Sports Law
Ian Whitehurst is a highly experienced barrister in sports law with a national reputation for his work in regulatory, disciplinary, and governance matters. He represents professional athletes, coaches, clubs, and governing bodies across a broad spectrum of sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, athletics and Netball.
He acts as both counsel and tribunal member / chair in sports disputes and disciplinary proceedings. Ian is appointed to multiple sports regulatory panels and is known for his clear advocacy, procedural knowledge, and ability to manage sensitive reputational and career-impacting issues.
He also advises on safeguarding, anti-doping, integrity, and criminal allegations affecting participants in professional and grassroots sport.
Panel Appointments and Roles
- Disciplinary Commissioner – Basketball England
- Chairman – Staffordshire FA Disciplinary Panel
- Legal Director – Staffordshire FA
- Member – The FA National Serious Case Panel
- Chair – British Basketball Appeal Panel
- The FA Regional Disciplinary Panel Member
Selected Experience
- Representing elite coaches and athletes in safeguarding and misconduct proceedings brought by a number of national organisations.
- Chairing appeals and disciplinary hearings in basketball relating to match fixing and breach of sporting regulations.
- Defending elite gymnastic coach of physical and mental abuse of numerous gymnasts – cleared of all allegations
- Representing elite Netball coach in safeguarding appeal
- Advising on data protection breaches committed by national organisation against former Olympic athlete
- Advising a Paralympic athlete to successfully challenge her classification by her national sporting body
Areas of Expertise
- Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals
- Safeguarding and Welfare Allegations
- Sports Regulation and Governance
- Integrity, Match-Fixing and Betting
- Sexual Misconduct and Criminal Allegations
