Sports Law Briefing – March 2026
European Regulatory and Legal Developments
Geaney Solicitors LLP – Sports, Governance & Regulatory Update
1. European Highlights
Post‑“Sports Trilogy” Competition Law Reforms
Following the CJEU’s decisions in RCC Sports, ROGON, and Tondela, March has seen significant regulatory movement across European sport:
Redrafting of agent regulations
Reassessment of transfer‑market restrictions
Stronger emphasis on objective, proportionate, and transparent rule‑making
Increased caution around rules that may constitute restrictions “by object”
These reforms continue to reshape how federations design and enforce regulatory frameworks.
UEFA Governance & Financial Sustainability
Ongoing implementation of UEFA’s Squad Cost Control framework
Continued disputes concerning club licensing and financial sustainability
Further fallout from the European Super League litigation, particularly around event‑organisation rights and market access
Financial oversight remains a central theme across European football.
CAS & International Federation Activity
Eligibility and disciplinary appeals remain active
Advisory opinions sought on governance and competition‑law compliance
Anti‑doping disputes continue to influence procedural standards across federations
These developments highlight the increasing legalisation of international sport.
2. Cross‑Border Themes
Competition law is now central to challenges against sporting rules
Financial regulation is tightening, with greater scrutiny of sustainability and transparency
Eligibility and inclusion remain high‑profile, high‑risk policy areas
Governance modernisation is accelerating, with rising expectations for independence, defensibility, and procedural fairness
3. UK Highlights
Premier League Financial Regulation (PSR → SCR Transition)
Clubs are finalising submissions under the outgoing Profit & Sustainability Rules
Preparations continue for the new Squad Cost Rules
Appeals remain active, challenging the proportionality and consistency of PSR sanctions
Increased focus on related‑party transactions and transitional compliance
Independent Football Regulator (IFR)
Draft licensing conditions issued for consultation
Early tensions emerging around ownership tests, financial oversight, and intervention powers
Stakeholders preparing for potential Competition Appeal Tribunal challenges once the IFR begins issuing binding decisions
The IFR represents the most significant structural reform in English football governance in decades.
Equality & Participation
The For Women Scotland litigation continues to influence UK‑wide eligibility frameworks
Governing bodies are reviewing transgender participation rules
Heightened legal scrutiny around fairness, safety, and inclusion
Commercial & Data‑Protection Cases
Recent High Court and Tribunal rulings—though not sports‑specific—carry implications for the sector, particularly in relation to:
Athlete data and safeguarding records
Sponsorship and commercial contracts
Cross‑border investment structures
Litigation costs and strategy
4. Key Takeaways for Organisations and Governing Bodies
Expect greater regulatory intervention and more litigation testing the limits of governing‑body discretion
Ensure rules and decisions are transparent, evidence‑based, and competition‑law compliant
Strengthen financial governance and documentation ahead of new UK and UEFA frameworks
Review eligibility, safeguarding, and data‑handling policies to ensure legal defensibility
For Further Advice or Support
If your organisation requires guidance on any of the issues outlined in this briefing, please contact:
Geaney Solicitors LLP Email: niall@geaneysolicitors.ie
We advise governing bodies, clubs, athletes, and commercial partners across Ireland and Europe on all aspects of sports governance, regulation, and dispute resolution.