Capabilities

Sport

Thanks to our full-service approach, which combines in-depth knowledge of the sports sector with a cross-disciplinary legal perspective, we are particularly well-positioned to address the legal needs and challenges faced by sports stakeholders, both in France and internationally.

Areas of practice

Sports taxation

We advise clients on tax issues related to salaries, image rights, player transfers, and financing structures, while ensuring compliance with national and international tax regulations.

European and international law

We assist clients in navigating the constraints and opportunities provided by European and international law, including the free movement of workers, competition rules, and the recognition of sports-related decisions.

Sports contracts

We draft and negotiate contracts tailored to the specific needs of the sports industry, including player agreements, sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and event organization agreements, ensuring compliance and minimizing litigation risks.

Intellectual property in sports

We help clubs, athletes, and federations protect their intangible assets, such as trademarks, patents, and image rights, while preventing and managing disputes over their exploitation.

Associations and federations law

We assist sports associations, federations, and other institutions with governance, legal structuring, and relationships with stakeholders, including national and international bodies.

Sports project financing

We support clients in structuring financing for sports projects, including infrastructure development, fundraising, and strategic partnerships.

ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) and mediation

We promote alternative dispute resolution methods to preserve relationships between parties and avoid lengthy litigation processes, particularly in contractual or disciplinary disputes.

International and domestic arbitration

We represent clients before arbitration tribunals, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), in disciplinary, commercial, and player transfer disputes.

Examples of support

2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

We supported multiple stakeholders involved in organizing the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including official partners, sports federations, agencies, stadium owners, local authorities, and other sports organizations, by negotiating various contracts.

Investments in the sports sector

We regularly assist foreign investors with transactions involving professional clubs and leagues, providing legal support throughout the investment process.

Rights of sports event organizers

We advised several international and national federations on contractual matters concerning the exploitation of their commercial rights (partnership agreements, service contracts) and intellectual property rights (trademark licenses). We also assisted with the protection of these rights (litigation related to ticketing, ambush marketing, and counterfeiting).

Combating illegal online sports streaming

We supported several sports broadcasters in their efforts to combat the illegal online distribution of their content by helping them identify the operators of illegal streaming sites broadcasting sports events.

Organizing an international cycling competition

We advised a consortium on the legal aspects of organizing an international cycling competition following a call for tender launched by the organizing committee. Our assistance covered legal issues related to collaboration agreements and event organization.

Legal support for sports events

We assisted a sports federation with contractual issues related to the exploitation of their commercial rights, including drafting and negotiating high-value sponsorship agreements, managing ticketing processes (terms and conditions, ticketing disputes), and delivering their flagship events.

Do you need assistance?

Find out how our professionals can put their skills and experience to work for you in this area.

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés is distinguished for its full-service sports offering, whilst working closely with experts in the firm's tax, corporate and IP departments to deliver specialised advice to leading players in the industry. The team acts for national and international authorities, federations and high-net-worth individuals.

Legal500 2024Media and entertainment: Sports

De Gaulle Fleurance boasts an experienced team advising on a wide range of sports-related matters, including litigation, competition and transactional mandates. The law firm is also well versed in assisting clients with related IP disputes, as well as contract negotiations. It has an impressive client list featuring national and international sport federations, media groups and individual athletes.

Chambers Europe 2024Sport