Corporate Governance & Financial Restructuring in Sports
The sports industry has evolved into a highly sophisticated financial sector. Sports clubs, federations, and agencies face complex corporate challenges, from multi-million-euro acquisitions to strict financial fair play regulations and, in severe cases, the threat of insolvency.
At UNO-ONE Legal, we blend deep corporate law expertise with an intricate understanding of the sports ecosystem. We advise investors, club owners, creditors, and governing bodies on corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and distress scenarios to protect assets and ensure long-term viability.
Sports Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Acquiring or selling a sports entity involves unique regulatory hurdles, including league approvals, sporting succession risks, and complex stakeholder dynamics. We guide clients through the entire transaction lifecycle.
- Due Diligence: Conducting comprehensive legal and sporting audits prior to the acquisition of sports clubs or agencies to identify hidden liabilities and regulatory risks.
- Shareholder & Investment Agreements: Structuring private equity investments, joint ventures, and drafting robust shareholder agreements tailored to the sports sector.
- Club Constitutional Issues: Advising on the transition from association models to corporate structures (e.g., SADs in Spain) and optimizing corporate governance frameworks.
Financial Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance
Financial stability is strictly monitored by domestic leagues and international bodies. We ensure our clients remain compliant with these evolving economic controls.
- UEFA Financial Sustainability Regulations (FSR): Advising clubs on compliance with squad cost rules, solvency requirements, and stability rules.
- Domestic Economic Controls: Assisting clubs with salary cap compliance and financial reporting required by national leagues.
- Debt & Equity Financing: Structuring loan financing agreements, project finance for stadium developments, and securitization of future broadcasting or transfer revenues.
Insolvency & Sporting Succession
When a sports entity faces financial distress, the intersection of national insolvency law and international sporting regulations creates a highly volatile legal environment.
- Corporate Restructuring: Advising on administration, pre-pack mechanisms, and restructuring plans to save clubs from liquidation while mitigating sporting sanctions (e.g., points deductions).
- Creditor Representation: Assisting players, coaches, and other clubs in recovering debts from insolvent sports entities, navigating both civil courts and sporting tribunals.
- Sporting Succession: Defending or challenging claims before FIFA and CAS regarding the transfer of sporting debts to newly formed “phoenix” clubs following a bankruptcy.
