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Liabilities & Other Disputes: Legal Protection for Sports Professionals
Victim of assault? Damage to your image? Governance conflict?
We defend your rights.
Beyond disciplinary, contractual, or doping disputes, there are many legal situations that can affect your athletic career or your organization. An injury caused by a third party, unauthorized use of your image, an electoral dispute within your federation, or governance issues in your club are all problems that require legal expertise tailored to the world of sports.
Since 1973, Cabinet Bertrand has been assisting athletes, coaches, referees, and amateur clubs in defending their rights in these various situations.
Our in-depth knowledge of the sports world and its players enables us to understand each dispute in its entirety and to build a legal strategy tailored to your needs.
Whether your dispute falls under civil or administrative jurisdiction or involves sports bodies such as the CNOSF or CAS, we will draw on our expertise to effectively defend your interests at every stage of the proceedings.
webeeui-centered-3-colWhat is your situation?
Cabinet Bertrand handles all sports disputes that do not directly relate to disciplinary proceedings, doping, employment contracts, transfers, or agent relations. Identify your situation below.
Is your case not listed below? Contact us: every case is unique.
Violation of personal rights
Your image, name, or voice is being used without your permission. You are the victim of defamatory statements or invasion of privacy.
Situations concerned:
- Unauthorized commercial use of your image
- Infringement of your personal attributes (name, voice, signature, nickname)
- Violation of your privacy in the media or on social networks
- Defamatory or abusive comments about you
- Dispute over the performance of an image or sponsorship contract
- …
Civil liability and damages
You have suffered bodily injury during a competition or training session, or you have been the victim of an assault in a sporting context.
Situations covered:
- Injury caused by an opponent (flagrant foul, violent act)
- Assault on the field, in the locker room, or in the stands
- Damage related to defective equipment or dangerous conditions
- Dispute with your insurance company over coverage of a claim
- Civil liability claims for damage caused to others
- …
Election disputes
You wish to contest an election within your federation, league, or club, or you believe that the electoral process was irregular.
Situations concerned:
- Contesting a federal, league, or regional committee election
- Rejection of your candidacy for an elected position
- Irregularities in the conduct of a ballot or general meeting
- Challenging the results of an election within your club
- Failure to comply with the statutes or internal regulations during a vote
- …
Sports governance and regulations
You are in conflict with your federation or league over a non-disciplinary decision, or you are facing governance issues.
Situations concerned:
- Contested administrative sports decision (non-disciplinary)
- Conflict over the application of a sports regulation
- Governance issues within a federation or club
- Dispute relating to financial fair play (clubs in European competitions)
- Appeal against a decision by a public service delegate
- …
Sports organizations and associations
You are facing a dispute within an association or difficulties with your sports company (SASP, EUSRL, SASU).
Situations concerned:
- Exclusion of a member or internal conflict within the association
- Dispute between an association and a sports club over an agreement
- Disputes during a merger or restructuring of clubs
- Difficulties with supervisory authorities (prefecture, DRAJES)
- Disputes over subsidies or public funding
- …
Intellectual property
Your trademark, logo, or creation is being used without authorization, or you are the victim of counterfeiting.
Situations concerned:
- Unauthorized use of your sports brand or logo
- Counterfeiting of derivative products or merchandising
- Disputes over audiovisual or broadcasting rights
- Infringement of your copyright on sports creations
- Misuse of your identity or brand image
- …
webeeui-left-split-toggleOur interventions by type of sports dispute
Defense of personality rights
Sport and sporting image are major vectors of communication. An athlete's image, name, or voice are attributes of their personality and represent an asset that must be protected. Every individual has exclusive rights to their image and can oppose its unauthorized use.
Who do we represent?
- Professional and amateur athletes whose image is used without authorization
- Coaches and referees who are victims of defamatory comments
- Athletes facing invasions of their privacy in the media or on social networks
Our support
- ✅ Formal notices and actions to stop infringements
- ✅Summary proceedings to have disputed content removed
- ✅Actions for compensation for moral and financial damage
- ✅Defense in litigation relating to image and sponsorship contracts
- ✅Negotiation and drafting of settlement agreements
Can I take action if my image is used during a competition?
Professional athletes practice their sport in public, which facilitates the capture and dissemination of their image in a sporting context. However, the commercial use of your image for advertising or promotional purposes without your consent constitutes an infringement of your rights. We analyze each situation to determine the possible courses of action.
What should I do in the event of an assault on the field or in the stands?
Assault is a criminal offense that entitles you to compensation. We assist you in filing a complaint, bringing a civil action, and obtaining compensation for all your damages (physical, moral, economic). At the same time, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated.
Election disputes and governance
Electoral disputes within sports organizations (federations, leagues, clubs) are mainly dealt with by civil courts (even when these organizations are delegated public services). Decisions relating to elections may be appealed before the competent courts.
Who do we represent?
- Candidates in federal, regional, or league elections whose candidacy has been rejected
- Voters contesting the validity of an election
- Volunteer leaders faced with irregularities in general meetings
- Members contesting governance decisions made by their organization
Our support
- ✅ Analysis of the regularity of electoral processes
- ✅ Preliminary appeals to sports authorities
- ✅ CNOSF conciliation for disputes with federations/leagues
- ✅ Appeals before the courts (summary proceedings or proceedings on the merits)
- ✅ Challenging decisions made at general meetings
- ✅ Support in internal governance procedures
How long do I have to challenge a federal election?
The time limits for appeals may vary depending on the body concerned (federation/league, club). Appeals before any internal committees must generally be lodged within very short time limits. CNOSF conciliation remains (for federations and leagues) a mandatory prerequisite (15-day time limit for referral). We advise you to contact us as soon as you become aware of any irregularity.
Can I challenge a governance decision made by my federation?
Decisions made by sports federations in the exercise of their public service delegation may be appealed before the administrative court on the grounds of abuse of power. Decisions of a private nature (e.g., those made in accordance with their statutes) fall under the jurisdiction of the civil courts. We analyze the nature of the decision to guide you toward the appropriate course of action.
Disputes involving sports organizations
Sports clubs, associations, and societies face specific legal issues: disputes with their members, conflicts between associations and sports societies, internal governance difficulties, or litigation with supervisory authorities.
Who do we represent?
- Amateur clubs in dispute with their licensees or members
- Volunteer managers facing internal conflicts
- Sports associations in dispute with regional or departmental committees
- Sports companies (SASP, EUSRL, SASU) in disputes over agreements or corporate transactions
Our support
- ✅ Analysis and resolution of association disputes (expulsions, internal conflicts)
- ✅ Litigation relating to agreements between associations and sports clubs
- ✅ Disputes over club mergers or restructuring
- ✅ Appeals against decisions made by regional committees or regional leagues
- ✅ Litigation relating to subsidies and public funding
- ✅ Relations with supervisory authorities (prefecture, DRAJES)
How to defend a member who has been expelled from their sports association?
The expulsion of a member must comply with the association's statutes and the principles of adversarial proceedings. An irregular expulsion can be challenged in civil court. We analyze the procedure followed and the grounds given to determine the available remedies.
What recourse is available in the event of a dispute over a sports subsidy?
Disputes relating to subsidies granted by local authorities fall under administrative law. An informal appeal and, if necessary, a formal appeal before the administrative court may be considered. We can assist you with these procedures.
webeeui-three-tiersCourts and tribunals before which we act
Cabinet Bertrand represents you before all competent authorities in disciplinary, regulatory, financial, ethical, and corruption matters, from the local to the international level.
Judicial courts
Civil courts (judicial courts)
- Civil liability and compensation
- Infringement of personality rights
- Contractual disputes (image, sponsorship)
- Intellectual property and counterfeiting
- Sports election disputes
Criminal courts
- Assault and battery
- Civil party status
- Defamation and public insults
Labor courts
- If there is a contractual employment relationship with the perpetrator of the harm
Sports tribunals
CNOSF (Conciliation)
- Mandatory prerequisite for certain federal disputes
- Sports mediation and conciliation
Federal commissions
- Internal disputes within federations
- Non-disciplinary regulatory disputes
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
- Appeals against certain international federation decisions
- Commercial sports arbitration
webeeui-nested-featuresOther situations covered
Beyond the main categories of disputes presented above, Bertrand Law Firm can also intervene in more specific situations relating to sports law.
COMPETITION LAW AND FREE MOVEMENT
Anti-competitive practices in sport
Certain sports rules may constitute barriers to competition or the free movement of athletes under French and European law. Restrictions on the mobility of athletes, abusive exclusivity practices, or agreements between players in the sports market may be challenged on these grounds.
Freedom of movement for athletes
European law guarantees the free movement of workers, including professional athletes. Sports rules that hinder this freedom may be challenged before national or European courts. Our expertise enables us to assist athletes facing these issues in their efforts.
OTHER SPORTS LITIGATION
Protection of minor athletes
Disputes relating to the protection of young athletes (training conditions, training agreements, protection of minors' image rights) require special attention. We assist families and young athletes in defending their rights.
Discrimination and harassment
Athletes, coaches, or referees who are victims of discrimination (based on origin, gender, or sexual orientation) or moral or sexual harassment in the context of their sporting activities can take civil, criminal, and disciplinary action. We support them in these sensitive proceedings.
Contested selections
Non-selection for a national or Olympic team may, under certain conditions, be appealed if it results from an arbitrary or discriminatory decision. These disputes are delicate and require a precise analysis of the applicable regulations and the circumstances of the decision.
Sports tax litigation
Tax issues related to sporting activities (taxation of income, allowances, image rights) can give rise to disputes with the tax authorities. We provide advice and litigation services on these issues specific to the world of sport.
webeeui-nested-featuresWhy choose Bertrand Law Firm?
Every sports-related issue requires specific legal expertise. Identify the situation that corresponds to your immediate needs below. Our lawyers, who are experts in sports law, will provide you with a tailor-made approach, whether your case is urgent or requires a long-term strategy.
OUR DISTINCTIVE EXPERTISE
Unique cross-disciplinary expertise
Since 1973, Cabinet Bertrand has been handling all legal issues in the world of sports. This comprehensive vision allows us to understand each dispute in its specific sporting context and anticipate the implications for your career or organization.
Knowledge of the sports world
Our exclusive practice of sports law has enabled us to develop a detailed understanding of the issues specific to each discipline, the relationships between the various players, and the functioning of sports bodies.
A network of experts
For cases requiring additional expertise (medical expertise, damage assessment, complex intellectual property), we mobilize a network of professionals who are recognized in their fields.
Professional recognition
- Gold Trophy 2024 & 2025 — Law Summit (Sports Law)
- Gold Medals 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025 — Palmarès du Droit
- "Essential" ranking — Décideurs Magazine (since 2011)
OUR METHODOLOGY
1. In-depth analysis of your situation
We examine all aspects of your case to identify the legal basis for your action, the liabilities involved, and the possible avenues of recourse.
2. Strategy tailored to your objectives
Every situation is unique. We work with you to develop a strategy that takes into account your priorities (speed, confidentiality, preservation of relationships, maximum compensation).
3. Search for negotiated solutions
Where possible and in your best interests, we favor negotiation and mediation to achieve swift and satisfactory solutions.
4. Determined litigation
If amicable resolution fails, we will initiate the appropriate legal proceedings with the rigor and determination necessary to defend your rights.
webeeui-faqFAQ: Responsibilities & Other Disputes
Can I take action if my federation uses my image without my consent for its communications?
Federations generally have rights to the image of their licensees in the context of promoting their sporting activity, but these rights are regulated. The commercial use of your image for advertising purposes for the benefit of sponsors requires, in principle, your authorization. We analyze your federation's statutes and the terms of your license to determine the extent of your rights and possible actions.
Can my club be held liable if I am injured during training?
The club may be held liable if it can be shown to have failed in its duty of care: defective equipment, inadequate supervision, dangerous training conditions. On the other hand, the normal risks inherent in practicing a sport are, in principle, accepted by the athlete. We will examine the circumstances of your injury to assess liability.
How can I challenge a regional committee's decision to refuse my club's membership?
Refusal of membership is an administrative decision that can be appealed. You must first exhaust all internal appeals, if any, and then refer the matter to the CNOSF Conciliation Service if your appeal is rejected. If conciliation fails, you can appeal to the administrative court. The deadlines are strict, so we advise you to act quickly.
Do you defend professional clubs?
Cabinet Bertrand mainly defends athletes, coaches, and amateur clubs against sports institutions. We do not generally intervene on behalf of professional Ligue 1 or Ligue 2 clubs in their domestic disputes. However, we can assist these clubs in international disputes (FIFA, UEFA, CAS) or in situations where they are in conflict with other clubs.
What are the deadlines for taking action in the event of an assault during a match?
Several time limits apply depending on the actions envisaged. For filing a criminal complaint, the time limits vary depending on the classification of the facts (six years for simple intentional violence if classified as a misdemeanor). For civil action for compensation, the statute of limitations is 5 years from the date your injuries are consolidated. For sports disciplinary proceedings, the time limits are set by federal regulations. Swift action is recommended to protect your rights.
How much does a lawyer cost for these types of disputes?
Fees depend on the nature and complexity of the case. We offer different options: fees based on time spent, a flat rate for certain procedures, or a contingency fee for compensation cases. During our initial consultation, we will provide you with a transparent estimate of the expected costs. A fee agreement is always drawn up before any work is carried out.