UK Law and Practice Contributed by: Jamie Singer and Flora Peel, Onside Law
authorities if the ground can accommodate more than 10,000 spectators (or more than 5,000 spectators for grounds hosting Premier League and English Football League matches). Following widespread incidents of mass vio - lence during the Euro 2020 final held at Wembley Stadium in July 2021, an independent review by Baroness Casey made several recommenda - tions to improve stadium safety. There have been countless other incidents at sporting events that have put the public in danger, such as Liver - pool fans at the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final, and most recently, issues after the Europa League game between Manchester United and Rangers. Further reviews have been conducted in recent years, including a Culture Media and Sport Committee report with recommendations to the previous government at the end of 2023. It would come as no surprise if additional reviews under the new Labour government arise in 2025. Typically, sporting entities in the UK adopt one of the following legal forms (determined on a case-by-case basis but with the following gen - eralisations). Company Limited by Shares It is most common for commercial sports organi - sations (such as football clubs and sponsors) to operate through a company limited by shares. Such legal entities can be “private” or “public” (ie, their shares are traded on a stock exchange). Key features include the ability to fundraise in return for issuing equity to investors and pay - ing dividends from its profits to its shareholders. The Premier League, FA Group, Rugby Football Union and Formula 1 are examples of limited 4. Corporate 4.1 Legal Sporting Structures
companies specifically structured as a company limited by shares. Global commercial activities tend to be managed by this form of structure. Company Limited by Guarantee A company limited by guarantee is typically associated with “not-for-profit” organisations. It is the legal form normally adopted by sports bodies (such as national governing bodies) which seek to reinvest profits back into their particular sport. There is no share capital so this structure also tends to suit sports organisations with a fluctuating membership. This structure is commonly used by non-profit organisations where the companies do not have sharehold - ers, but instead, members guarantee a nominal amount. Prominent examples of sports bodies established using this structure include the Eng - land and Wales Cricket Board, UK Rowing and UK Athletics. Charitable/Community Vehicles A sports organisation which undertakes charita - ble and/or community purposes is often set up as a company limited by guarantee but there are other specific corporate forms available, includ - ing CIOs (charitable incorporated organisations, specifically created for charities) and charitable community benefit societies (CBSs) registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. Whatever legal structure is adopted, charity is a status that can only be achieved if the organi - sation fulfils certain legal requirements and is confirmed by registering with the Charity Com - mission. Unincorporated Association Many local sports clubs/organisations exist based simply on an agreement between their members/stakeholders – for example, a govern - ing constitution and/or set of rules – avoiding the
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