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Liz Soutter
ESL Sports Law · United Kingdom
ESL Sports Law
Sports · United Kingdom
Founded in 2015 by Nilo Effori, ESL Sports Law (formerly Effori Sports Law) has established itself as a leading boutique law firm specialising exclusively in the sports industry. With a global clientele that includes international sporting clubs, athletes, agents, intermediaries, governing bodies, investors and financiers, ESL Sports Law offers comprehensive legal services in disputes and finance, as well as contractual and regulatory matters.
The firm operates with a partner-led approach, ensuring that clients consistently receive personalised and expert legal counsel. Its commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes is evident in its track record of successful representations before major sports arbitration bodies, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal (BAT).
Headquartered in London, ESL Sports Law maintains a global presence through a network of trusted partners. This international reach enables the firm to effectively serve clients across various jurisdictions, providing tailored legal solutions that consider the unique regulatory landscapes of differing countries.
Today, the firm’s practice areas encompass:
• Sports Disputes: Representing clients in arbitration and litigation before such bodies as CAS and BAT.
• Sports Finance: Advising on funding strategies, including short-term liquidity solutions and long-term capital raising, with expertise in transactions involving broadcasting and sponsorship income, transfer fees and agent commissions.
• Sports Contracts: Drafting and negotiating various agreements, including player representation, employment, sponsorship and image rights contracts, while ensuring compliance with the relevant regulations.
Notable Cases & Achievements
ESL Sports Law has secured significant victories for its clients, including:
• Successfully defending Qadsia Sporting Club in a BAT arbitration case;
• Achieving a favourable outcome for Qatar Sports Club in a CAS dispute;
• Representing Gilberto Fortunato in a CAS case, resulting in the upholding of a FIFA DRC ruling.
Liz Soutter
Liz Soutter, a solicitor qualified in England and Wales, joined ESL Sports Law in 2018 after serving as a Partner at Dentons and Mayer Brown in London. With extensive experience in contract negotiation, Ms Soutter specialises in financing against intangible revenue streams. She advises international sporting clubs, professionals, investors and financiers on transactions involving broadcasting and sponsorship income, transfer fees and agent commissions. She is further proficient in English, Portuguese and Spanish – enabling her to effectively communicate with a diverse client roster.
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