Centrefield LLP

Boutique sports law firm Centrefield LLP advises some of the largest football clubs in the country on high level matters, including transfers and manager appointments, and dismissals. The 'enthusiastic' team is very experienced in the athletics sphere, acting on investigations into doping, as well as representing top rugby clubs and even foreign sports leagues such as the MLS and National Women’s Soccer League. Practice co-head Edward Canty is a football governance expert, while co-head Matthew Bennett advises on contentious matters such as football disciplinary cases. Team co-head Stuart Baird advises on international football transfers and sports immigration as well as disciplinary cases in various sports, with one standout matter being his representation for Samoan captain Junior Paulo in rapidly overturning a ban for a tackle which would have kept the player out of the Rugby League World Cup semi-final. Co-head David Bentham specialises in commercial sports work, including sponsorship agreements. Associate Phil Bonner is also key.