Berlin Sports Law

Our network consists of players, clubs,
federations, coaches and agents from all over the world.

AC Ajaccio - France

América FC - Brazil

Blackburn Rovers FC – England

Budapest Honvéd FC – Hungary

Caracas FC – Venezuela

Coton Sport FC de Garoua – Cameroon

SC Covilhã – Portugal

Djurgardens IF – Sweden

FC Empoli – Italy

Estoril Praia SAD – Portugal

CF Estrela da Amadora – Portugal

SC Farense – Portugal

Getafe CF – Spain

Gimnastic Tarragona – Spain

Hagmayr Sport – Austria

SD Huesca – Spain

KF Laçi – Albania

UD Las Palmas - Spain

NK Maribor – Slovenia

Medeama SC – Ghana

FK Rad – Serbia

SK Rapid – Austria

Real de Banjul FC – The Gambia

Royal Standard de Liège – Belgium

Sandnes Ulf – Norway

Sepahan SC – Iran

Sydney FC – Australia

TTFA – Trinidad and Tobago

Valerenga IF – Norway

Wolfsberger AC – Austria

our network in green

our clients include

AC Ajaccio - France

América FC - Brazil

Blackburn Rovers FC – England

Budapest Honvéd FC – Hungary

Caracas FC – Venezuela

Coton Sport FC de Garoua – Cameroon

SC Covilhã – Portugal

Djurgardens IF – Sweden

Empoli FC – Italy

Estoril Praia SAD – Portugal

CF Estrela da Amadora – Portugal

SC Farense – Portugal

Getafe CF – Spain

Gimnastic Tarragona – Spain

Hagmayr Sport – Austria

SD Huesca – Spain

KF Laçi – Albania

UD Las Palmas - Spain

NK Maribor – Slovenia

Medeama SC – Ghana

FK Rad – Serbia

SK Rapid – Austria

Real de Banjul FC – The Gambia

Royal Standard de Liège – Belgium

Sandnes Ulf – Norway

Sepahan SC – Iran

Sydney FC – Australia

TTFA – Trinidad and Tobago

Valerenga IF – Norway

Wolfsberger AC – Austria

1100

clubs

150

players / coaches / agents

3250

cases

106

countries

D. Antonio Sánchez,
General Director
– Getafe C.F. –

“Getafe CF has been working with BSL for over 8 years, relying fully on its advice in all matters related to international sports law. We have built a very close relationship which goes beyond the professional environment and collaborated widely with extremely satisfactory results. It’s a pleasure to work with such fantastic professionals.“

Pierre Locht,
Executive Board Member
– Royal Standard de Liège –

“Many thanks for working together with us in the past years. We look forward to continuing cooperating with you in the future.”

Manuel Lindberg,
Club Director
– A.I.K. Solna –

“A highly professional service in all sports law issues.”

Stefan Ebner,
Director Sportsmanagement
– SK Rapid –

“We are grateful for the quick, uncomplicated and personal communication. We can always rely on BSL’s legal expertise.”

João Rodrigues, President
– SC Farense –

“We have been working with BSL for two years, they demonstrate a high sense of competence, responsibility and dedication.”

Ian Silvester, Club Secretary
– Blackburn Rovers F.C. –

“Our partnership with BSL has been very beneficial. Communication is always clear and we can trust them to deliver on promises.“

Alf Johansson, General Manager
– Djurgården Fotboll –

“We can rely on BSL to deal with all kinds of transfer entitlements.”

Christian Puff, Vice-President
– Wolfsberger AC –

“We’ve had a trusting relationship with Mr. Jan Schweele for years and work together on all international sports law issues. We came to BSL for their legal support to accompany us during our latest record-breaking transfer.”

José de Oliveira Mendes, President
– SC Covilhã –

“People who are easy-going, dedicated and always available to collaborate.”

Adam Santo, COO
– Sydney FC –

“BSL provides expert assistance when it comes to advising regarding international player transfers.“

Hamed Asfa, Int’l Manager
– Sepahan S.C. –

“Our burgeoning relationship with BSL is a relatively new but intensive cooperation which showed us how fast, effective and professional a legal firm can be.”

James Essilfie, CEO
– Medeama SC –

“We can rely on BSL to deal with all kinds of transfer entitlements. Their expert knowledge has helped us to secure many entitlements, including unexpected bonus amounts.“

Gerencia Deportiva
– Caracas FC –

“Estamos felices de haber encomendado la revisión de nuestros derechos de formación a BSL y después de varios años de exitosa colaboración podemos recomendarlo a cualquier club que cuente con cantera significativa.“

Max Hagmayr, CEO
– Hagmayr Sport International –

“We had great difficulties transferring a young talent to Austria and are very grateful for the legal support from BSL that made this transfer possible.”

Constantino Novais da
Silva Barbosa Jr., President
– Santa Cruz Futebol Clube PE –

“One of the most beloved teams of Brazil deserves high quality legal representation. We have that with BSL, a group of lawyers capable of securing our entitlements quickly and effectively.”

L. Bezerra and Legal Vice President
Diogo Pignataro, President
– América Futebol Clube RN –

“BSL is our go to team of experts whenever we have international matters involving our former players.”

Andrea Papadia, CEO
– SC Olhanense –

“We have created a strategic partnership with BSL that has provided with value and revenues for our business.”

Afonso Miranda,
President
– SC Beira-Mar –

“Working with BSL has been immensely helpful to guarantee our rights. The proximity, clarity and transparency shown bring us the needed comfort to any operation. Thank you to Dra. Maria Alves for the sensible way she treats us.”

André Geraldes, CEO
– CF Estrela da Amadora SAD –

“Untouchable professionalism and efficiency.“

Guilherme Muller,
General Director
– G.D. Estoril Praia SAD –

“We recently started working with BSL and it has been a very sucessful relationship so far. With their vast network and legal expertise, we can confirm their effectiveness in helping our club to retrieve amounts we are entitled to.“

Moses Etu, Chairman
– Warri Wolves FC –

“BSL have proved a strong and reliable partner when it comes to protecting our due rights.“

Happie Munkondya, CEO
– Power Dynamos FC –

“We trust BSL’s judgment and professionalism.”

Marko Peroš,
International Relations
– NK Maribor –

“BSL is a reliable partner when it comes to enforcing claims amicably but also when processing is necessary.”

Dario Pali,
General Manager
– KF Laçi –

“BSL have reliably worked for us on a number of international sports law issues and we’re delighted with the results.”

Kingsley Owusu-Achau,
President
– Bechem United F.C. –

“Since we first started to work with BSL, they have reliably enforced many claims for our club and worked for us in a range of legal areas.“

Tim Davies, Financial Director
– Oxford United –

“BSL have been of great help to us in securing a number of unspotted entitlements.”

Wilbert Sibanda, CEO
– Bantu Rovers –

“BSL are professional and reliable in their work. We know we can count on their transparency and integrity.”

David Sinton, Director
– Raith Rovers –

“Raith Rovers have used BSL on several occasions. We have found them to be proactive, helpful and successful in claiming and enforcing payment of training compensation and solidarity contribution due to us.”

– Stade Malien –

“We are very satisfied with an ever deeper collaboration over the years.“

Eduardo Méndez, President
– Club Independiente Santa Fé –

“Agradecemos a BSL por su fiable colaboración y su dedicación profesional para defender firmemente los derechos de formación de nuestra institución, no solo ante la FIFA y sino tambien ante el TAS.”

Fernando Ocampo, President
– Liga Deportiva Alajuelense –

“La profunda investigación por parte de BSL nos ha ayudado a imponer y cobrar casos de formación, para luego poder hacer inversiones en nuestro fútbol juvenil.“

Dr. Ernesto Dehl, President
– Cerro Largo FC –

“Recomendamos a clubes formadores contratar los servicios de BSL para poder alcanzar el máximo benificio de su propia formación y, al mismo tiempo, profesionalizar el ámbito del derecho internacional deportivo en la institución.

Julio Vásquez, President
– Cusco FC –

“La colaboración con BSL nos ha dado inmensos frutos con respecto a los derechos de formación y también nos ha permitido defendernos de la forma más firme ante reclamaciones levantadas por clubes del exterior.“

Karim Assafo, President
– Sports Consulting International –

“Como resultado de nuestra cooperación con BSL, hemos ganado un partner muy serio, no sólo para la revisión de contratos legales, sino también para ampliar nuestra red de contactos en el fútbol profesional a nivel internacional.“

Miller Lizarazo
– International Business Soccer –

“BSL nos ha ayudado considerablemente a mejorar la calidad de nuestros documentos legales, y de esta manera, ofrecer a nuestros jugadores un mayor nivel de seguridad jurídica.“

David John-Williams, former President
– The Trinidad and Tobago
Football Association –

“Thank you for the visit and the successful workshop on solidarity contribution and training compensation. Our associated clubs benefited hugely from it.“

Lluís Fàbregas Mateu,
General Manager
– Gimnàstic de Tarragona –

“We rely on BSL for all our legal needs and queries, whether it’s related to players, agents or other football clubs. We can count on receiving professional and personalised advice on all issues, whenever we need it.”

Gustavo Adolfo Núñez López,
President
– Real Santander –

“Muy generosos y que orgullo tener el apoyo de tan prestigiosa empresa.”

David John-Williams,
President
– W Connection F.C. –

“Over the past years we have developed a trusting relationship with BSL and we are very thankful for their expertise. BSL is a breath of fresh air for smaller clubs to get their just rewards for their investment in football.”

CONSULTANCY

CONSULTANCY

Transfer and employment
contract disputes

Solidarity contribution and training
compensation entitlements

Economic and image rights

Player registration, club and
agents licensing

Financial fair-play

Anti-doping disputes

Match-fixing issues

Television rights, sports brands
and events consultancy

Immigration Law

LEGAL REPRESENTATION

LEGAL REPRESENTATION

We offer representation
for all sports stakeholders

Agents, Clubs, Players, Brands,
Sports Associations

Arbitration & Ordinary Courts

FIFA DRC, PSC and
Disciplinary Committee

Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS)

UEFA Bodies

Berlin Sports Law is a boutique sports law firm with offices in Berlin, Lisbon and Porto Alegre and clients across Europe, Africa, America, Australia and Asia.

Having successfully enforced over 3,000 cases for clients over the past ten years, we have expertise in all areas of international sports law.

With our extensive network and highly experienced personnel, we can provide legal advice and support, whatever your need may be.

Our international, multilingual team works in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, meaning we are perfectly suited to represent you no matter where the dispute.

Our clients range from football players and coaches to clubs, agencies, sponsors, investors and federations.

Getafe CF

Royal Standard de Liège

Empoli FC

SD Huesca

SK Rapid

SC Farense

Blackburn Rovers FC

AC Ajaccio

UD Las Palmas

Djurgardens IF

América FC

Budapest Honvéd FC

Caracas FC

Coton Sport FC de Garoua

SC Covilhã

NK Maribor

Medeama SC

Real de Banjul FC

Sepahan SC

Sydney FC

Valerenga IF

Wolfsberger AC

Hagmayr Sport

6ix

Founding Partner of BSL with over 10 years’ experience in International Sports Law.
Jan holds a LL.M. in International Commercial Law and a specialisation in Sports Law.
He is a registered and admitted Attorney-at-law in Germany and Honduras, representing clients in Germany, as well as before FIFA, CAS and other sports arbitration institutions.
Jan has lived and worked in Germany, Portugal, Honduras, Mozambique and South Africa and is fluent in German, English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Jan Schweele

LL.M., Managing Partner

schweele@berlinsportslaw.com

Co-Head of BSL office with experience in corporate law, M&A and corporate governance and in international sports law. Guilherme holds a Masters of Law in Legal Sciences (Academic Part) and a post-graduation in Sports Law. He is a specialist in all aspects of international sports law and particularly in the world of international football transfers. Guilherme is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish and proficient in French.

Guilherme Von Cupper

Head of Office

voncupper@berlinsportslaw.com

Co-Head of BSL office with experience in criminal, civil and labour law and in international sports law. Maria holds a Masters in Business Legal Science and a post-graduation in Sports Law. A registered and admitted Attorney-at-law in Portugal, Maria has advised clients before Portuguese courts and other sports arbitration bodies. Maria is fluent in Portuguese, English and Italian.

Maria Alves

LL.M., Head of Office

alves@berlinsportslaw.com

Associate at BSL, Thomás is a qualified lawyer in Brazil. He holds a Master in International Sports Law (ISDE Madrid) and has experience in civil and labour law. Thomás has represented clients before Brazilian courts, as well as before FIFA, CAS and other sports institutions. He has lived, worked and studied in Brazil, Canada, Portugal and Spain and is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Thomás Bosak

Associate

bosak@berlinsportslaw.com

Associate at BSL with experience in civil law and international sports law. Rita holds a Master in International Sports Law (ISDE Madrid). She is preparing to join the Portuguese Bar Association, advising and representing clients before Portuguese authorities, FIFA, CAS and other sports federations. She has lived, worked and studied in Portugal, Spain and Malaysia and is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Rita Sereno Fonseca

Associate

fonseca@berlinsportslaw.com

Associate at BSL. Francisco is a legal consultant with experience in different areas of law and specialized in International Sports Law. He is finishing his training to become a lawyer in Portugal. He has previous experience in the Legal Department of Estoril Praia Futebol SAD and holds the Level 1 Scouting in professional football. With experience in Portugal and Spain, Francisco is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Francisco Machado

Associate

machado@berlinsportslaw.com

Michelle is an associate at BSL with expertise in criminal and sports law. She holds a law degree from the University of Rijeka, Croatia, and a Master’s in International Sports Law from Madrid. Fluent in Italian, Croatian, English, and Spanish, Michelle assists clients globally, specializing in legal matters within the football industry.

Michelle Acierno

Associate

acierno@berlinsportslaw.com

Associate at BSL. João is a Brazilian qualified lawyer with experience in different areas of law. He also holds a degree in International Relations, with post-graduate studies in criminal law (Damásio Educacional) and sports law (FGV). He earned his Master’s in International Sports Law from ISDE Madrid. With experience in Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and New Zealand, João is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.

João Canola

Associate

canola@berlinsportslaw.com

Office Manager at BSL. Vanessa has a degree and master in Psychomotor Therapy (Faculty of Human Kinetics- University of Lisbon). With two years of administrative work experience, Vanessa is fluent in Portuguese and English and proficient in Spanish.

Vanessa Ferreira

Office Manager

ferreira@berlinsportslaw.com

Jan Schweele

LL.M., Managing Partner

schweele@berlinsportslaw.com

Founding Partner of BSL with over 10 years’ experience in International Sports Law.
Jan holds a LL.M. in International Commercial Law and a specialisation in Sports Law.
He is a registered and admitted Attorney-at-law in Germany and Honduras, representing clients in Germany, as well as before FIFA, CAS and other sports arbitration institutions.
Jan has lived and worked in Germany, Portugal, Honduras, Mozambique and South Africa and is fluent in German, English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Guilherme Von Cupper

Head of Office

voncupper@berlinsportslaw.com

Co-Head of BSL office with experience in corporate law, M&A and corporate governance and in international sports law. Guilherme holds a Masters of Law in Legal Sciences (Academic Part) and a post-graduation in Sports Law. He is a specialist in all aspects of international sports law and particularly in the world of international football transfers. Guilherme is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish and proficient in French.

Maria Alves

LL.M., Head of Office

alves@berlinsportslaw.com

Co-Head of BSL office with experience in criminal, civil and labour law and in international sports law. Maria holds a Masters in Business Legal Science and a post-graduation in Sports Law. A registered and admitted Attorney-at-law in Portugal, Maria has advised clients before Portuguese courts and other sports arbitration bodies. Maria is fluent in Portuguese, English and Italian.

Thomás Bosak

Associate

bosak@berlinsportslaw.com

Associate at BSL, Thomás is a qualified lawyer in Brazil. He holds a Master in International Sports Law (ISDE Madrid) and has experience in civil and labour law. Thomás has represented clients before Brazilian courts, as well as before FIFA, CAS and other sports institutions. He has lived, worked and studied in Brazil, Canada, Portugal and Spain and is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Rita Sereno Fonseca

Associate

fonseca@berlinsportslaw.com

Associate at BSL with experience in civil law and international sports law. Rita holds a Master in International Sports Law (ISDE Madrid). She is preparing to join the Portuguese Bar Association, advising and representing clients before Portuguese authorities, FIFA, CAS and other sports federations. She has lived, worked and studied in Portugal, Spain and Malaysia and is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Francisco Machado

Associate

machado@berlinsportslaw.com

Associate at BSL. Francisco is a legal consultant with experience in different areas of law and specialized in International Sports Law. He is finishing his training to become a lawyer in Portugal. He has previous experience in the Legal Department of Estoril Praia Futebol SAD and holds the Level 1 Scouting in professional football. With experience in Portugal and Spain, Francisco is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Michelle Acierno

Associate

acierno@berlinsportslaw.com

Michelle is an associate at BSL with expertise in criminal and sports law. She holds a law degree from the University of Rijeka, Croatia, and a Master’s in International Sports Law from Madrid. Fluent in Italian, Croatian, English, and Spanish, Michelle assists clients globally, specializing in legal matters within the football industry.

João Canola

Associate

canola@berlinsportslaw.com

Associate at BSL. João is a Brazilian qualified lawyer with experience in different areas of law. He also holds a degree in International Relations, with post-graduate studies in criminal law (Damásio Educacional) and sports law (FGV). He earned his Master’s in International Sports Law from ISDE Madrid. With experience in Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and New Zealand, João is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.

Vanessa Ferreira

Office Manager

ferreira@berlinsportslaw.com

Office Manager at BSL. Vanessa has a degree and master in Psychomotor Therapy (Faculty of Human Kinetics- University of Lisbon). With two years of administrative work experience, Vanessa is fluent in Portuguese and English and proficient in Spanish.