UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Wiggin LLP
Our specialist football lawyers have decades of experience in high-profile issues, including M&A transactions, disputes, regulatory and disciplinary matters, contracts, and commercial agreements. With deep knowledge of football’s unique culture and pressures, we resolve challenges efficiently and effectively.
Our focus on the media, entertainment, technology and IP space enables us to go beyond the legal advisory role and work with these clients to identify opportunities and to help them better understand the value of their assets.
We regularly work on complex commercial partnerships at the top-end of the media rights value chain, including on publishing deals, sponsorship and endorsement agreements and betting and computer game tie-ins.
We provide a full-service legal offering to our sports clients, with regular involvement of our corporate, finance, litigation and employment lawyers.
Provided by Chambers
Wiggin is above all celebrated for its work at the intersection of sports and the media, with particular regard to IP and data rights, brands and engagement, and talent and sponsorship. The team is highly sought after by sports-side clients for advice on new product launches.
Provided by Chambers
Wiggin facilitated the transition of FIFA's Commercial Legal Team from Zürich to Miami over a period of six months. It acted as an extension of the in-house commercial team, covering a range of commercial, media and regulatory issues.
Provided by Chambers
They had a great understanding of our key points and the ability to negotiate effectively. Excellent understanding of market standard positions on sports media commercial agreements.
Charming people who are always helpful, insightful and easy to work with. They've never not been able to answer a question, and there is always an expert in anything we need.
Wiggin took the time to fully understand the requirements and provided a high-quality service answering requirements, demonstrating a detailed understanding of the nature of the transaction.
A department that is a joy to work with. Knowledgeable and industrious, exploring every option for their clients.
Overall I think they're excellent - very approachable and able to chat something through at a high level before getting into the formal instruction process.
Provided by Chambers
David Hinchliffe is noted for the depth of his experience in football finance and M&A. He also has significant expertise in highly sensitive and complex litigation, involving huge names in the football world and often covering intricate regulatory issues.
David knows the industry well and is popular with clients.
A leading figure in the sports sector. Deep knowledge and experience that clients respect and are attracted to. A real heavyweight.
Ross Sylvester focuses his practice on the acquisition and exploitation of sports rights, acting on behalf of rights holders and broadcasters.
I have nothing but positive comments to make about Ross.
Ross is hugely commercially savvy. His legal analysis on everything was first class. In particular, I rate Ross for his quality of service. His level of expertise in sports is up there with the best.
I would call him a machine, but that would undersell his interpersonal and negotiation skills. Things generally get done quicker and better with Ross involved.
India Swall is primarily a litigator, and she is highly experienced in regulatory and disciplinary matters in the footballing world. She also assists with commercial and M&A transactions undertaken by the firm's sports practice.
You want India on your side. She has outstanding knowledge, tenacity and professionalism that have put her on the path to be a leader in the sports sector.
The team have been really impressed with her advice and support.
Sport
Sport
Sport
Provided by Wiggin LLP
India Swall
View profile of India SwallDavid Hinchliffe
View profile of David HinchliffeRoss Sylvester
View profile of Ross Sylvester
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