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Athlete Representation

Are athlete contracts covered by labor law in Georgia?

Yes, professional athletes are considered employees under the Labor Code of Georgia, though specific regulations of sports federations also apply to their fixed-term contracts.

Can I break my contract if I get a better offer?

Generally no, unless your contract has a specific "buy-out" clause. Unilateral termination without cause can lead to severe sporting sanctions and financial penalties.

Do I need a lawyer for a sponsorship deal?

Absolutely. Sponsorship deals often contain complex clauses regarding exclusivity and image rights that can limit your future opportunities if not reviewed carefully.

What is the role of the CAS in Georgia?

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is the final appeals body for most international sports disputes. Decisions from Georgian federations can often be appealed to CAS if provided in the statutes.

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Athlete representation is a complex legal service aimed at protecting the rights and interests of professional athletes at all stages of their careers. In the modern sports industry, where contracts reach millions of lari and regulations are constantly changing, an athlete needs a qualified legal partner. This service includes not only signing employment contracts with clubs or federations but also managing the athlete's image rights, defense in disciplinary disputes, and post-career planning. Along with the development of sports in Georgia, the demand for professional legal support is growing so that athletes can focus fully on the training process and results, while leaving legal risks to professionals.

What Does the Athlete Representation Service Cover?

Sports law specialists provide a wide range of services tailored to the specifics of a particular sport. The main directions are:

  • Contract Law: Preparation, review, and negotiation of agreements to be signed with clubs, sponsors, and agents. Particular attention is paid to conditions regarding remuneration, bonuses, and release clauses.
  • Disciplinary Disputes: Representation in sports federations, disciplinary committees, and anti-doping agencies. Defense during disqualification or imposition of fines.
  • Transfers and Transitions: Legal assistance in the process of moving from one club to another, regulating transfer fees and compensations.
  • Image Rights and Sponsorship: Commercialization of the athlete's name and image, signing advertising contracts, and protection of intellectual property.
  • Dispute Resolution: Defending interests in common courts, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), or local arbitration bodies during labor or financial disputes.

Real-World Situations When You Need This Service

There are often moments in an athlete's career when a lawyer's involvement is critical:

  • Breach of Contract by the Club: When a club systematically delays salary payments or terminates a contract without cause. A lawyer helps the athlete recover the due amount and obtain free agent status.
  • Positive Doping Test: In case of an accusation of violating anti-doping rules, immediate legal response, sample verification, and development of a defense strategy are necessary to avoid disqualification.
  • Post-Injury Compensation: If an athlete receives an injury and the club refuses to reimburse treatment costs, the lawyer ensures the fulfillment of obligations provided by the Labor Code and the contract.
  • Conflict with an Agent: When a sports agent performs their duties improperly or demands disproportionately high commissions, legal termination of the agency agreement is required.

Georgian Legal Framework

In Georgia, the activities of athletes are regulated by several key acts. First and foremost, the "Law of Georgia on Sport" creates a general framework. The relationship of a professional athlete with a club is mainly regulated by the "Labor Code of Georgia", although the specifics of sports activities (e.g., fixed-term contracts) are taken into account. When resolving disputes, the statutes and regulations of the relevant national federations (e.g., Football Federation, Rugby Union) are important, which are often based on the standards of international organizations (FIFA, UEFA, FIBA). Anti-doping issues are regulated by the Code of the Georgian Anti-Doping Agency, which is in compliance with the WADA Code. Civil relations fall within the scope of the "Civil Code of Georgia".

Process: How a Specialist Works

Work on athlete representation involves the following stages:

  1. Consultation and Audit: The lawyer studies the athlete's current status, ongoing contracts, and potential risks.
  2. Strategy Development: Based on career goals, legal steps are planned (e.g., improving the contract or negotiating with a new club).
  3. Negotiation: The lawyer is directly involved in negotiations with the other party (club, sponsor) to achieve the best conditions for the athlete.
  4. Legal Defense: In case of a dispute, the specialist files a lawsuit or complaint with the appropriate body and represents the athlete until the process is completed.

Why Legal.ge?

Legal.ge gives you access to experienced sports lawyers who understand the inner workings of the industry well. Through our platform, you will find specialists who have successful experience at both local and international levels. Trust verified professionals on Legal.ge so that your sports career is protected and successful.

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