Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Sport - UK-wide
What the Team is Known For
Centrefield is a respected sports boutique that acts for prominent clubs, sportspeople and regulatory authorities across football in particular, as well as cricket and both codes of rugby, among others. It provides advice on the full suite of commercial, regulatory and disputes matters, including anti-doping. It also demonstrates considerable capability in relation to immigration and sponsorship matters. Clients have included a series of Premier League clubs, including work on numerous transfers, managerial appointments and contentious employment matters.
Strengths
They are increasingly full-service, and so can call on the right lawyers with the right experience.
They have helped us with a variety of issues from visas to employment law and have been extremely professional throughout.
Great communications and experience within their partnership. A very experienced team.
Centrefield offer pragmatic solutions and to-the-point advice, and aim to solve issues good and fast. They are fast, earnest and do what they promise to do.
The firm is very easy to contact, incredibly knowledgeable and quick to respond. They have a strong work ethic and are knowledgeable in their field.
Work Highlights
Centrefield continues to advise various clubs, players and agents in relation to the recent implementation of the FIFA & FA Football Agent Regulations. This involves advising stakeholders across the sport on regulatory compliance and documentation, as well as providing training to agents seeking to pass the new exam.
Notable practitioners
Matthew Bennett continues to receive plaudits for his standout football practice, regularly acting on behalf of Premier League giants, their players and managers, and domestic and international governing bodies. He frequently advises on international player transfers, contract renewals and disciplinary cases.
Matthew Bennett has a pre-eminent practice in acting for football clubs.
Matthew is the leader in his field.
David Bentham has a strong emphasis on commercial matters arising in sport, including those involving sponsorship agreements, licensing and broadcasting rights. He also handles regulatory work in football and rugby.
David really knows what he's talking about and he is solution-driven.
He's very good on the contractual side of sports law.
Stuart Baird provides sports immigration advice to players and clubs, including with regard to concerns over Brexit. He also handles a wide range of player transfers and disciplinary proceedings.
Stuart is the go-to person in the industry for immigration matters in football.
Stuart is a technical-grade expert in football and has a really nice manner about him.
Edward Canty is recognised for his work in the football sector assisting with a range of player contracts and transfers. He also advises on disciplinary proceedings before the game's governing bodies.
Edward was very strong in all aspects of the matters I have worked on with him.
Deirdre McCarthy is a sports associate with a strong focus on football transfers and player contracts. She also has experience in employment disputes and disciplinary matters.
Deirdre is excellent, one of their rising stars. Very knowledgeable and very practical, and a nice person to work with.