Member Article

Muckle win prestigious FA contract

A North East law firm has beaten off competition to secure a prestigious contract with the Football Association to provide advice to its Charter Standard Clubs and Leagues.

The contract will begin on the 1stSeptember, and will see Muckle provide a helpline to 5,246 clubs and 146 leagues who have achieved the FA Charter Standard of Excellence.

John Devine, partner at Muckle LLP, said: “We are so pleased to be working with everyone associated with a brand as fantastic as The FA and will ensure that the Clubs and Leagues receive the highest standards of service and advice through this new helpline.

“The sports team at Muckle LLP understands that clubs and leagues face a varied range of legal issues. With our expertise, the new helpline service means we will be there to provide effective, hassle-free legal advice and support, when clubs need it.”

Muckles’ understanding and experience of all areas of the football sector, as well as their knowledge of relevant practical advice is what made the firm’s bid stand out. The contract will extend the firms sporting portfolio, as they already advise the Premier League, and represent several high profile clubs, players and managers.

Douglas Marshall, professional support lawyer at The FA, said: We were very impressed by the Muckle sports team’s experience, desire to help and can do attitude The legal issues they will face from the Clubs and Leagues will be varied and sometimes complex, but we believe they have the expertise to provide pragmatic and commercial legal advice, so that Clubs and Leagues can get on with what they do best – playing and enjoying football.“

The firm will now advise on all legal matters, including organisational structures, building, grounds, employment and dispute resolution.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .