With the ‘well-known, well-connected’ Trevor Watkins at the helm, the Pinsent Masons LLP practice has vast experience of representing governing bodies in football, major sponsors and government agencies in all elements of transactional and litigious affairs. Watkins is an expert in M&A and financing work, particularly within a football context, while Manchester-based Julian Diaz-Rainey is knowledgeable in sports-related litigation and arbitration proceedings. Also from Manchester, Samantha Livesey has expertise in sponsorship and IP issues; Leeds-based Matthew Clayton-Stead is a finance specialist; and James Kaye focuses on IPOs and secondary fundraisings.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Long experience of sports cases. Knowledgeable across the board. Creative.’
‘Trevor Watkins is a leading player. Well known, well connected. Very good knowledge of the market.’
Key clients
- Celtic FC
- Everton FC
Work highlights
- Appointed as sole adviser on a global basis to World Athletics – an appointment the client recently and unilaterally extended until the end of 2027.
- Advising Everton FC and Manchester City FC in the defence of regulatory charges brought against them for alleged breaches of Premier League and UEFA finance-related rules – two incredibly high-profile, technical and groundbreaking cases.