Sport - UK-wide
What the Team is Known For
Centrefield is a respected sports boutique that acts for prominent clubs, sportspeople and regulatory authorities across football in particular, as well as cricket and both codes of rugby, among others. It provides advice on the full suite of commercial, regulatory and disputes matters, including anti-doping. Also demonstrates considerable capability in relation to immigration and sponsorship matters. Clients have included a series of Premier League clubs, including work on numerous transfers, managerial appointments and contentious employment matters.
Strengths
"Centrefield's ability to handle sophisticated matters is very strong. Not only in terms of depth of knowledge, but also in that they offer pragmatic solutions to complicated issues."
"They have been excellent in resolving a number of different player and club related issues."
"Their exceptional knowledge of the industry means there aren't many scenarios, if any, that they haven't experienced."
"They have excellent visibility in the industry but also a pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.I don't know how they are able to pick up calls and jump onto matters so quickly, but they do."
"They are a very good team, very specialist, and they understand the football side of the industry very well."
Work Highlights
Centrefield advised Jordan Henderson and his representatives in connection with his departure from Liverpool Football Club to join Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Arabia Pro League, and his subsequent departure from Al-Ettifaq and move to European giants Ajax.
Notable Practitioners
Matthew Bennett continues to receive plaudits for his standout football practice, regularly acting on behalf of Premier League giants, their players and managers, and domestic and international governing bodies. He frequently advises on international player transfers, contract renewals and disciplinary cases. "Genuinely one of the best in the business. Matthew inspires total calm and trust when he is involved in any matter." "Matthew has bags of experience, he's worked on a lot of very high-profile cases and deals, he knows how different football clubs work, and he has good experience as well as business knowledge."
David Bentham has a strong emphasis on commercial matters arising in sport, including those involving sponsorship agreements, licensing and broadcasting rights. He also handles regulatory work in football and rugby. "David has exceptional commercial knowledge ."
Stuart Baird provides sports immigration advice to players and clubs, including with regard to concerns over Brexit. He also handles a wide range of player transfers and disciplinary proceedings. "Stuart has been excellent for us."
Edward Canty is recognised for his work in the football sector assisting with a range of player contracts and transfers. He also advises on disciplinary proceedings before the game's governing bodies. "All of our advice from Ed has been client-focused, pragmatic and informed."
Deirdre McCarthy is a sports associate with a strong focus on football transfers and player contracts. She also has experience in employment disputes and disciplinary matters. "Deirdre's attention to detail is second to none." "Deirdre is excellent on contentious matters."