Welcome to October's edition of Mishcon de Reya's sports update, where we bring you the latest developments and key stories from the world of sports law and governance. In this month's edition, we explore three developments that highlight how legal, financial and reputational risk can intersect with commercial decision-making across the industry.
We examine the Independent Commission's decision on the Premier League charges against Manchester City, considering what the ruling means for clubs, leagues and governing bodies navigating financial regulation and sporting governance.
We consider the Premier League's partnership with Sorare, where more than £10 million remains subject to an account freezing order despite no suggestion of wrongdoing by the league itself.
Finally, we examine the proposed Sporting Events Bill and its potential impact on brands, sponsors and media organisations.
Taken together, these articles reinforce a common theme: in an increasingly regulated sports economy, governance, commercial partnerships and intellectual property strategy are becoming ever more closely linked. Understanding and managing those risks will be critical for sports organisations, rights-holders, media businesses and their advisers alike.