Christopher Yates
Clifford Chance LLPSpearheaded by Chris Yates and James Cranston, the ‘excellent’ sports group at Clifford Chance LLP regularly advises stakeholders and investors on the regulatory landscape, alongside representing sporting organisations in complex arbitrations and commercial court proceedings. Yates is an expert in crisis management and sporting investigations, Cranston specialises in anti-doping matters and regulatory inquiries, and Jennifer Chimanga advises on media rights and regulatory compliance. Jamie Andrew is experienced in handling strategic commercial contracts and large sponsorship deals, and Alex Walker has knowledge of the video games and esports industries. The firm is especially well versed in acting for sports governing bodies and Premier League clubs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent team, most notably James Cranston and Chris Yates. Now fully established as a leading sports practice.’
- 'Their performance, and that of their team, has been outstanding in all respects: knowledge of the law (the case has ranged widely over many aspects of commercial and public law), their strategic skills, their client care.’
Key clients
- Manchester City
- Mercedes Grand Prix
- International Paralympic Committee
- Association of Football Agents
- European Super League
- World Rugby
- Arsenal
- Liverpool Football Club
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Aston Villa
- Leicester
- West Ham
- Invictus Games Foundation
- Sixth Street
- City Football group
Work highlights
- Acted for a group of leading international football agencies in arbitration proceedings under the Football Association ("FA") Rule K arbitration brought against the FA and FIFA, challenging the FIFA Football Agent Regulations ("FFAR") introduced by FIFA and to be implemented in the UK by the FA.
- Acting for eight Premier League football clubs in claims that they have made under their business interruption insurance policies for losses they have suffered in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Representing Manchester City Football Club in proceedings against the Premier League (in arbitration, Commercial Court and Court of Appeal proceedings) arising from a Premier League investigation into compliance with its rules.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
James Cranston
Clifford Chance LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Chris Yates, James Cranston