PowerPlay – Sports Law

Defending your game, protecting your rights.

Slachtoffer van sportagressie: gevaar niet enkel op het veld maar ook op de rechtbank?

If your are

and you are looking for

Then, we would love to team up with you!

Advisory services

on contracts, legislation, regulations and other legal issues in the sports industry

Legal assistance & representation

in all disputes and proceedings before national and international state courts, arbitral tribunals & sports bodies.

Guidance in all contract negotiations

with full transparency, 100% loyalty and with an additional focus on tax optimisation.

PowerPlay offers a wide range of services:

Contracts

In the dynamic world of sports, it is crucial to enter into well-considered and legally sound agreements. Our lawyers offer specialized support in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts for athletes, clubs, agents, sponsors, and more. We provide clear and straight to the point advice and the best possible defence of your interests. PowerPlay supports you in the most transparent manner with regard to:

Transfer contracts
Employment contracts
Agent contracts
Sponsorship contracts
Management contracts
Settlements

With our expertise in sports law, we help you establish clear agreements and prevent conflicts,

allowing you to focus entirely on your athletic performance.

Dispute resolution and mediation

Disputes in the sports world require swift and effective resolution to ensure the continuity and

reputation of all involved parties. Our firm provides expert assistance and representation in dispute resolution, mediation and arbitration, both nationally and internationally. Whether dealing with contractual or commercial disputes, doping cases, or disciplinary procedures, we stand by your side to defend your rights and aim for the best possible result for you. Our experience in the sports world guarantees a thoughtful approach, where both your sporting and commercial interests are paramount.

For years, the lawyers of PowerPlay have supported athletes, clubs, agents and fans through every stage of proceedings before all types of courts, including:

Civil and Criminal Courts
Disciplinary Courts (FIFA Tribunals, RBFA disciplinary bodies, National Chamber for Civil Exclusion, National Chamber in the Fight against Discrimination and Racism, BNXT League Disputes Committee…)
Arbitration Tribunals (Belgian Court of Arbitration for Sport (BAS), Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Flemish Sports Tribunal…)

Estate planning and Taxation

For athletes and their agents, wealth planning is crucial to make the most of their earnings and to protect both their assets and their families. At PowerPlay, we understand the unique needs and challenges of the sports world and offer specialised support in that context. Our services include:

Protecting your personal and family interests: We help you draw up prenuptial agreements, wills and healthcare powers of attorney, among others, to ensure that your family and assets are secure, no matter what the future holds.
Structuring your assets: Whether it is setting up partnerships, foundations or other (cross-border) control mechanisms, we provide a well-thought-out organisation of your assets.
Transfer of assets: We advise on strategic plans for the transfer of your assets to the next generation, focusing on both tax and legal aspects.

Naturally, we also assist you in legal proceedings concerning the tax treatment of your income or assets, as well as in property law disputes such as divorce proceedings or discussions in estates.

Intellectual Property Rights

Athletes and clubs are increasingly recognizing the importance of their intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, logos, and athletes’ image rights, as a significant source of revenue. The substantial increase in exploitation opportunities through sponsorship, merchandising, and media exploitation also brings a considerable risk of misuse.

PowerPlay is fully committed to the contractual protection and enhancement of these rights, ensuring not only the safeguarding of your reputation and commercial interests but also preventing unauthorized exploitation by third parties (including ambush marketing). Meticulous management and enforcement of these rights are therefore essential for success in the modern sports industry.

Licensing and M&A

Due to increasingly stringent regulations and conditions imposed on clubs by legislation and sports regulations, licensing, UEFA financial fair play, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become complex areas in the sports world that require strategic legal expertise.

Our team offers specialised guidance on complying with licensing requirements, ensuring financial fair play compliance, and successfully executing mergers and acquisitions. Whether it involves acquiring licenses, structuring financial transactions, or guiding your acquisition processes, we ensure that your interests are optimally protected and that you achieve your desired outcomes.

Doping

The strict WADA doping regulations and notorious objective liability create significant stress for every athlete. Adequate legal support in preventing and addressing doping violations has therefore been essential throughout an athlete’s career.

We provide proactive advice on compliance with whereabouts requirements and assist with applying for and managing Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for legitimate use of medications. Furthermore, PowerPlay vigorously defends you in any doping case before both national and international doping tribunals.

With our expertise, we ensure that your case is handled with the utmost care and knowledge, allowing you to confidently focus on what matters most—your athletic career.