The sports industry is becoming increasingly commercialized and globalized. As a result, athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders involved in the sports industry seek professional legal guidance to safeguard their rights and maximize their earnings. Sports law is an emerging area of law that is directly interconnected and overlaps with a variety of legal disciplines, such as contract law, employment law, tort law, defamation law, corporate law, immigration law, and privacy rights.
The assistance of a professional attorney who has in-depth knowledge of the aforementioned areas of law is essential both for professionals in the sports industry (i.e. athletes, coaches, physical therapists, etc.) and other interested parties, such as boards of directors of sports clubs, investors, etc.
Investors: Sports are not limited to just playing field regulations, as they are intertwined with society and the economy, especially with the entertainment and advertising industries. As a result, sport can be a profitable investment area, through sponsorship and advertising. On the one hand, sport opened investment opportunities in areas such as broadcasting rights, which is related to the area of Intellectual Property Law. On the other hand, the sport established a new marketing area that develops investment opportunities in areas such as the actions of sports clubs, since most of the sports clubs have become companies.
Athletes, sports professionals and clubs: The continued mobility of athletes and other sports professionals between teams, coupled with the complexity of contracts, includes a variety of legal concerns. As a result, legal representation of athletes, sports professionals, and clubs is vital. Lawyers can help you with matters related to contract law, breach of contracts, transfers, etc.
Before signing a contract, athletes and other sports professionals should ensure that they are aware of the various clauses and provisions. Please note that a contract between a sports professional and a club may be subject to breach. For example, in case a sports club in Cyprus does not fulfill its commitment regarding its obligations towards the athlete / sports professional, then the athlete / sports professional may submit a claim for redress and / or damages to the courts. Cyprus or the Dispute Resolution Chamber of FIFA. Consequently, the assistance of a professional lawyer is necessary.
Competent authority in Cyprus:
The competent authority in Cyprus is the Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO), a semi-governmental organization. According to the law, CSOs can act as the Supreme Sports Authority in Cyprus.
Why is legal support necessary?
Sports are considered one of the most profitable industries with significant investment opportunities and huge income. Therefore, appropriate legal support can help athletes, sports professionals, and other stakeholders to maximize their benefits and protect their rights. As explained, athletes, sports professionals and other interested parties, before appointing a legal representative in the Republic of Cyprus, should ensure that their lawyer has in-depth knowledge and experience in a variety of areas of law.