LXL LLP’s Post

"Beyond Penalties: Rethinking the Decision-Making in Crucial Football Matches" Yesterday, I had the privilege of watching the clash between two giants of European football: Manchester City and Real Madrid. This match, besides being a sports spectacle fueled by many millions, was also a tactical duel between two of the best current coaches. However, despite the grandeur of this spectacle, the outcome left a bitter taste. Manchester City's elimination in penalties conveys immense disappointment, not specifically because of the failure of one of the teams, but because of the way the winner was decided after two electrifying games. The method of penalties, akin to the antiquated coin toss, seems to me a disproportionate and frankly ridiculous solution to determine the winner after such performances. I now address the regulators of this beautiful game: did you watch this knockout round? Were you satisfied with the arbitrary decision of penalties to decide a winner? I question whether it would not be fairer for the statistics of the two matches to determine which team was superior, instead of reducing everything to a lottery of penalties. The athletes, who accumulate more than 50 matches for their clubs in a season, in addition to international games and exhausting travels, deserve special respect and consideration, and should not be subjected to an extension that places them, as seen, in unnecessary physical difficulties, to end with this ridiculous solution of penalties. Yet, we continue to see decisions that seem to ignore their effort and dedication, maintaining solutions that, in my view, threaten the integrity of football. Proposing a statistics-based solution for tiebreaks would encourage coaches to prepare their teams for more offensive and spectacular football, benefiting not only the players and clubs but also the fans, who would emerge as true winners from a more vibrant and fair spectacle. Wouldn't this be the most sensible and respectful approach to the sport we love so much? Thank you for your attention and I await a change that honors the true spirit of football. https://lnkd.in/eXN_jAYG

What is the current state of play for football agent regulations in England and Wales? December saw a lot of action in relation to the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR), which may cause uncertainty for players and agents. Tomos Lewis looks at the legal challenges and current status of FFAR here: https://lnkd.in/ekgHyQpc #FootballAgentRegulations #FootballAgents #Regualtions

𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐀, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐀 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐀𝐖'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? Both FIFA and the FA's attempts at introducing new football agent regulations have faced scrutiny recently, including unfavourable junctions and arbitration decisions. This has caused some confusion as to which regulations apply and to what extent, especially during the recently opened winter transfer window. This article hopefully clarifies the current lay of the land and the extent the new regulations currently apply in England, wales and internationally. In short: - The FA's new football agent regulations are in force and apply to domestic transfers or domestic representation agreements, subject to certain provisions (highlighted in grey) being suspended and not in force for the time being. Additionally, the FA's regulations do not in any case include the rules relating to fee cap limiting commission agents can charge and the pro rata payment rule (moving payments away from lump sums to periodic payments) which were deemed by arbitration to be in breach of competition law. - FIFA's FFAR remains in force in relation to transfers with an international element or representation agreements with an international element, subject to certain provisions being suspended for the time being (awaiting a decision of the European Court of Justice) - these include fee cap, client pays rule, pro rata payment, prohibition of double representation, reporting obligations, disclosure and publication, submissions rules and clearing house rules - FAW's agent regulations have been in force in September 2023 - however, the FAW have confirmed that as a result of the Rule K arbitration and FIFA’s Circular, they are circling back on their own national regulations and any consequential changes will be communicated as soon as possible. #FFAR #FIFA #FA #FAW #footballagents

The #European Union Court of #Justice has issued a historic ruling against #FIFA and UEFA’s #monopoly in managing international #football competitions. The #decision, based on the illegality of #rules that subject new football #projects to their approval, could lead to a radical change in football #governance. The proposed #superleague in 2021 triggered a legal #battle between 22 rebel clubs and #global football organizations. The EU #Court declared that FIFA and #UEFA ‘s rules violate EU #law, being contrary to #competition and the free provision of services. The #verdict could significantly impact the #future of European football, paving the way for new dynamics and #reforms.

In a groundbreaking ruling, the Court of Justice found that FIFA and UEFA's rules requiring approval for interclub competitions like the Super League violate EU law. These rules, deemed non-transparent and disproportionate, signify an abuse of dominant position and restrict the freedom to provide services. While the Court didn't decide on the Super League's legitimacy, it highlighted FIFA and UEFA's monopolistic practices affecting football clubs and the media market. The final judgment on the rules' compliance with EU law is pending with the Commercial Court in Madrid. A pivotal moment for football governance and market competition! #sportslaw #football #euregulations #fifa #uefa #superleague

Following Everton Football Club's points deduction by The Premier League, Yasin Patel FCIArb discusses their appeal, whether the punishment is just and fair, and how the Premier League might fare in this quandary. Follow the link below to read Yasin's article in full. #Everton #FinancialFairPlay #EPL #SportsLaw

⚽️ BREAKING NEWS IN FOOTBALL ⚽️ The Rule K Arbitration decision has been made, and it appears that the implementation of the commission cap has been deemed anticompetitive. As a result, the English FA have been prohibited from implementing the cap in the English National Football Agent Regulations. Reasons expected to be released later today. What will the FA do now?!! Stay tuned for further updates. #footballnews #RuleKArbitration #EnglishFA #anticompetitive #footballagent #footballbusiness #agencyregulations

In this Chambers Legal Topics article, The Chambers Europe team share an insight into how competition law is playing a major role in the Premier League's decision to sue the football governing body, Fifa. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eRE_i-bT #FIFA #competitionlaw #football

In light of Everton Football Club's recent points deduction by the Premier League, Yasin Patel FCIArb and I engage in a comprehensive discussion on the club's appeal. We delve into the intricacies of assessing the fairness and justifiability of the imposed punishment, while also contemplating the potential impact on the Premier League as a whole. Going beyond the immediate concerns surrounding Everton, our article takes a deeper dive into the ripple effects that this landmark decision could generate across other football clubs. It sheds light on the broader implications for financial fair play and regulatory compliance within the Premier League, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of football governance. Follow the link below to read the article in full.

Now that’s a decision that will reverberate around the footballing world. However, is this really an unexpected outcome? Notwithstanding UEFA and FIFA responses at the time, it came across as hugely anti-competitive, and the Court of Justice has now deemed it to be as such. Let’s see where we go next! #law #sportslaw #football #europeansuperleague #eulaw https://lnkd.in/eAZHiAvX