In Switzerland, sporting activities, whether professional or amateur, are governed by both national legislation and the regulations of sports federations. Sports law lies at the crossroads of private law, public law and association law. It covers contractual relationships between clubs and athletes, the governance of sports organisations, disciplinary, tax and asset-related matters, as well as the protection of image rights and sports brands.
Our specialised lawyers advise and represent clients at all levels of sports practice and management, in Switzerland and internationally. We assist clubs, players, coaches, agents and federations with the structuring and negotiation of contracts (employment, transfer, sponsorship and image rights agreements), as well as with the drafting and implementation of internal regulations.
We represent and assist our clients in contractual and disciplinary disputes before national and international sports bodies, in particular before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Our practice also includes tax and wealth planning relating to income derived from sporting activities, as well as cross-border matters involving athletes and clubs, supported by in-depth knowledge of the regulations of FIFA, UEFA, the SIHF, the IIHF, the CHL and Swiss sports federations.
The added value of our specialised lawyers lies in recognised experience in professional sport and a strategic, pragmatic and responsive approach. For many years, we have been advising professional hockey and football clubs at all levels of their activities, including the negotiation of player and coach contracts, the management of transfers, loans and buy-outs, the handling of disciplinary and association proceedings, regulatory compliance, governance, sports financing and commercial rights (sponsorship, hospitality, naming rights). We also assist in managing internal disputes, relations with partners and sponsors, and issues relating to supporter conduct and stadium security, in coordination with sports and administrative authorities.