CENTREFIELD

Selling Points

  • A Leading Boutique Sports Law Firm: Centrefield is one of the UK’s premier boutique sports law firms, providing specialised legal services tailored exclusively to the sports industry. Its deep sector focus ensures expert guidance across a wide range of legal matters.

  • Expertise in Player Contracts and Regulatory Compliance: The firm is highly regarded for its work in player contract negotiations, agent arrangements, and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on FIFA’s evolving transfer and agent rules. This expertise ensures clients remain compliant in a rapidly changing legal landscape.

  • Proven Success in High-Stakes Disputes: Centrefield has a distinguished track record of representing elite athletes and clubs in salary disputes, disciplinary hearings, and arbitrations before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Its strategic approach helps secure favourable outcomes in complex cases.

  • Extensive Industry Network Across Multiple Sports: While football remains a core focus, Centrefield is also active across rugby, cricket, and other major sports. Its strong industry connections and strategic insight make it a trusted advisor across diverse sporting disciplines.

  • A Personalised, Hands-On Approach: Centrefield prides itself on delivering a bespoke service, taking the time to understand the unique needs of its clients. Its hands-on approach ensures tailored legal strategies that align with the demands of the modern sports industry.

Key Clients

  • Football Clubs: Manchester United, Manchester City, and other Premier League clubs

  • High-Profile Athletes: Elite footballers and rugby players navigating complex contract negotiations and transfers

  • Governing Bodies & Sports Associations: Organisations and agents seeking expert legal guidance on regulatory compliance and governance issues

Work Highlights

  • Jordan Henderson Transfer: Represented Jordan Henderson in two significant career moves: his high-profile departure from Liverpool FC to join Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League and his subsequent transfer to Ajax.

  • Transfer Deals: Advised on football transfers in both men’s and women’s games, with deals valued collectively at over £1.5 billion.

  • Arbitration Expertise: Successfully represented multiple clients in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), solidifying its reputation as a go-to firm for contentious and regulatory matters.

  • Regulatory Issues: Provided guidance to clubs and players on navigating FIFA’s new regulations for agents and transfers, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.