

Acted for The FA in its defence of UEFA charges brought following events at the Euros Final in summer 2021. The tribunal imposed a sanction of one match behind closed doors and a further such match suspended, as opposed to the three matches behind closed doors sought by the independent disciplinary inspector.

Advised and acted for the EFL in relation to Derby County’s breach of the EFL Financial Regulations in disciplinary proceedings ending in summer 2021.

Acted for an agent in the context of an attempt to commence arbitral proceedings against him, claiming breach of duties under a dual representation contract

Advised and acted for PRL in relation to possible charges against clubs for breach of the Salary Cap Regulations.  Previously acted for PRL in the similar case against Saracens.

Acted for UK Sport in relation to a sport’s challenge to the funding granted to it in the Paris Cycle. The sport suggests that UK Sport has misapplied the criteria to it with the result that it falls into a different category to that into which it believes it should fall.

Acted for Lille defending Sporting’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the FIFA decision in respect of a player.

Sat as sole arbitrator in a dispute between an overseas broadcast rights holder and its overseas commercial partner. The matter settled before trial, following interim applications and procedural issues. 

Acted for a Club in relation to the proper application and legality of the UEFA Covid-19 pandemic exception to the FFP Rules, which allows clubs to write off a loss in defined periods, but does not afford the equivalent benefit to prudent clubs, thereby placing them at a disadvantage in terms of permissible expenditure and possible compliance over the entire reporting period.

Advised and acted for the EFL in relation to proceedings brought by a Club to challenge the structure of the loan facility made available to League Clubs as a result of the damage suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Acted for and advised the WRU in the context of threatened competition law proceedings by a rugby club in respect of the participation arrangements and distribution of funding, including in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic

Advised World Rugby in the context of the adaptation of the international windows in the calendar in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in relation to player release as a result.

Advises the Premier League in relation to possible changes to the provisions in respect of Related Party Transactions for the purposes of the Profitability and Sustainability Rules

Advises the EFL on possible revisions to the EFL Financial Regulations.  

Advises and acts for the EFL in relation to the PFA’s objections to the adoption of a League 1 and League 2 Salary Cap.  

Advises PRL in relation to changes to the Intermediaries Regulations

Complaint to European Commission. Current

Advises and acts for World Rugby in the context of the LNR’s complaint to the European Commission that WR Regulations on player release infringe competition law

Advised and acted for the Premier League throughout 2020 and 2021 and continues to do so in the context of its ongoing reaction to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.  At the outset, major concerns were the basis on which the 2019/2020 competition should be completed and the 2020/2021 competition pursued. Issues included whether the 2019/2020 season could and should be played out, and how, and if not, the basis on which it should be resolved in terms of winner, European places and relegation, the creation of protocols for safe play and the consequences of positive tests, and changes to the Premier League Rules to address the situation. Whatever course were adopted would provoke reaction from diverse groups with different interests, and threats of action on various bases including competition law, but a fine line was successfully taken, to date avoiding the litigation threatened.

Acted for PRL in a challenge to the PRL decision on the movement of a coach from one Club to another.

Advised World Rugby on possible revisions of Regulation 8 in relation to the eligibility of players to play for a Union.  

Advised Club on a dispute as to the proper interpretation of contract and rectification.

Acted for basketball club Olympiacos in a dispute with Panathinaikos and Olympiacos’ appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against Euroleague’s decision not to discipline Panathinaikos for breach of its rules.

Advised Premier Rugby Limited in the context of its reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic, and in particular the creation of protocols for safe play and the consequences of positive tests.

Advised the Six Nations in relation to adaption of the basis on which their media rights are marketed, and other issues.

Advised and acted for the International Rugby League in its defence of an appeal brought by the Tonga Rugby League to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against its expulsion.

Conducted an independent internal investigation in relation to a sports governing body’s actions and processes in dealing with a potential breach of its rules by staff. 

Acted for the Club in its successful appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the two lower instance FIFA decisions and transfer ban in respect of the signing of young players, and at the earlier stages.

Acted for Premier Rugby Limited in its proceedings against Saracens for breach of the salary cap.  Saracens defended on the basis that it was not in breach of the salary cap and in any event the entire salary cap was contrary to competition law.  Saracens failed in the defences and the independent panel, chaired by Lord Dyson, fined Saracens £5.3million and deducted the club 35 points. The relevant rules were adapted to provide for a further deduction if in a season following a finding of breach, a club failed to submit to an audit of compliance.  Saracens was consequently deducted a total of 70 points and was relegated  at the end of the 2019/2020 season when it was eventually completed.

Advised World Rugby in the context of disciplinary proceedings against the SRU in respect of its reaction to the rescheduling of its match against Japan at the Rugby World Cup 2019.

Advised and acted for a football club in its dispute with another club over the transfer of a player.

Advised Cardiff City FC on the transfer position after the death of Emiliano Sala.

Acted for the IAAF in the Court of Arbitration for Sport arbitration commenced by RusAF to challenge the IAAF’s decision not to reinstate RusAF to full unsuspended membership pending the satisfaction of various conditions imposed on such reinstatement. The Russian organisation was suspended following the McLaren Report concluding that there had been organised evasion of the anti-doping rules in Russia.

Acted for the International Canoe Federation before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a dispute with the International Surfing Association. CAS issued an award in relation to the governance of the sport of Stand-Up Paddleboard, rejecting the International Surfing Association’s claim to an exclusive right to govern the sport at world level but allowing it a role at Olympic level.

Acted for the Premier League in disciplinary proceedings against a scout and football club in the context of the Youth Development Rules.

Sat as an FA Rule K sole arbitrator on a dispute between a football club and an agent.

Advised a Racecourse in relation to rights over races.

Advised World Rugby in relation to a dispute over qualification to the Rugby World Cup 2019. 

Advised the Premier League in relation to its Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

Defended the Wasps rugby player Ashley Johnson on a charge of breaching the anti-doping rules. The breach was found to have been inadvertent and only a short suspension was imposed. Also advised and acted in a number of other doping cases that are confidential.

Appeared for Chelsea on Exeter’s application to the Professional Football Compensation Committee for training compensation in respect of the defender Ethan Ampadu.

Acted for the player Alex Song in the Court of Arbitration proceedings brought against him by his former agent.

Acted for Chris Froome in the context of the delay of the UCI and WADA in clearing the cyclist following an abnormal result.  The cyclist was not charged because there was no basis for doing so, but the delay in reaching this conclusion led to the organisers of the Tour de France threatening to withdraw his entry to the 2018 race, raising the possibility of appeal to a French sports tribunal. 

Acted for UEFA in the Jersey Football Association’s attempt to overturn UEFA’s refusal of membership to it. 

Acted for The FA in its defence of FIFA disciplinary proceedings in respect of the wearing of the poppy by England players, which FIFA asserted was the wearing of a political symbol.  Following two disciplinary hearings and appeal by The FA to CAS, which was not heard, FIFA changed its rules and allowed the wearing of the poppy in November 2017. 

Advised the FA in its prosecution before the Regulatory Commission of an agent charged with misconduct.

Advised UK Sport on the process for revision of sports’ funding for the Olympics, including in particular in the context of the objections of the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association to the conditions imposed on funding  

Previously advised on the Tokyo and Rio Funding Cycles.

Advised the ICC on the application of the ICC Code of Ethics.

Advised a Polo player on the legality and reasonableness of the Hurlingham Polo Association’s changes to playing equipment rules.

Advised Arsenal Football Club in the context of the provision of special police services to the Club by the Metropolitan Police.

Advised a national sports association on the reorganisation of the sale of media rights.  The matter involved a number of issues including completion law. 

Appointed as the Chair of the three person Independent Review of Integrity in Tennis, a major international review of the nature and extent of the threats to integrity arising in the sport, how they were addressed by the sport, and of how best to deal with them in the future, through changes to the rules, the mechanisms for enforcement, relationships, independence, resources, transparency, and education. The review also had to deal with various historical allegations, which the press had suggested indicate that tennis’ approach in the past and presently was inappropriate. A very large number of witnesses all around the world were heard.  An Interim Report followed by a Final Report were issued in 2018.

Advised the boxer Tyson Fury in relation to agency matters. Also advised in relation to a number of other boxers.   

Advised a premier league club on a dispute with its former manager.   

Advised a national sports association on the compliance of its disciplinary structure with the common law and human rights law.

Advised a national sports association on the restructuring of its league.    

Advised Lagardère on contractual entitlement under a sponsorship marketing agreement

FA Rule K sole arbitrator of a dispute between club and player.

Advised and acted for UK Sport on the process for revision of sports’ funding for the Tokyo Funding Cycle. Various sports were at risk of losing funding, and the process had to afford all of them an opportunity to put their case and to challenge any decisions.  

Advised Fulham in relation to a dispute between clubs over a player transfer.

Acted for UEFA in the Football Association of Serbia’s attempt to overturn UEFA’s admission of the Kosovan Football Federation to UEFA before CAS.  The hearing has taken place, the award is awaited.

Acted for Chelsea in a dispute with Fiorentina over the loan of a player. Chelseasucceeded before the DRC and the case is now before CAS.

Sat as single FA Rule K arbitrator on a dispute between player and club.

Also acting for a club on a further current player club FA Rule K arbitration.

Advised several sports governing bodies on changes to governance structures in the light of relevant recent developments in particular in relation to the compliance of regulatory and disciplinary procedures with human rights and public law standards.

Advised UK Sport on funding structures for the Tokyo Cycle.  Previously advised on the Rio Cycle.

Legality of the Championship Financial Fair Play rules on competition and free movement grounds.

Also previously GFA v UEFA. Long running litigation culminating in the GFA being admitted to membership of both UEFA and FIFA.

Acted for the International Canoe Federation in its successful defence of a challenge to its application of its rules to the selection of teams for the Rio Olympics.

Legality of application of player immigration rules.

Legality of decision to refuse to police. 

Adam regularly advises Arsenal on policing and previously advised Wembley and acted for Wigan in Greater Manchester Police v Wigan AFC (Court of Appeal, Chancery Division 2008).

Legality of the Swiss Supreme Court’s upholding of a CAS award and rejection of complaints as to the appearance of independence in the context of a closed list and compulsory arbitration.

Sanction for on field offence.

Appeal against a FIFA DRC decision refusing player compensation for alleged breach of contract and granting compensation to the club.

Appeal against a FIFA DRC decision refusing player compensation for alleged breach of contract and granting compensation to the club.

Defence of proceedings brought before CAS by the Indian Hockey Federation challenging the International Hockey Federation’s decision to accept Hockey India, and not to accept the Indian Hockey Federation, as a member.

Dispute between clubs arising out of obtaining of team sheet.

Disciplinary proceedings against Rotherham for the fielding of an ineligible player.

Challenge to the governing body’s refusal to allow its application to change its official name to Hull Tigers for the 2014/2015 season.

Defence of anti–doping proceedings.

Threatened FA Rule K proceedings in relation to the decision of the Football League Professional Conduct Committee.

Defence of an attachment of earnings application by former agents.

Club’s Complaint to the European Commission and commencement of national proceedings challenging the sport’s international player release rules and calendar on competition law and free movement grounds.

Commercial dispute with a former agent.

Challenge on competition law grounds to legality of regulations.

Appointed to assist the UEFA Club and Financial Control Body in the administration of the UEFA financial fair play rules, dealing with competition and free movement law issues and assisting in 2014 and 2015 in the settlement of cases with infringing clubs.

Advised UK Sport in relation to its rules on eligibility for funding of athletes that have been convicted of a doping offence, amongst other things in the light of the requirements of the 2015 World Anti–Doping Code.

Acted for I–CAP in its efforts to recover sums due to it in respect of Cesc Fabregas’ endorsement of earphones manufactured by Soul.

Agency dispute, where the named agent of a player was no longer an employee of the agency company.

Appeal against the international federation’s decision that the rider bore responsibility for a prohibited substance in a horse that he rode in an endurance competition.

Defence of anti–doping proceedings brought by the BEF.

Defence of British Swimming’s challenge to its decision to withdraw funding from Synchronised Swimming.

Defence of disciplinary proceedings brought by the ICC in relation to an incident between two players.

Defence of injunction proceedings brought to restrain the governing body from suspending the manager and promoter, and on its application for a stay under section 9 Arbitration Act 1996.

Defence of proceedings brought by the Club appealing the suspension of the Player Andy Carroll.

Advised BDO on rules requiring players finishing high in the preceding year’s tournament to play in the following year’s tournament.

Acted for the WRU in the context of the relationship between the Union and the Regional Organisations and in the context of the reorganisation of the European cross border club competitions administered by ERC, in the light of the desire of English Clubs and Premiership Rugby Limited to create a Rugby Champions Cup instead. The issues included European competition and free movement questions. Settled. 

Defence of discrimination proceedings brought against LML by former Rugby League Player Matthew King following its conclusion that it was not permissible for him to compete in the London Marathon using a motorised wheelchair.

Football agents’ Complaint to the European Commission and threat to commence domestic proceedings challenging the legality of The FA Intermediaries Regulations on competition and free movement grounds.

Acted for the promoter in the context of a complaint by Frank Warren that he has breached BBBC rules.

Acted for Maidstone in its efforts to secure permission to use an artificial pitch should it be promoted to the Conference at the end of the 2013/2014 season.

Legality of reliance on criminal convictions when the convicted party claims that the convictions had been obtained in breach of his human rights and when an appeal to the relevant Supreme Court is pending.

Also Chelsea v Juventus and Livorno (CAS, 2014, on appeal from FIFA DRC).  Club's attempt to secure payment from Juventus of CAS’ award against Mutu to the Club of €17 million in compensation for breach of contract, which was upheld by the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

Ability of arbitral tribunal to order joinder.

Acted for the boxer in a management dispute with Hatton Promotions.

Advised a number of sports governing bodies in relation to the structures and practices of disciplinary processes and their compliance with human rights law, following the Court of Appeal decision in Kaur.

Sat as the Sport Resolutions appointed tribunal to hear matchfixing allegations against the snooker player Stephen Lee.

Defended the Club’s appeal against exclusion from the Champions League for matchfixing.

Defence of the Club’s appeal against exclusion from the Europa League for matchfixing.

Advised in relation to its defence of the Club’s appeal against exclusion from the Europa League for matchfixing. Also advised UEFA in relation to various satellite proceedings brought by clubs contending that the excluded clubs should have been excluded earlier, allowing the claimant clubs into the competition.

Acted for Sky Lantern’s interests in BHA proceedings, opposed by Elusive Kate’s interests.

Defence of a challenge brought to the FA’s decision not to include Doncaster Rovers Belles in the highest division for women’s professional football.

Acted for The FA in defence of disciplinary proceedings brought against it by UEFA over calendar clashes.

Acted for the JOC and the athlete Koji Murofushi in his CAS appeal against the IOC’s exclusion of him from the IOC Athletes’ Commission for improper campaigning.

Acted for Bruyneel in USADA’s anti–doping proceedings against the remaining defendants after Armstrong chose to withdraw). 

Advised in the context of a dispute between Amir Khan and Frank Warren.

Advised UK Sport on the revision of its criteria for the funding of athletes.

Advised on EU competition law in the context of a threat of withholding of player services.

Acted for Leyton Orient in the club’s judicial review proceedings challenging the LLDC’s decision not further to consider Leyton Orient for a co–tenancy of the stadium along with West Ham.  Previously acted for Leyton Orient in R (Tottenham Hotspur FC and Leyton Orient FC) v Newham Council, OPLC, Mayor of London, and Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport (High Court Judicial Review, 2011); Leyton Orient FC v Football Association Premier League (FA Rule K arbitration, 2013).

Acted for the FA in FUR’s challenge in CAS to UEFA’s and The FA’s exclusion of Russian international teams from participation in international competitions (one being about to be held by the FA in England) following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Acted for the Premier League in its successful defence of an arbitration brought by Burnley FC challenging the Premier League’s decision not to implement in full FIFA regulations permitting players at Russian Clubs  to move following the invasion of Ukraine, because to do so would advantage some Clubs and disadvantage others.   

Acted for UEFA in CAS proceedings brought by expelled officials of the Belarus Football Federation challenging the decision of UEFA not to change on review the discretionary decision of the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors not to open disciplinary proceedings against the Belarus Football Federation or its officials.

Acted for The FA in defence of disciplinary proceedings opened by UEFA against the FA into crowd behaviour at the 2022 match between England and Germany.  The charges were dropped.

Acted for the Premier League in an arbitration brought by Newcastle United challenging the PL Board decision that if the proposed acquisition of the Club by a consortium led by the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proceeds, the KSA would become a “Director” of the Club, such that it would fall to be assessed against the PL Owners and Directors Test. The Club’s challenge to the chair of the Arbitral Tribunal on bias grounds failed before the Commercial Court. Prior to the hearing of the arbitration, legally binding assurances were provided that meant that the KSA did not fall to be assessed against the OADT.

Also acted for the Premier League in the simultaneous additional competition law proceedings brought before the Competition Appeals Tribunal by the 100% owner of the Club, St James Holdings Ltd, in relation to the same PL Board decision. The Premier League's challenge to CAT's jurisdiction was heard by the CAT, with an online audience of 33,000, but before judgment the proceedings were withdrawn when legally binding assurances  were provided.

Acted for an agent in the context of an attempt to commence arbitral proceedings against him, claiming breach of duties under a dual representation contract

Sat as sole arbitrator in a dispute between an overseas broadcast rights holder and its overseas commercial partner. The matter settled before trial, following interim applications and procedural issues. 

Acted for Lille defending Sporting’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the FIFA decision in respect of a player.

Acted for basketball club Olympiacos in a dispute with Panathinaikos and Olympiacos’ appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against Euroleague’s decision not to discipline Panathinaikos for breach of its rules.

Advised and acted for the International Rugby League in its defence of an appeal brought by the Tonga Rugby League to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against its expulsion.

Acted for Premier Rugby Limited in its proceedings against Saracens for breach of the salary cap.  Saracens defended on the basis that it was not in breach of the salary cap and in any event the entire salary cap was contrary to competition law.  Saracens failed in the defences and the independent panel, chaired by Lord Dyson, fined Saracens £5.3million and deducted the club 35 points. The relevant rules were adapted to provide for a further deduction if in a season following a finding of breach, a club failed to submit to an audit of compliance.  Saracens was consequently deducted a total of 70 points and was relegated  at the end of the 2019/2020 season when it was eventually completed.

Acted for the Club in its successful appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the two lower instance FIFA decisions and transfer ban in respect of the signing of young players, and at the earlier stages.

Advised Cardiff City FC on the transfer position after the death of Emiliano Sala.

Acted for the IAAF in the Court of Arbitration for Sport arbitration commenced by RusAF to challenge the IAAF’s decision not to reinstate RusAF to full unsuspended membership pending the satisfaction of various conditions imposed on such reinstatement. The Russian organisation was suspended following the McLaren Report concluding that there had been organised evasion of the anti-doping rules in Russia.

Acted for the International Canoe Federation before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a dispute with the International Surfing Association. CAS issued an award in relation to the governance of the sport of Stand-Up Paddleboard, rejecting the International Surfing Association’s claim to an exclusive right to govern the sport at world level but allowing it a role at Olympic level.

Sat as an FA Rule K sole arbitrator on a dispute between a football club and an agent.

Acted for Chris Froome in the context of the delay of the UCI and WADA in clearing the cyclist following an abnormal result.  The cyclist was not charged because there was no basis for doing so, but the delay in reaching this conclusion led to the organisers of the Tour de France threatening to withdraw his entry to the 2018 race, raising the possibility of appeal to a French sports tribunal. 

Acted for the player Alex Song in the Court of Arbitration proceedings brought against him by his former agent.

Appeared for Chelsea on Exeter’s application to the Professional Football Compensation Committee for training compensation in respect of the defender Ethan Ampadu.

Acted for The FA in its defence of FIFA disciplinary proceedings in respect of the wearing of the poppy by England players, which FIFA asserted was the wearing of a political symbol.  Following two disciplinary hearings and appeal by The FA to CAS, which was not heard, FIFA changed its rules and allowed the wearing of the poppy in November 2017. 

Advised the ICC on the application of the ICC Code of Ethics.

Acted for UEFA in the Jersey Football Association’s attempt to overturn UEFA’s refusal of membership to it. 

Advised a Polo player on the legality and reasonableness of the Hurlingham Polo Association’s changes to playing equipment rules.

Defended the Wasps rugby player Ashley Johnson on a charge of breaching the anti-doping rules. The breach was found to have been inadvertent and only a short suspension was imposed. Also advised and acted in a number of other doping cases that are confidential.

Advised the FA in its prosecution before the Regulatory Commission of an agent charged with misconduct.

Advised UK Sport on the process for revision of sports’ funding for the Olympics, including in particular in the context of the objections of the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association to the conditions imposed on funding  

Previously advised on the Tokyo and Rio Funding Cycles.

Acted for UEFA in the Football Association of Serbia’s attempt to overturn UEFA’s admission of the Kosovan Football Federation to UEFA before CAS.  The hearing has taken place, the award is awaited.

Acted for Chelsea in a dispute with Fiorentina over the loan of a player. Chelseasucceeded before the DRC and the case is now before CAS.

Sat as single FA Rule K arbitrator on a dispute between player and club.

Also acting for a club on a further current player club FA Rule K arbitration.

Legality of the Championship Financial Fair Play rules on competition and free movement grounds.

Acted for the International Canoe Federation in its successful defence of a challenge to its application of its rules to the selection of teams for the Rio Olympics.

Also previously GFA v UEFA. Long running litigation culminating in the GFA being admitted to membership of both UEFA and FIFA.

Legality of application of player immigration rules.

Appeal against a FIFA DRC decision refusing player compensation for alleged breach of contract and granting compensation to the club.

Legality of the Swiss Supreme Court’s upholding of a CAS award and rejection of complaints as to the appearance of independence in the context of a closed list and compulsory arbitration.

Defence of proceedings brought before CAS by the Indian Hockey Federation challenging the International Hockey Federation’s decision to accept Hockey India, and not to accept the Indian Hockey Federation, as a member.

Challenge to the governing body’s refusal to allow its application to change its official name to Hull Tigers for the 2014/2015 season.

Threatened FA Rule K proceedings in relation to the decision of the Football League Professional Conduct Committee.

Dispute between clubs arising out of obtaining of team sheet.

Appeal against a FIFA DRC decision refusing player compensation for alleged breach of contract and granting compensation to the club.

Defence of anti–doping proceedings.

Challenge on competition law grounds to legality of regulations.

Defence of proceedings brought by the Club appealing the suspension of the Player Andy Carroll.

Appeal against the international federation’s decision that the rider bore responsibility for a prohibited substance in a horse that he rode in an endurance competition.

Defence of disciplinary proceedings brought by the ICC in relation to an incident between two players.

Defence of anti–doping proceedings brought by the BEF.

Also Chelsea v Juventus and Livorno (CAS, 2014, on appeal from FIFA DRC).  Club's attempt to secure payment from Juventus of CAS’ award against Mutu to the Club of €17 million in compensation for breach of contract, which was upheld by the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

Defence of injunction proceedings brought to restrain the governing body from suspending the manager and promoter, and on its application for a stay under section 9 Arbitration Act 1996.

Defence of British Swimming’s challenge to its decision to withdraw funding from Synchronised Swimming.

Sat as the Sport Resolutions appointed tribunal to hear matchfixing allegations against the snooker player Stephen Lee.

Acted for Bruyneel in USADA’s anti–doping proceedings against the remaining defendants after Armstrong chose to withdraw). 

Ability of arbitral tribunal to order joinder.

Acted for the JOC and the athlete Koji Murofushi in his CAS appeal against the IOC’s exclusion of him from the IOC Athletes’ Commission for improper campaigning.

Legality of reliance on criminal convictions when the convicted party claims that the convictions had been obtained in breach of his human rights and when an appeal to the relevant Supreme Court is pending.

Defended the Club’s appeal against exclusion from the Champions League for matchfixing.

Advised in relation to its defence of the Club’s appeal against exclusion from the Europa League for matchfixing. Also advised UEFA in relation to various satellite proceedings brought by clubs contending that the excluded clubs should have been excluded earlier, allowing the claimant clubs into the competition.

Defence of a challenge brought to the FA’s decision not to include Doncaster Rovers Belles in the highest division for women’s professional football.

Defence of the Club’s appeal against exclusion from the Europa League for matchfixing.

Acted for the promoter in the context of a complaint by Frank Warren that he has breached BBBC rules.

Acted for the Premier League in an arbitration brought by Newcastle United challenging the PL Board decision that if the proposed acquisition of the Club by a consortium led by the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proceeds, the KSA would become a “Director” of the Club, such that it would fall to be assessed against the PL Owners and Directors Test. The Club’s challenge to the chair of the Arbitral Tribunal on bias grounds failed before the Commercial Court. Prior to the hearing of the arbitration, legally binding assurances were provided that meant that the KSA did not fall to be assessed against the OADT.

Also acted for the Premier League in the simultaneous additional competition law proceedings brought before the Competition Appeals Tribunal by the 100% owner of the Club, St James Holdings Ltd, in relation to the same PL Board decision. The Premier League's challenge to CAT's jurisdiction was heard by the CAT, with an online audience of 33,000, but before judgment the proceedings were withdrawn when legally binding assurances  were provided.

Advised and acted for the Premier League in response to the threatened but aborted establishment of the European Super League, unsanctioned by football’s governing bodies, in Spring 2021. The response of amongst others the Premier League caused its member clubs that were involved to withdraw from the project. Proceedings continue in Spain and a reference has been made to the European Court. Continues to advise in relation to the subsequent consequences of the events.

Advises and acts for the Premier League in the context of the continuing consequences of the failed late 2020 and early 2021 Big Picture proposals for the restructuring and funding of the Premier League and EFL. The response of amongst others the Premier League headed off the proposals at that point, but the issues that gave rise to them remain. Similarly advised the Premier League in relation to the attempt to set up the European Super League in 2021.

Acted for a Club in relation to the proper application and legality of the UEFA Covid-19 pandemic exception to the FFP Rules, which allows clubs to write off a loss in defined periods, but does not afford the equivalent benefit to prudent clubs, thereby placing them at a disadvantage in terms of permissible expenditure and possible compliance over the entire reporting period.

Advises the Premier League in relation to possible changes to the provisions in respect of Related Party Transactions for the purposes of the Profitability and Sustainability Rules

Advises PRL in relation to changes to the Intermediaries Regulations

Advised and acted for the EFL in relation to proceedings brought by a Club to challenge the structure of the loan facility made available to League Clubs as a result of the damage suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Advises the EFL on possible revisions to the EFL Financial Regulations.  

Complaint to European Commission. Current

Advises and acts for World Rugby in the context of the LNR’s complaint to the European Commission that WR Regulations on player release infringe competition law

Advised and acted for the Premier League throughout 2020 and 2021 and continues to do so in the context of its ongoing reaction to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.  At the outset, major concerns were the basis on which the 2019/2020 competition should be completed and the 2020/2021 competition pursued. Issues included whether the 2019/2020 season could and should be played out, and how, and if not, the basis on which it should be resolved in terms of winner, European places and relegation, the creation of protocols for safe play and the consequences of positive tests, and changes to the Premier League Rules to address the situation. Whatever course were adopted would provoke reaction from diverse groups with different interests, and threats of action on various bases including competition law, but a fine line was successfully taken, to date avoiding the litigation threatened.

Advises and acts for the EFL in relation to the PFA’s objections to the adoption of a League 1 and League 2 Salary Cap.  

Advised World Rugby on possible revisions of Regulation 8 in relation to the eligibility of players to play for a Union.  

Acted for and advised the WRU in the context of threatened competition law proceedings by a rugby club in respect of the participation arrangements and distribution of funding, including in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic

Advised World Rugby in the context of the adaptation of the international windows in the calendar in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in relation to player release as a result.

Club’s Complaint to the European Commission and commencement of national proceedings challenging the sport’s international player release rules and calendar on competition law and free movement grounds.

Legality of the Championship Financial Fair Play rules on competition and free movement grounds.

Appointed to assist the UEFA Club and Financial Control Body in the administration of the UEFA financial fair play rules, dealing with competition and free movement law issues and assisting in 2014 and 2015 in the settlement of cases with infringing clubs.

Football agents’ Complaint to the European Commission and threat to commence domestic proceedings challenging the legality of The FA Intermediaries Regulations on competition and free movement grounds.

Challenge on competition law grounds to legality of regulations.

Follow on damages case, permission to appeal obtained.

Defence to the GBGA’s challenge on Article 56 and rationality grounds to legislation and guidance introducing point of consumption regulation of internet gambling in the UK provided by operators outside the UK.

Acted for the WRU in the context of the relationship between the Union and the Regional Organisations and in the context of the reorganisation of the European cross border club competitions administered by ERC, in the light of the desire of English Clubs and Premiership Rugby Limited to create a Rugby Champions Cup instead. The issues included European competition and free movement questions. Settled. 

Impact of EU Information Society and Digital Economy legislation on PPP’s ability to require prior permission for “Information, Connection and Signposting Services” paid for over premium rate telephone lines.

Whether procurement process breached the EU principles of transparency and equality of treatment and whether Newham Council’s involvement in the bid breached EU state aid rules.

Advised a national sports association on the compliance of its disciplinary structure with the common law and human rights law.

Advised a national sports association on the reorganisation of the sale of media rights.  The matter involved a number of issues including completion law. 

Advised a national sports association on the restructuring of its league.    

Advises PRL in relation to changes to the Intermediaries Regulations

Advised and acted for the EFL in relation to proceedings brought by a Club to challenge the structure of the loan facility made available to League Clubs as a result of the damage suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Advises the EFL on possible revisions to the EFL Financial Regulations.  

Complaint to European Commission. Current

Advises and acts for World Rugby in the context of the LNR’s complaint to the European Commission that WR Regulations on player release infringe competition law

Advised and acted for the Premier League throughout 2020 and 2021 and continues to do so in the context of its ongoing reaction to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.  At the outset, major concerns were the basis on which the 2019/2020 competition should be completed and the 2020/2021 competition pursued. Issues included whether the 2019/2020 season could and should be played out, and how, and if not, the basis on which it should be resolved in terms of winner, European places and relegation, the creation of protocols for safe play and the consequences of positive tests, and changes to the Premier League Rules to address the situation. Whatever course were adopted would provoke reaction from diverse groups with different interests, and threats of action on various bases including competition law, but a fine line was successfully taken, to date avoiding the litigation threatened.

Advises and acts for the EFL in relation to the PFA’s objections to the adoption of a League 1 and League 2 Salary Cap.  

Acted for UK Sport in relation to a sport’s challenge to the funding granted to it in the Paris Cycle. The sport suggests that UK Sport has misapplied the criteria to it with the result that it falls into a different category to that into which it believes it should fall.

Acted for PRL in a challenge to the PRL decision on the movement of a coach from one Club to another.

Advised World Rugby on possible revisions of Regulation 8 in relation to the eligibility of players to play for a Union.  

Acted for the International Canoe Federation before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a dispute with the International Surfing Association. CAS issued an award in relation to the governance of the sport of Stand-Up Paddleboard, rejecting the International Surfing Association’s claim to an exclusive right to govern the sport at world level but allowing it a role at Olympic level.

Appointed as the Chair of the three person Independent Review of Integrity in Tennis, a major international review of the nature and extent of the threats to integrity arising in the sport, how they were addressed by the sport, and of how best to deal with them in the future, through changes to the rules, the mechanisms for enforcement, relationships, independence, resources, transparency, and education. The review also had to deal with various historical allegations, which the press had suggested indicate that tennis’ approach in the past and presently was inappropriate. A very large number of witnesses all around the world were heard.  An Interim Report followed by a Final Report were issued in 2018.

Advised Arsenal Football Club in the context of the provision of special police services to the Club by the Metropolitan Police.

Acted for Chris Froome in the context of the delay of the UCI and WADA in clearing the cyclist following an abnormal result.  The cyclist was not charged because there was no basis for doing so, but the delay in reaching this conclusion led to the organisers of the Tour de France threatening to withdraw his entry to the 2018 race, raising the possibility of appeal to a French sports tribunal. 

Advised a national sports association on the restructuring of its league.    

Advised a Polo player on the legality and reasonableness of the Hurlingham Polo Association’s changes to playing equipment rules.

Advised a national sports association on the compliance of its disciplinary structure with the common law and human rights law.

Advised World Rugby in relation to a dispute over qualification to the Rugby World Cup 2019. 

Advised and acted for UK Sport on the process for revision of sports’ funding for the Tokyo Funding Cycle. Various sports were at risk of losing funding, and the process had to afford all of them an opportunity to put their case and to challenge any decisions.  

Acted for UEFA in the Jersey Football Association’s attempt to overturn UEFA’s refusal of membership to it. 

Acted for UEFA in the Football Association of Serbia’s attempt to overturn UEFA’s admission of the Kosovan Football Federation to UEFA before CAS.  The hearing has taken place, the award is awaited.

Advised UK Sport on funding structures for the Tokyo Cycle.  Previously advised on the Rio Cycle.

Legality of decision to refuse to police. 

Adam regularly advises Arsenal on policing and previously advised Wembley and acted for Wigan in Greater Manchester Police v Wigan AFC (Court of Appeal, Chancery Division 2008).

Legality of application of player immigration rules.

Challenge to the governing body’s refusal to allow its application to change its official name to Hull Tigers for the 2014/2015 season.

Defence to the GBGA’s challenge on Article 56 and rationality grounds to legislation and guidance introducing point of consumption regulation of internet gambling in the UK provided by operators outside the UK.

Advised several sports governing bodies on changes to governance structures in the light of relevant recent developments in particular in relation to the compliance of regulatory and disciplinary procedures with human rights and public law standards.

Defence of British Swimming’s challenge to its decision to withdraw funding from Synchronised Swimming.

Impact of EU Information Society and Digital Economy legislation on PPP’s ability to require prior permission for “Information, Connection and Signposting Services” paid for over premium rate telephone lines.

Defence of discrimination proceedings brought against LML by former Rugby League Player Matthew King following its conclusion that it was not permissible for him to compete in the London Marathon using a motorised wheelchair.

Legality of reliance on criminal convictions when the convicted party claims that the convictions had been obtained in breach of his human rights and when an appeal to the relevant Supreme Court is pending.

Whether procurement process breached the EU principles of transparency and equality of treatment and whether Newham Council’s involvement in the bid breached EU state aid rules.

Acted for the ECB in relation to the review of its disciplinary processes and the drafting of appropriate changes in light of developments in cricket. 

Advised and acted for the EFL in relation to Derby County’s breach of the EFL Financial Regulations in disciplinary proceedings ending in summer 2021.

Acted for The FA in its defence of UEFA charges brought following events at the Euros Final in summer 2021. The tribunal imposed a sanction of one match behind closed doors and a further such match suspended, as opposed to the three matches behind closed doors sought by the independent disciplinary inspector.

Advised and acted for PRL in relation to possible charges against clubs for breach of the Salary Cap Regulations.  Previously acted for PRL in the similar case against Saracens.

Conducted an independent internal investigation in relation to a sports governing body’s actions and processes in dealing with a potential breach of its rules by staff. 

Advised World Rugby in the context of disciplinary proceedings against the SRU in respect of its reaction to the rescheduling of its match against Japan at the Rugby World Cup 2019.

Appointed as the Chair of the three person Independent Review of Integrity in Tennis, a major international review of the nature and extent of the threats to integrity arising in the sport, how they were addressed by the sport, and of how best to deal with them in the future, through changes to the rules, the mechanisms for enforcement, relationships, independence, resources, transparency, and education. The review also had to deal with various historical allegations, which the press had suggested indicate that tennis’ approach in the past and presently was inappropriate. A very large number of witnesses all around the world were heard.  An Interim Report followed by a Final Report were issued in 2018.

Acted for the Premier League in disciplinary proceedings against a scout and football club in the context of the Youth Development Rules.

Advised World Rugby in relation to a dispute over qualification to the Rugby World Cup 2019. 

Advised the FA in its prosecution before the Regulatory Commission of an agent charged with misconduct.

Defended the Wasps rugby player Ashley Johnson on a charge of breaching the anti-doping rules. The breach was found to have been inadvertent and only a short suspension was imposed. Also advised and acted in a number of other doping cases that are confidential.

Advised UK Sport on the process for revision of sports’ funding for the Olympics, including in particular in the context of the objections of the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association to the conditions imposed on funding  

Previously advised on the Tokyo and Rio Funding Cycles.

Acted for Chris Froome in the context of the delay of the UCI and WADA in clearing the cyclist following an abnormal result.  The cyclist was not charged because there was no basis for doing so, but the delay in reaching this conclusion led to the organisers of the Tour de France threatening to withdraw his entry to the 2018 race, raising the possibility of appeal to a French sports tribunal.  

Advised the ICC on the application of the ICC Code of Ethics.

Acted for The FA in its defence of FIFA disciplinary proceedings in respect of the wearing of the poppy by England players, which FIFA asserted was the wearing of a political symbol.  Following two disciplinary hearings and appeal by The FA to CAS, which was not heard, FIFA changed its rules and allowed the wearing of the poppy in November 2017. 

Advised several sports governing bodies on changes to governance structures in the light of relevant recent developments in particular in relation to the compliance of regulatory and disciplinary procedures with human rights and public law standards.

Sanction for on field offence.

Threatened FA Rule K proceedings in relation to the decision of the Football League Professional Conduct Committee.

Appointed to assist the UEFA Club and Financial Control Body in the administration of the UEFA financial fair play rules, dealing with competition and free movement law issues and assisting in 2014 and 2015 in the settlement of cases with infringing clubs.

Defence of anti–doping proceedings.

Disciplinary proceedings against Rotherham for the fielding of an ineligible player.

Defence of anti–doping proceedings brought by the BEF.

Defence of proceedings brought by the Club appealing the suspension of the Player Andy Carroll.

Appeal against the international federation’s decision that the rider bore responsibility for a prohibited substance in a horse that he rode in an endurance competition.

Defence of disciplinary proceedings brought by the ICC in relation to an incident between two players.

Defence of injunction proceedings brought to restrain the governing body from suspending the manager and promoter, and on its application for a stay under section 9 Arbitration Act 1996.

Acted for the JOC and the athlete Koji Murofushi in his CAS appeal against the IOC’s exclusion of him from the IOC Athletes’ Commission for improper campaigning.

Defence of the Club’s appeal against exclusion from the Europa League for matchfixing.

Advised in relation to its defence of the Club’s appeal against exclusion from the Europa League for matchfixing. Also advised UEFA in relation to various satellite proceedings brought by clubs contending that the excluded clubs should have been excluded earlier, allowing the claimant clubs into the competition.

Defended the Club’s appeal against exclusion from the Champions League for matchfixing.

Acted for Sky Lantern’s interests in BHA proceedings, opposed by Elusive Kate’s interests.

Advised a number of sports governing bodies in relation to the structures and practices of disciplinary processes and their compliance with human rights law, following the Court of Appeal decision in Kaur.

Acted for The FA in defence of disciplinary proceedings brought against it by UEFA over calendar clashes.

Acted for Bruyneel in USADA’s anti–doping proceedings against the remaining defendants after Armstrong chose to withdraw). 

Sat as the Sport Resolutions appointed tribunal to hear matchfixing allegations against the snooker player Stephen Lee.