webeeui-hero-sectionLaw at the service of sport and athletes
French Sports Lawyers in Paris (France) since 1973
Defending, advising and representing athletes before all sports authorities and courts
For over 50 years, Cabinet Bertrand has been advising, assisting and representing the interests of players in the sporting world (professional athletes, coaches, amateur athletes, agents, medical and administrative staff, amateur clubs, sports unions) in the day-to-day management of their contracts (employment, image, sponsorship) and sporting careers, as well as in all sporting disputes and legal proceedings.
Our lawyers are experts in sports law, and can intervene in all types of sports litigation, whether legal, regulatory, disciplinary, financial or doping-related.
Recognized as one of France's leading sports law firms, we appear before all courts and sporting bodies: judicial and administrative tribunals(Conseil des prud'hommes, judicial, commercial and administrative courts, courts of appeal, etc.), sports commissions of federations and leagues (disciplinary, regulatory, financial, ethical, etc.), national and international sporting institutions and arbitration boards (CNOSF, AFLD, CAS, ITA, ITIA, FIFA, FIBA, IRB, CAS, etc.).
Whether you're a professional sportsman or an amateur athlete, a coach, a member of a technical or medical staff, an administrative employee, an agent or an amateur sports club, we put our exclusive expertise at your service to protect your rights and ensure your sporting success.
webeeui-nested-featuresWhat is your current sporting situation?
Every sporting issue requires specific legal expertise. Identify below the situation that corresponds to your immediate needs. Our expert sports lawyers will support you with a tailor-made approach, whether your case is urgent or requires a long-term strategy.
CONTRACTS & NEGOTIATIONS
Negotiating a contract or managing a dispute out of court
- Negotiation of player, trainer or transfer contracts
- Revision of contractual clauses (remuneration, bonuses)
- Amicable resolution of player/club disputes
- Pre-litigation mediation on contractual conditions
- Drafting of image and sponsorship contracts
- Support in negotiations with clubs and agents,
- ...
INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES
Your case involves international bodies
- Breach of contract and just cause (player, coach), unpaid wages and bonuses
- FIFA Football Tribunal: Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC), Players' Status Chamber (PSC), Agents' Chamber
- International transfers: training allowances, solidarity
- International Federation Commissions in 1st instance
- International appeals and arbitration: Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) at Lausanne,
- Negotiation of player contracts or international transfers
- Disputes over remuneration clauses, bonuses or bonuses
- ...
SANCTIONS & DISCIPLINE
You have been summoned or sanctioned by a sporting body
- Summons to appear before a disciplinary commission
- Sporting sanction to be contested(suspension, exclusion, fines)
- Proceedings for serious misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior
- Appeal against federal or league decision
- Defense against accusations of violence or discrimination
- Challenging the withdrawal of points or relegation
- ...
NATIONAL DISPUTES
Your dispute comes under the jurisdiction of national courts or authorities
- Breach of contract for serious misconduct or economic reasons, unpaid wages and bonuses
- Conseil de Prud'hommes: dismissals on permanent contracts, early termination of fixed-term contracts for specific sportspeople
- Civil courts: player/agent contractual disputes, election appeals
- CNOSF: compulsory and optional prior conciliation and arbitration procedures
- Administrative courts: appeals against federal & league decisions
- National bodies: legal, regulatory, financial, ethics commissions, etc. (FFF, LFP, FFR, LNR, FFBB, LNB, FFT, etc.)
- ...
CONSULTING & STRATEGY
Developing your career or structuring your activities
- Image contracts and rights management
- Sponsorship and commercial partnerships
- Setting up companies: image companies, SASPs, club takeovers
- Legal audit and due diligence of sports structures
- Governance: statutes of associations and federations
- Career strategy: timing, legal anticipation
- ...
webeeui-hero-2-colCan't find what you're looking for?
With over 50 years' exclusive experience in sports law and more than 8,000 cases handled since 1973, we have defended the rights of numerous athletes, professional sports unions (players, trainers, jockeys), agents and amateur clubs, in all sporting disciplines.
Whether you're a professional or amateur athlete, club, agent or member of a sports staff, contact us for a personalized diagnosis of your situation.
Every Friday, we offer free video-conference appointments (15 minutes).
webeeui-three-tiersWe support players in the sporting world in their legal issues
Since 1973, Cabinet Bertrand has practiced sports law exclusively, assisting professional and amateur athletes, coaches, medical and administrative staff, clubs, associations and unions with all their legal issues. Our expertise covers both day-to-day career management (contractual negotiations, image protection, transfer support) and litigation defense: contractual disputes, disciplinary proceedings, financial disputes or doping cases.
We appear before all sporting bodies (federal commissions, CNOSF, AFLD, FIFA, UEFA, CAS) and judicial and administrative jurisdictions (industrial tribunals, judicial and administrative courts, appeal courts), in France and abroad. With 52 years' experience, we are fully conversant with the legal andregulatory particularitiesof sport, its bodies and procedures.
Professionals and amateurs in all disciplines
We support:
- Professional athletes: Football, Futsal, Basketball, Rugby, Handball, Tennis, Cycling, Volleyball, Boxing, Athletics, Swimming, Horse racing, eSport, etc.
- Top-level athletes: Olympic preparation, international careers, national selection
- Jockeys and equestrian athletes: Special status, accidents, France Galop disputes
- Amateur athletes: Disciplinary proceedings, licensing disputes, accidents, etc.
- Professional athletes: Football, Futsal, Basketball, Rugby, Handball, Tennis, Cycling, Volleyball, Boxing, Athletics, Swimming, Horse racing, eSport, etc.
- Top-level athletes: Olympic preparation, international careers, national selection
- Jockeys and equestrian athletes: Special status, accidents, France Galop disputes
- Amateur athletes: Disciplinary proceedings, licensing disputes, accidents, etc.
ATHLETES & SPORTSMEN
- Contractual and salary disputes
- Federal disciplinary procedures, selections
- Anti-corruption & anti-doping defense (AFLD, WADA, ITA, ITIA)
- Sports agent disputes, national and international transfers
- Protection of image rights
- Selections (national and Olympic teams)
- ...
Sports professionals and unions
We represent:
- Professional and amateur coaches: All sports disciplines
- Athletes' unions: Collective bargaining, defense of members
- Technical, medical & official staff: Assistant, physical trainer, doctor, osteopath, physiotherapist, referee
- Administrative staff : Employees of clubs, federations and leagues
- Volunteer managers: Liability, discipline and protection
- Professional and amateur coaches: All sports disciplines
- Athletes' unions: Collective bargaining, defense of members
- Technical, medical & official staff: Assistant, physical trainer, doctor, osteopath, physiotherapist, referee
- Administrative staff : Employees of clubs, federations and leagues
- Volunteer managers: Liability, discipline and protection
STAFF & SUPERVISORS
- Employment contracts (permanent, fixed-term sports contracts)
- Dismissals and unfair dismissal
- Labour litigation with clubs and federations
- Professional disciplinary sanctions
- Union representation (athletes, players, trainers, jockeys)
- Negotiation of individual and collective agreements
- ...
Professional and amateur structures
We advise:
- Amateur clubs: federal and league litigation, CNOSF, administrative, civil and commercial disputes
- Sports associations: governance, internal disputes, subsidies
- International disputes: inter-club disputes, FIFA transfer indemnities, training and solidarity
- Sports groups: legal structuring, SASP creation, articles of association, advice
- Amateur clubs: federal and league litigation, CNOSF, administrative, civil and commercial disputes
- Sports associations: governance, internal disputes, subsidies
- International disputes: inter-club disputes, FIFA transfer indemnities, training and solidarity
- Sports groups: legal structuring, SASP creation, articles of association, advice
CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS
- Sports commission appeals
- Litigation CNOSF and administrative courts
- Sports sanctions disputes (disciplinary, regulatory, financial)
- Training and solidarity compensation claims
- International club disputes (FIFA, UEFA, CAS)
- Governance and legal structuring
- ...
webeeui-centered-2-colA pioneering firm dedicated to sports law since 1973
Led by Jean-Jacques and Christophe BERTRAND, with over 70 years' experience, our team of lawyers and jurists is entirely dedicated to the practice of sports law. Over 8000 cases handled in 52 years have forged a unique expertise and an incomparable proprietary jurisprudential base, at the service of all players in the sporting world.
Since 1973
52 years of exclusive sports law practice. France's leading sports law firm, a recognized benchmark in the profession.
All jurisdictions
Federal Commissions, Leagues, CNOSF, AFLD, Labor Courts, Civil and Administrative Courts, Courts of Appeal, FIFA, UEFA, FIBA, Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Sport Resolutions
All disciplines
Soccer, Futsal, Tennis, Basketball, Rugby, Cycling, Athletics, Swimming, Handball, Boxing, Hippisme, Judo, Volleyball, Fencing, Golf, eSport, Skating,...
Over 8,000 cases handled
Unique 50-year case law database, available for consultation to optimize every defense.
Specialized cases and law
Sports law has established itself as a legal discipline in its own right, with its own specific rules, bodies and procedures. Cabinet Bertrand has accompanied this development since its origins in 1973, helping to structure and gain recognition for this branch of law.
webeeui-vertical-sliderRecognition & Awards
Our firm is listed in the main professional rankings (Décideurs Magazine, Sommet du Droit, Le Point, Leaders League). These distinctions add to the positive feedback we receive from our clients, our primary source of satisfaction.
Posts Database BSA
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Sommet du Droit 2024-2025 : Le Cabinet Bertrand Double Lauréat d'Or en Droit du Sport
Best Lawyers : Maître Jean-Jacques Bertrand parmi les meilleurs avocats d'affaires
Cabinet Bertrand : Référencé Who's Who Legal & Thought Leaders Lexology Index (Sports, Entertainment & Gaming)
Le Point : le Cabinet Bertrand parmi les meilleurs avocats en droit du sport (2022-2023)
Cabinet Bertrand : Lauréat du Palmarès du Droit en Droit du Sport depuis 2020
Classement Décideurs Magazine : Le Cabinet Bertrand « Incontournable » en Droit du Sport depuis 2021
webeeui-single-row-cardsTestimonials
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LEONARDO
“ High level of professionalism, extensive knowledge of rights and of the profession, reliability, real rapport... For me, Christophe was very important at a difficult time. Thank you! ”
Haten BEN ARFA
“ We worked hard for this. ”
Eric CANTONA
“ To the great Bertrand family who have been by my side for more than 20 years. ”
webeeui-three-colOur latest publications
Posts Database BSA
Gallery view
Classement Décideurs Magazine : Le Cabinet Bertrand « Incontournable » en Droit du Sport depuis 2021
Dec 30, 2025
Le Cabinet Bertrand est classé « Incontournable » en Droit du Sport depuis 2021, confirmant sa position de leader avec cinq années consécutives dans la catégorie la plus prestigieuse. Depuis 2011, il maintient une présence continue, illustrant son expertise et la confiance de sa clientèle. Ce classement, publié par Décideurs Magazine, évalue les cabinets sur des critères tels que les recommandations des pairs et la satisfaction client.
Cabinet Bertrand : Référencé Who's Who Legal & Thought Leaders Lexology Index (Sports, Entertainment & Gaming)
Dec 1, 2025 GMT+01:00
Le Cabinet Bertrand se distingue comme Thought Leader dans le Lexology Index, catégorie Sports & Gaming. Grâce à l’expertise de Jean-Jacques et Christophe Bertrand, le cabinet maintient une reconnaissance internationale en droit du sport. Depuis 1973, il défend les acteurs sportifs face à des enjeux juridiques critiques.
Cabinet Bertrand : Lauréat du Palmarès du Droit en Droit du Sport depuis 2020
Mar 26, 2025 GMT+01:00
Le Cabinet Bertrand est un acteur clé en droit du sport, ayant remporté 4 Médailles d'Or et 2 Médailles d'Argent au Palmarès du Droit depuis 2020. Cette reconnaissance repose sur des critères tels que la disponibilité, la réactivité et la qualité des prestations. Grâce à une évaluation rigoureuse, le cabinet confirme son excellence juridique pour les sportifs et les clubs.
Sommet du Droit 2024-2025 : Le Cabinet Bertrand Double Lauréat d'Or en Droit du Sport
Mar 3, 2025
Le Cabinet Bertrand a été couronné Trophée d'Or en Droit du Sport lors du Sommet du Droit 2024-2025, marquant une double victoire consécutive. Cette reconnaissance souligne son expertise unique et son engagement envers l'innovation et l'accessibilité dans le domaine juridique. Les clients peuvent ainsi s'appuyer sur un service de qualité, renforçant leur position sur le marché.
Le Point : le Cabinet Bertrand parmi les meilleurs avocats en droit du sport (2022-2023)
Jun 21, 2023 GMT+01:00
Le Cabinet Bertrand est reconnu parmi les meilleurs avocats en droit du sport avec une note maximale de 5/5 dans le classement Le Point pour 2022 et 2023. Cette distinction repose sur les recommandations de plus de 5 000 professionnels et démontre l'expertise du cabinet, actif depuis 1973 dans ce domaine. Grâce à une méthodologie rigoureuse, le cabinet continue de se démarquer par sa qualité de services juridiques.
Best Lawyers : Maître Jean-Jacques Bertrand parmi les meilleurs avocats d'affaires
Oct 3, 2019 GMT+01:00
Maître Jean-Jacques Bertrand est reconnu parmi les meilleurs avocats d'affaires en France selon le classement Best Lawyers 2019. Cette distinction, fondée sur les recommandations de ses pairs, souligne son expertise en droit du sport. Le Cabinet Bertrand, établi en 1973, accompagne les sportifs et clubs dans leurs enjeux juridiques.
webeeui-faqFAQ : Presentation of Cabinet BERTRAND
What are the firm's main areas of expertise?
Sports litigation
The main areas in which our sports law attorneys are involved in litigation are :
- Disciplinary, regulatory and financial proceedings before national and regional sports authorities (FFF, LFP, FFT, FFBB, LNB, FFR, LNR, etc.) and international bodies (FIFA, FIBA, ERB, etc.).
- Appeals before national (CAS) and international arbitration chambers (Court of Arbitration for Sport - CAS, Sport_Resolutions)
- Contractual disputes (players, trainers, clubs)
- Conciliation procedure (compulsory preliminary appeal or optional appeal) before the CNOSF (French National Olympic Committee)
- National and international anti-doping litigation (AFLD, ITA, ITIA, CAS)
- Appeals before the courts (Conseil des prud'hommes, Tribunal judiciaire, Cour d'appel, Tribunal administratif, Cour administrative d'appel, etc.)
Sports contract law
The firm assists its clients in :
- Negotiation and drafting of sports contracts
- Breach of contract
- Special clauses
- Transfer agreements
- Coaching and technical staff contracts
- Sponsorship and image rights agreements and contracts
Strategic advice
In addition to litigation, the firm provides :
- Support for sports associations
- Advice on sports governance
- Regulatory support
- Compliance audits
- Training for sports players
Who are the firm's typical clients?
Our clientele in the sports world is diverse. Cabinet Bertrand assists all players in the sports world:
- Professional athletes (all sports)
- Amateur athletes
- Coaches (professional and amateur)
- Athletes' unions
- Sports clubs (amateur and professional)
- Technical and medical staff
Is Cabinet Bertrand recognized for its expertise?
Yes, Cabinet Bertrand's expertise in sports law has been recognized for over 50 years.
Founded in 1973, Cabinet Bertrand has built up a unique expertise in France through its exclusive expertise in sports law. This approach has enabled the firm to develop in-depth knowledge of the legal issues specific to the world of sport.
Continued recognition since 2011
The awards at the Sommet du Droit 2024 and 2025 are part of an ongoing process of professional recognition:
Palmarès du Droit (2020-2025):
2020: Silver Laureate (first participation)
2021: Gold Laureate
2022: Gold Winner (third participation)
2023: Silver winner
2024: Gold winner
2025: Gold winner
Sommet du Droit (2024-2025) :
2024: Gold Trophy (creation of the category)
2025: Gold Trophy (second consecutive year)
This succession of awards confirms the quality and consistency of the expertise developed by Cabinet Bertrand in the service of sports players.
In which sports disciplines do our lawyers work?
Cabinet Bertrand is active in all sporting disciplines, both professional and amateur. Since 1973, we have developed a cross-disciplinary expertise that enables us to support sports players in all practices, from the most high-profile to the most confidential.
🟢 Team sports
Soccer - Basketball - Rugby - Handball - Volleyball - Ice field hockey - Field field hockey - Futsal - American soccer - Water polo - Baseball - Softball
🏃 Individual sports
Tennis - Athletics - Cycling - Swimming - Golf - Boxing (all disciplines) - Judo - Karate - Taekwondo - Fencing - Alpine skiing - Cross-country skiing - Snowboarding - Gymnastics - Figure skating - Speed skating - Horse riding - Equestrian sports - Triathlon - Modern pentathlon - Rowing - Sailing - Surfing - Windsurfing - Kitesurfing - Canoeing-kayak - Climbing - Shooting - Archery - Weightlifting - Wrestling - Table tennis - Badminton - Squash
🏇 Motor Sports & Others
Horse riding - Horse racing - Motor sports - Motorcycling - Karting - eSport - Petanque - Chess - Sports poker - Bridge - Breakdance - Skateboarding - BMX - Mountain biking
Your discipline is not listed?Contact us to find out how we can help. Our expertise in sports law applies to all sporting practices, whether Olympic, Paralympic, traditional or emerging.
How much does a sports lawyer cost?
Fees vary according to the complexity of the case and the type of intervention. Cabinet Bertrand offers a range of options: one-off consultations, fixed fees for specific procedures, or comprehensive support. When we first contact you, we'll draw up a personalized quote tailored to your situation. In the event of agreement, to ensure complete transparency with our client, we sign a fee agreement electronically before any work is carried out.
How long does it take to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)?
The time limit for lodging an appeal with CAS is generally 21 days from notification of the contested decision. This period may vary depending on the applicable federal regulations. It is essential to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to appeal.
Can I contest a disciplinary sanction imposed by my federation?
Yes, the decisions of federal disciplinary commissions can be appealed. Depending on the case, you can appeal to an internal appeals commission, to the CNOSF in conciliation, to the administrative tribunal or to CAS for international sanctions. Each means of appeal has its own deadlines and conditions.
My club has stopped paying my wages. What can I do?
In the event of unpaid wages, there are several options, depending on your contractual situation and the competent jurisdiction. For national disputes, the Conseil de prud'hommes has jurisdiction. For international disputes, e.g. in soccer, the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) or the Players' Status Chamber (PSC) of the FIFA Football Tribunal may be seized. Provisional measures may also be requested.
How do I choose a sports agent?
Choosing a sports agent is an important decision that will affect your career. Before signing an agent's contract, we recommend that you check the agent's license, analyze the clauses of the mandate (duration, exclusivity, commission) and negotiate the conditions. A lawyer can assist you in this process.
Does Cabinet Bertrand act internationally?
Yes, Cabinet Bertrand regularly appears before international sporting bodies: FIFA, UEFA, FIBA, World Rugby, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, and other international federations. We also support our clients in cross-border disputes and international transfers.
What languages does Cabinet Bertrand work in?
Cabinet Bertrand provides legal services in French and English. Our attorneys regularly handle international cases and can communicate with clients, sports organizations, and arbitration bodies (FIFA, UEFA, CAS) in both languages. For procedures before international instances such as the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, we prepare submissions in English when required.
How can I schedule a consultation with Cabinet Bertrand?
Cabinet Bertrand offers free 15-minute video consultations every Friday. You can book an appointment directly through our website by clicking the "Free Visio" button in the menu bar. For more comprehensive consultations, contact us to schedule a personalized meeting either in person at our Paris office or via video conference.
