Sports Update

November 2018

 
 

Welcome

 by Andrew Haywood and Richard Marshall

 
 

Welcome to our first sports update in which we comment on current topics impacting the international sports industry. Our growing sports team includes legal experts with enthusiasm and wide-ranging experience across different sports.

In this edition we provide our latest insight on a burning UK issue with international implications: Brexit. We also consider questions of legal liability arising from the recent Ryder Cup incident, and explain why the evolving world of esports offers new opportunities for traditional sports.

For further information please contact Andrew Haywood or Richard Marshall 

 
 
 

Brexit uncertainty - immigration update for the sports industry 

by Hazar El-Chamaa 

 
 

With less than five months to go until we exit from the EU on 29 March 2019, uncertainty still shrouds the potential impact Brexit will have on the sports industry and the country as a whole. The withdrawal deal is still being negotiated but, deal or no deal, there should be no impact on the summer 2019 transfer window. Thereafter, we need to await the publication of the much anticipated Immigration Bill outlining the UK's future migration policy.

 
 
 

The rise and rise of esports 

by Oliver Cooke 

 
 

In the last 12 months the popularity of esports has exploded to the extent that in the US, it is now as relevant to younger generations as American football, basketball, and baseball. In the UK, it is on the cusp of attaining the same status. As investors flock to the industry, hoping to capitalise on the potentially massive financial and reputational returns arising from early involvement, leading UK-based industry news outlet Esports Insider held its annual conference in London in September 2018. The event saw hundreds of players, team owners, and tournament organisers debate the hottest topics in the industry with leaders from consumer electronics companies and the gambling industry, as well as government and traditional sports. 

 
 
 

Hit by a golf ball - who is liable?

by Charles O'Brien

 
 

Following the recent terrible event at The Ryder Cup when a spectator lost the sight in one eye after being struck by a golf ball, we consider the wider implications of a straying golf ball and its potential ramifications for event organisers, golf clubs and regular everyday players, all of whom could have a liability depending on the circumstances of the accident - whether it be to spectators, dog walkers or other golfers legitimately in range of the errant shot.

 
 
 

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