2024: A Year in Sports Law – Decisions and Disputes Defining the Sector

“2024: A Year of High-Stakes Sports Law Battles in England and Wales”

As we approach the new year, the world of sports law in England and Wales is gearing up for a series of high-profile cases that will define 2024 as a year of intense legal battles. From the European Super League dispute to the FIFA Football Agents Regulations and the ongoing saga of Football’s Financial Fair Play rules, the courtroom is set to be a battleground for some of the biggest names in the sports industry.

The European Super League saga, which saw a landmark ruling by the ECJ in December, has set the stage for a new era in European club football. The court’s decision to strike down FIFA and UEFA’s exclusive rights over international club competitions has emboldened breakaway clubs and sparked fresh proposals for a new league. However, the battle is far from over, with the Court of Madrid still to determine the legality of FIFA and UEFA’s actions.

Meanwhile, the FIFA Football Agents Regulations dispute is heating up, with the Advocate General’s opinion expected in 2024. The core of the dispute revolves around the rules on agent commission and whether they violate competition and restraint of trade laws. Football agents have already scored some victories in blocking the implementation of the new rules in key markets like Germany and England.

Football’s Financial Fair Play rules are also under scrutiny, with clubs like Manchester City, Leeds United, Burnley, and Leicester expected to bring claims against Everton for alleged FFP breaches. The legal battles over financial sustainability and fair competition are set to dominate the headlines in the coming year.

In the world of rugby, a proposed class-action claim by former players against the sport’s governing bodies for alleged failures in player safety has hit a roadblock, with the High Court delaying a decision on a Group Litigation Order. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for player welfare in rugby and beyond.

As the Paris Olympics approach, new disputes are emerging over transgender athlete participation and the status of Russian athletes following the invasion of Ukraine. The IOC’s decision to allow Russian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes has sparked controversy and may lead to further challenges in the lead-up to the games.

With so many high-stakes legal battles on the horizon, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of intense competition in the sports law arena. Stay tuned for updates on these headline-grabbing cases as they unfold in the courts of England and Wales.