Littleton Chambers’ third Sports Law Essay Competition is now open to students. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to receive feedback from some of the best barristers practicing in Sports Law, and with opportunities to win cash prizes and a mini-pupillage placement.

Littleton Chambers is a top-ranked sports law and regulation set. Littleton and its members have been shortlisted for the Legal 500 “Sports Set of the Year”, “Sports Silk of the Year”, and “Sports Junior of the Year” awards in consecutive years, with two award wins in 2023.

The essay title for 2025 is as follows:

“I have already made clear my conviction that the precious and unparalleled role that football clubs play in their communities justifies regulation. Fans should be listened to, and they deserve protection from the occasionally bad, if generally well-intentioned, stewardship of owners and management who take ill-considered risks and lose control of their finances—the overwhelming reason why clubs fail and falter.”

Is there a place for the statutory Independent Football Regulator in governing club finances or are the present regulations set by the Premier League and English Football League sufficient?

You have until 9am on the 31st March 2025 to enter with an essay of between 1500 and 2500 words (including references). Full details (rules etc) can be found on the competition website.