Sport
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 3
About
Provided by BTO Solicitors LLP
Our team acts for clients in a variety of sports, but we are best known for our work in the worlds of football, golf boxing and darts. Where appropriate, we work closely with in-house legal counsel at sports clients to provide them with the “on-call” support which they often need in what is a fast-moving sector.
We advise this sector across a range of areas including corporate governance, commercial agreements including sponsorship, media rights and kit supply contracts, investment, real estate, dispute resolution, equality and diversity, disciplinary processes, charity law and recently the introduction of video assistant referees (VAR). We are well-known for acting in significant transactions and disputes.
Recently we have advised on the hosting of major sporting events at Hampden; a significant investment into Dunfermline Athletic FC; the transfer of ownership of Hampden Stadium to the Scottish FA; commercial agreements for the Scottish FA’s men's and women's international football teams; and we have represented the Scottish FA in arbitration proceedings and related litigation in the Court of Session in connection with Cinch Cars’ sponsorship of the Scottish Professional Football League.
Recent work:
- Advising QTV on investment by UKSE to grow its involvement with video assistant referee services and broadcasting.
- Acting for the Scottish FA in Court of Session proceedings for interim interdict (injunction) and judicial review brought by Park’s of Hamilton (Holdings) Limited.
Chambers Review
BTO has an impressive team of industry experts with particular strength in acting for sports governing bodies. It is well versed in football corporate governance issues, including disputes, with further strength in relation to golf and boxing. The team also handles matters involving an increasingly diverse range of sports such as darts and snowboarding. Additional skills in the legal aspects of organising sporting events.
Will Cole is a key contact.
Work Highlights
- BTO Solicitors advised QTV on a variation to itsproduction agreement with the Scottish Professional Football League. QTV is the principal production partner to the SPFL, producing outside broadcast coverage of 142 matches per season.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"BTO were very knowledgeable and willing to listen to help work out different scenarios, and were quick to reply after doing the relevant research."
"BTO were very knowledgeable and willing to listen to help work out different scenarios, and were quick to reply after doing the relevant research."
Members
Provided by BTO Solicitors LLP
Emma Barclay
Michael Cox
Will Cole
Head of Department
Clients
Provided by BTO Solicitors LLP
Lenzie Rugby Football Club
Quipu TV (trading as QTV)
Scottish Football Association
Industries
Provided by BTO Solicitors LLP
Boxing
Charity
Darts
Football
Golf
Overseas investment
Sports