Manleys, a media, sports, and litigation practice based in Chester, has achieved another triumph by winning an appeal for a young footballer who faced sanctions following an initial FA disciplinary hearing. The player, whose identity remains undisclosed for legal reasons, was charged with making a racist comment during a league match in the previous season.

Manleys filed grounds of appeal, contending that the original decision was “Wednesbury unreasonable,” indicating that no other tribunal would have arrived at the same verdict based on the facts and evidence. Additionally, they argued 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 the player’s and his family’s joy at the appeal’s success, leading to the complete lifting of the sanction. As a result, the player now considers himself exonerated. The initial disciplinary charge had serious implications for the player’s reputation, making the appeal outcome crucial.

Mark Manley acknowledged the complexities of such cases, especially navigating the appropriate regulations outlined in the FA Handbook. The imposed sanction had initially ruled the player out of an important Final, but the successful appeal allowed him to participate, contributing to his team’s victory in the match.

Manleys has a track record of representing sportsmen and women in various sports, particularly in privacy, reputation management, contractual, and other dispute resolution matters. The firm’s successes in previous cases before FIFA Arbitration panels and FA Rule K cases further underscore its expertise and dedication in the sports law arena.