Chester-based media, sports, and litigation practice Manleys have achieved yet another victory, this time in an appeal for a young footballer who was initially charged with making a racist comment during a league match last season in an FA disciplinary hearing.
Manleys, representing the footballer, filed grounds of appeal arguing that the original decision was “Wednesbury unreasonable,” indicating that no other tribunal would have arrived at the same conclusion based on the available facts and evidence. Additionally, they contended that the player did not receive a fair hearing.
Mark Manley, the Managing Director of Manleys, represented the player at the appeal hearing. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “The player and his family are naturally very pleased that the appeal succeeded, and the sanction entirely lifted. The player accordingly considers himself exonerated.”
The initial disciplinary charge carried significant consequences for the player’s reputation, making the appeal a crucial step in clearing his name. Navigating the complex regulations in the FA Handbook required careful attention, and the success of the appeal ensured that the player was not unfairly penalised.
Notably, the imposed sanction initially ruled the player out of an important Final. Manleys also successfully appealed this decision, allowing the footballer to participate in the match, which his team subsequently won. This dual success not only cleared the player’s name but also allowed him to triumph on the field.
Manleys has built a reputation for representing sportsmen and women across various sports, offering expertise in privacy, reputation management, contractual matters, and other dispute resolution cases. The firm’s track record includes previous successes before FIFA Arbitration panels and FA Rule K cases.
The recent victory in the FA appeal further underscores Manleys’ commitment to providing effective representation and legal solutions for sports professionals, ensuring their fair treatment both on and off the pitch.
