Lawitt Buro provides comprehensive legal support to athletes, clubs, sports organisations, federations, agents, international tournament organisers, brands, sponsors and other participants in the international sports industry.

Sports law lies at the intersection of international arbitration, contract law, disciplinary regulation and the specific rules of international and national sports organisations. In many cases, the consequences extend far beyond the legal outcome itself: a decision may affect an athlete’s eligibility to compete, sporting results, professional reputation and future career.

Key Areas of Practice

International Sports Disputes and Arbitration
Preparation of legal positions, analysis of applicable sports regulations and legal support in international sports disputes.

Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Assessment of the prospects of a case, development of procedural strategy, preparation of submissions and representation of clients in proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

Anti-Doping and Disciplinary Matters
Legal analysis and support in matters involving alleged violations of anti-doping rules, athlete disqualifications and the consequences of disciplinary decisions.

Disputes over Competition Results and Awards
Legal support in cases where decisions by sports or anti-doping bodies may result in changes to competition results or the reallocation of rankings, titles and medals.

International Transfer Agreements
Legal review and support of international transfer agreements and related documentation, taking into account applicable law and the requirements of the relevant sports organisations and federations.

International Sports Federations and the IOC
Legal support in dealings with international sports federations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other sports organisations, including matters concerning the application of sports regulations and the protection of clients’ interests.

Advertising, Sponsorship and Commercial Agreements
Drafting and legal review of international advertising, sponsorship and other commercial agreements involving athletes, clubs, event organisers and other participants in the sports industry.

Collaborations and Partnership Projects
Legal support for international collaborations involving athletes, sports organisations, brands and other commercial partners, including contractual structures, the rights and obligations of the parties, the use of athletes’ names and likenesses, and other legal aspects of cooperation.

Legal Support for International Tournaments
Comprehensive legal support for organisers and participants of international sporting events, from contractual documentation and dealings with counterparties to matters involving applicable sports regulations.

Experience with CAS
The Lawitt Buro team has practical experience with proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. Lawitt Buro Managing Partner Angelina Fitoz has extensive experience in international disputes and has represented clients before CAS.
One of the notable cases in our sports law practice concerned the reallocation of Olympic medals following a violation of anti-doping rules and the subsequent disqualification of the competition winner. Angelina Fitoz represented the client in the relevant international sports dispute, which resulted in the restoration of the client’s Olympic gold medal.
We approach each sports project and dispute comprehensively, taking into account not only the legal position but also the potential impact on the client’s career, reputation and commercial interests.