Add this expertise to your shortlist Sam Shurey is a specialist sports law barrister who has experience well beyond his call. Sam combines advocacy skills from the criminal courts with an in-depth understanding of the sports industry gleaned from his time working with both national and international sports governing bodies.
The FA
Sam was an in-house Regulatory Advocate within The FA’s Regulatory Legal Team for over three years. During this time Sam represented The FA before Regulatory Commissions, Safeguarding Review Panels, and Appeal Boards. Sam regularly provided investigative and pre-charge advice. Sam’s caseload covered an extensive range of regulatory issues, including:
- On-field misconduct (such as violent conduct or “mass confrontations”)
- Discrimination (pursuant to FA Rule E3.2)
- Betting related misconduct
- Social media related misconduct
- Comments to the media amounting to a breach of FA Rules
- Misconduct of intermediaries and clubs relating to the representation and transfers of players
- Anti-doping matters (including The FA’s Social Drugs Regulations)
- Safeguarding investigations and proceedings (including interim orders, final orders, and appeals)
Sam’s experience in the criminal courts means that he is particularly well placed to assist with sports disciplinary or safeguarding matters linked to, or arising from, criminal investigations (regardless of whether the investigation resulted in a criminal charge, prosecution, and conviction).
Due to the nature of his work, Sam is experienced at dealing with cases of the highest profile, including those attracting intense media and social media coverage. Sam also appeared for The FA against King’s Counsel opposition, both as sole advocate and as part of a team.
Whilst some of Sam’s work remains private and confidential pursuant to the relevant regulations, published examples include:
The FA v Lee Johnson (at the time of charge, Manager of Sunderland AFC) - 2022
Sam appeared as sole advocate for The FA at a contested hearing relating to alleged violent and improper conduct contrary to FA Rule E3.
Written Reasons available here.
The FA v Ralph Hasenhüttl (at the time of charge, Manager for Southampton FC) - 2021
Sam appeared as sole advocate for The FA at a hearing to determine sanction for a breach of FA Rule E3 arising from an interview given to the media.
Written Reasons available here:
The FA v Jefferson Lerma (at the time of charge, Player for AFC Bournemouth) - 2021
Sam appeared as sole advocate for The FA at a contested hearing to determine a charge pursuant to FA Rule E3, alleging improper language and/or behaviour.
Written Reasons available here.
The FA v Kiko Casilla (at the time of charge, Player for Leeds United FC) - 2020
Sam assisted the Acting Head of Regulatory Legal at the contested Personal Hearing to determine a charge pursuant to FA Rule E3.2.
Written Reasons available here.
The FA v Tom Pope (at the time of charge, Player for Port Vale FC) - 2020
Sam appeared as sole advocate for The FA at contested hearings at first instance, and on appeal. The case related to FA Rule E3.2 and a Tweet posted by the Player. Expert evidence was called on the topic of antisemitism.
Written Reasons available here.
Appeal Written Reasons available here.
The ITF
Sam is currently instructed to provide legal support to the ITF on regulatory, disciplinary, and safeguarding matters. Sam’s work at the ITF concerns cases arising from tennis played globally.
Sam has experience in a variety of cases before the ITF’s Internal Adjudication Panel.
Other sports
In light of his sports law and advocacy experience, Sam accepts instructions in relation to disciplinary, regulatory, and safeguarding matters across all sports. Sam’s experience equips him to deal with cases involving grass-roots participants through to those of the very highest profile. Sam is happy to work collaboratively with leading Counsel, in-house Counsel, and instructing solicitors.
Sam is available to advise on investigations and review disciplinary cases pre-charge. Sam is well placed to represent athletes/players, clubs/teams, and governing bodies/regulators, whether that be in writing or at an oral hearing (virtually or in person). Where necessary, Sam can provide urgent initial advice on serious safeguarding matters (including in relation to any interim safeguard) or disciplinary matters that require swift resolution for sporting or regulatory reasons.