Sports Criminal Law

We Defend Your Rights in Sports

Sport is a passion that connects millions of people. However, sport is also an area where conflicts, violations, and penalties can arise. Whether you are confronted with sports criminal law as an athlete, coach, official, or club, we are here for you. As a specialized law firm for sports criminal law, we stand by your side competently, committedly, and reliably.

What is Sports Criminal Law?

Sports criminal law is a legal field that deals with the criminal consequences of actions in sports. This involves both the application of state criminal law and the enforcement of association sanctions. These two areas are supplemented by tax law specifics in sports. Sports criminal law includes, among other things:

Criminal Offenses: There are a variety of criminal offenses that are specifically tailored to the field of sports or become more frequently relevant in this area. These include, in particular,

  • Assault and battery offenses,
  • Corruption offenses,
  • Violations of the Medicines Act (doping),
  • Sexual violence in sports,
  • Discriminatory and racist behavior,
  • Match-fixing,
  • Fraud, and
  • Embezzlement.

These offenses can be prosecuted by both state law enforcement agencies and sports associations. We stand by your side as experienced criminal defense lawyers if you are accused of such an offense and wish to defend yourself against such an accusation.

Doping/Violation of the Medicines Act: A particularly relevant criminal offense in sports is the violation of the Medicines Act through doping. This involves the use of prohibited substances or methods to enhance or maintain performance in sports. Sanctions can range from fines to bans and even imprisonment.

If you are accused of doping, prompt and effective defense against this accusation is usually of particular importance. Contact us so that we can assist you quickly and with a focus on solutions.

Tax Law: Regulations from tax law also claim significance in the field of sports criminal law. Some examples in this area are:

  • Proper declaration of income from sports,
  • Tax treatment of sponsorship or advertising contracts,
  • Defense against tax reassessments,
  • Remittance of VAT on sports services, and
  • Compliance with non-profit regulations for sports clubs.

As specialist lawyers in tax law, we advise you on all tax questions and problems in the field of sports. We represent you in tax matters before the financial authorities or the criminal courts if you are suspected of tax evasion. Furthermore, we advise you if you wish to prevent the risk of potential tax evasion proactively.

Association Rules: The association regulations that govern the conduct of athletes, coaches, officials, and clubs in sports are part of sports criminal law.

These regulations may vary depending on the sport and association, but they usually share a common core: they are intended to ensure fairness, safety, and integrity in sports. Violations of the code of conduct can lead to disciplinary measures such as fines, warnings, point deductions, bans, or exclusions.

Why do you need a specialized lawyer for sports criminal law?

Sports criminal law is a complex and dynamic legal field that requires special knowledge and experience. Not every criminal defense lawyer is familiar with the specifics of sports and the particular regulations of sports associations. We are. We have many years of expertise in sports criminal law and know the actors, the procedures, and the pitfalls. We know how to effectively represent your interests in sports. We are not only lawyers but also sports enthusiasts who understand and appreciate sports.

How can we help you?

We offer comprehensive advice and representation in sports criminal law. We support you in all phases of the proceedings, from prevention to defense and revision. We are here for you if you:

  • have received or fear a criminal investigation or indictment related to sports,
  • wish to defend against an unjustified or disproportionate penalty in sports,
  • desire competent advice or representation for all tax law questions and problems that may arise in connection with your sports activities,
  • wish to introduce or optimize a compliance system in your sports club or association to prevent possible violations,
  • require legal advice and assistance in another sports criminal law matter.

We are here for you. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.