Phil was recommended to us when we had issues with a sports body. He was very clear, personable and knowledgeable about a range of issues. Phil always presented a variety of options and the potential effect - this enabled us to have an idea of costs and exactly which actions to take. We felt he cared about us as clients and was both realistic and reassuring throughout.
- Acting for Leeds United and the Clubs previous Manager, Marcelo Bielsa, in a dispute with the EFL regarding allegations of spying on opposing Clubs’ training sessions. This case came to be known in the national media as “Spygate”.
- Acting for Premier League, Championship and League 1 Clubs on issues relating to compliance with Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules, insolvency of rival Clubs and the application of the so called ‘football creditors’ rule.
- Acting Leeds United and multiple of its players in a range of disciplinary proceedings before the EFL and the Football Association.
- In his capacity as a non-executive director, advising British Weightlifting, the NGB for professional weightlifting in Britain on disciplinary matters, selection issues and general good governance. Compliance with International Weightlifting Federation Rules and the International Olympic Committee’s requirements are also key topics.
- Acting for the Premier League and Professional Game Match Officials on a variety of legal issues. Examples include the application of the Owners and Directors Test, the exercise of discretion over Clubs in general and the legal status of professional football referees.
- Advising multiple Clubs on issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The most urgent cases involved advising Clubs on consideration given by the UK government and football authorities to finishing the football 19/20 season prematurely and/or change the Rules on promotion and relegation.
- As well as advising household names, Phil has enjoyed assisting Clubs and organisations further down the football pyramid. He has advised Clubs in League 2, the National League, local FAs and junior football leagues on a range of governance, FA/EFL Rules and disciplinary issues.
- Acting against a regional firm of solicitors in an eight figure claim for professional negligence. A multimillion pound settlement was obtained at mediation shortly before trial.
- Acting for the Solicitors Indemnity Fund (an insurance fund which used to insure all solicitors firms in England and Wales) prior to the professional indemnity market becoming privatised. Advising on numerous complex issues in relation to professional negligence such as limitation, causation, aggregation and limitation of liability.
- Acting for a well known Yorkshire based entrepreneur in a defamation claim against the Sunday Times. The matter settled via an apology, a correction and damages payment.
- Defending an eight figure claim by HMR&C for director’s misfeasance and VAT fraud. Phil was acting for a former director of a large national recruitment and payroll services company. The matter settled out of court for a modest six figure sum.
- Acting for multiple World and European Champion MMA fighters and coaches in a dispute involving both national and international governing bodies.
- Acting for a League 2 football Club to negotiate recovery for COVID-19 related losses under a business interruption insurance policy provided by Hiscox. This case involved the application of various aspects of the landmark Supreme Court decision on the scope of business interruption insurance policies in the context of COVID-19.
- Acting for a premium hospitality and ticket resale provider in a dispute with the Rugby Football Union in relation to hospitality packages for England Internationals at Twickenham.