It has been 10 years since Paolo left FIFA. This interview covers his views on some important developments in that period and comments on memorable cases.
The January transfer window is open and while many fans are hopeful of arrivals, Financial Fair Play is mentioned daily as a reason why a number of clubs must first look to sell. In October last year, our Director, Philippa Lombardi, analysed the impact of Financial Fair Play on the transfer market in an article for Football Legal.
Hakeem al-Araibi, a Bahraini footballer, living in Australia on a protected refugee visa, was detained in Thailand from late 2018. A campaign, spearheaded by former Socceroo Craig Foster, secured high profile backing and created great support, ultimately securing Hakeem’s release.
Bury Football Club were expelled from the English Football League on 27 August 2019 as a result of financial problems. While the owner and previous owner of the club have been forced to shoulder a lot of the blame, the football authorities must also acknowledge and remedy their own failures. Bury FC were established 125 years ago and their expulsion is a tragedy for the town and local community, as well as the wider football world.
Lionel Messi’s record breaking sixth Ballon d’Or win has seen the dominance of the big two – Messi and Ronaldo – continue. Aside from Luca Modric’s 2018 win, the big two have monopolised the award. There have been many players who have suffered by playing in the same era as them and the Lombardi Associates team have selected the best players to have never won the Ballon d’Or in our opinion.
Our first moment of 2019 is the Edinburgh Sports Conference, held in September. Attendees from across the globe heard from world class speakers over two brilliant days.
Paolo Lombardi and Luca Pastore are in Madrid this week, attending the International Congress on Football Law
An interesting piece about the Edinburgh Sport Conference written by Philippe Auclair.
On 5 and 6 September 2019 Lombardi Associates welcomed world leading decision makers and professionals from the football industry to Edinburgh.
Philippa Lombardi featured in the last edition of the European Leagues’ legal newsletter.
Lombardi Associates operates in English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and French. If you have a football or sports related dispute or issue, we can help you.
Since 2010 Lombardi Associates has been a leader in international sports law.
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