In May 2020, Kieran Trippier was charged by The FA with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules. In December 2020, the Regulatory Commission appointed by The FA found that four of the eight charges brought against the footballer were proven and sanctioned Mr Trippier with a 10 week ban from all football related activity, and a fine of £70,000.
Due to an appeal before the FIFA Appeals Committee by Mr Trippier’s club (Atlético Madrid), the suspension was paused, but then later resumed. FIFA also clarified that Mr Trippier was able to train with his club during the suspension.
Mr Trippier’s ban ended on 28 February 2021, and he is now free to play for Atlético Madrid and the England national team once again.
Carol Couse, Tiran Gunawardena and Phil Hutchinson of Mills & Reeve’s sports team, along with Jane Mulcahy QC (Blackstone Chambers) and Kendrah Potts (4 New Square Chambers), represented Mr Trippier in proceedings before The FA and FIFA.
Regarding the case, Mr Trippier commented: “Alongside their expertise and knowledge, Mills & Reeve provided me with clear and concise communication and around the clock support. Their exceptional level of service throughout the process played a significant role in getting me through this difficult time.“
Cat Watson, Senior Legal counsel at Pitch Representation (Mr Trippier’s agents) commented: “Mills & Reeve have really impressed me and I wouldn’t hesitate to instruct them again, or recommend them to the athletes we represent, in the future. The team displayed unparalleled technical knowledge and recommended the perfect counsel team to represent Kieran. Importantly, they were also a total pleasure to work with.”
Carol Couse, Partner in the Mills & Reeve sports team stated: “Whilst all betting related disciplinary matters can be complex, Kieran being registered with a Spanish club whilst being subject to FA disciplinary proceedings (during COVID-19) added an international element and additional layers of complexity to this case. We’re glad that Kieran’s sanction has now been served and he can return to playing football.”
Our Sports Team has significant expertise in sports integrity cases, having also acted for Daniel Sturridge in a similar case brought by The FA for breaches of the FA Betting Rules in 2018. We have therefore been instructed in the two highest profile cases brought by The FA relating to bets placed by individuals on the ‘next club’ transfer betting market.
Having served his suspension, we wish Mr Trippier every success representing Atlético Madrid and the England national team in the future.
Our content explained
Every piece of content we create is correct on the date it’s published but please don’t rely on it as legal advice. If you’d like to speak to us about your own legal requirements, please contact one of our expert lawyers.