2025 was a standout year for SportsLawyer. Working closely with athletes, clubs, sporting organisations, and commercial partners across Australia, the team at SportsLawyer delivered strategic, practical outcomes at every level of the sporting ecosystem—from grassroots to elite competition.
Defamation
The team at Sportslawyer received urgent notification from a national sporting association alleging a high-profile television and radio presenter had defamed association members during their programs. We acted promptly and successfully obtained a confidential settlement including retractions of the statements, and public apologies from the presenter on national television and on radio.
Social Media Policy breach – NST Appeal
The team at Sportslawyer acted for a state level athlete disciplined for an allegedly offensive post on social media. The athlete’s initial sanction would have resulted in their inability to participate in their teams’ finals campaign. We successfully advocated for a reduced sanction before the Tribunal allowing our client to return to their team in the finals. Upon the athlete’s return, their team won their respective semi-final and grand final matches.
Illicit drug use (proven to be out-of-competition)
We represented a high-profile national athlete, relating to an anti-doping rule violation. The athlete was immediately provisionally suspended, just as his team was commencing a finals campaign. The team at Sportslawyer provided urgent advice following notification and successfully reduced the athlete’s suspension to one (1) month from four (4) years arguing that the rule violation occurred out-of-competition, was for a specified substance (recreational drug), and the athlete undertook an education course. The case was finalised within 30 days (including all NST hearings) of the athlete’s original notification and suspension.
Meat Contamination (anti-doping)
We acted for an Australian international-level athlete facing a serious anti-doping charge following an adverse analytical finding arising from out-of-competition testing. The team at Sportslawyer produced detailed submissions to support the athlete’s innocence based on contaminated meat and strategically advised the athlete on their interactions with the international sporting integrity body which resulted in the matter not proceeding to charges.
Discrimination (VCAT matter)
We acted for a Victorian state league sporting association against whom proceedings were brought by a former director alleging discrimination. We provided targeted and timely advocacy and strategic advice. The team at Sportslawyer coupled its sports law experience with its employment law expertise, and with the assistance of experienced counsel provided the client with confident and commercially appropriate legal advice which led to the matter resolving at mediation.
