News | Sport

Friday 8th June 2001

SJ Berwin's Sports Business Group hosted a seminar on the implications of the new Human Rights Act on the world of sport.

This issue which has, to date, had limited exposure, is of relevance to sporting bodies who were well represented at the event. Those present included representatives of the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Football Association and the Football Conference, the Horserace Betting Levy Board, UK Athletics and UK Sport. Also present were representatives of Kick It Out, as the Human Rights Act has implications for banning orders obtained under the Football (Disorder) Act 2000. Recent banning orders obtained under the Football (Disorder) Act have been criticised by civil liberties and human rights organisations.

Rebecca Money-Kyrle, a lawyer specialising in public law and human rights and a member of the SJ Berwin Sports Business Group, discussed the implications of the Human Rights Act for sports bodies, and considered whether or not they could be held legally accountable for breaching human rights.

Rebecca commented: "It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that sporting bodies could be vulnerable to human rights litigation. Awareness of the issues is vital if such risks are to be minimised."

Jonathan Metliss head of the Sports Business Group said: "This is another example of the breadth of activity of the Sports Business Group which adds an important and innovative aspect to the conduct of the business of sport."

• SJ Berwin is at the forefront of legal developments in the world of football.
• In addition, its Sports Business Group advises organisations and clubs from across the sporting spectrum including The England and Wales Cricket Board, The British Ski Federation, Radio First and Ondigital, ENIC plc and The Pentland Group, Harlequins and Saracens (Rugby Football), and a range of Premier League and Nationwide Football Clubs.
• It has most recently represented ENIC on its acquisition of its 29.9 per cent. stake in Tottenham Hotspur.