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Sports Law

As well as being a Family Law barrister, Matthew has a considerable background in professional sport. He was a professional game referee in England for several years and he could often be spotted officiating on live television when not in court.

 

Matthew refereed in the Gallagher and Aviva Premierships, the highest level of domestic rugby in England. He officiated at the very highest levels of European Cup rugby in the Champions Cup and travelled across world.

 

Amongst his officiating highlights are his involvement in Rugby World Cup 2015; refereeing the Army v Navy in front of a capacity 82,000 Twickenham crowd and his overseas trips including to; Japan, South Africa, USA, Malaysia and the Dubai 7s. 

 

Matthew has a strong understanding of the demands and often time sensitive nature of elite sport. He combines his legal expertise with his background in professional sport to provide a unique sports law service. He advises and represents players, clubs, leagues and governing bodies.

Areas of sports practice:

  • Discipline, including Tribunals

  • Selection disputes

  • Anti-doping

  • Integrity and anti-corruption

  • Safeguarding

  • Investigations

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Matthew sits on several national and international bodies deciding and arbitrating sports law disputes, including for:

  • The Football Association Judicial Panel

  • The FA Safeguarding Review Appeal Board

  • The FA Safeguarding Review Panel

  • British Equestrian

  • Sport Resolutions Panel of Arbitrators & Mediators

  • National Safeguarding Panel

  • Rugby Football Union

  • European Professional Club Rugby (European Champions Cup)

  • Rugby Europe

  • International Mixed Martial Arts Federation

  • Professional Golf Association (PGA) European Tour

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