General counsel at a Premier League football club: Fulham FC’s Peter Limbert on multimillion-pound transfers, sell-ons and staying calm in football’s chaos
In this episode, we sit down with Peter Limbert, General Counsel at Fulham Football Club, to explore what it really means to be the top lawyer at a Premier League football club. From leading transfer negotiations to protecting the club's brand and navigating ever-evolving regulations, Peter shares a rare look into one of the most complex in-house legal roles in the sports industry.
Peter discusses the intricacies of player transfers - including how deals are structured, what can go wrong, and why payment provisions and sell-on clauses are among the most hotly contested parts of any agreement. He also breaks down the legal considerations behind shirt sponsorships, brand partnerships, and stadium development, as well as how Fulham enforces its intellectual property rights around the globe.
We also dive into the personal side of the job: how Peter transitioned from aspiring professional footballer to City litigator to Fulham’s first GC, and why he believes staying calm under pressure is the most underrated skill in sports law. He opens up about the realities of working in a highly competitive, emotionally charged environment - where results on the pitch can shape the legal department's week.
Whether you're an in-house lawyer, a sports law enthusiast, or just curious how Premier League clubs really operate behind the scenes, this is an unmissable conversation with someone at the heart of it all.
Chapters
00:40 From Football to Law: Peter's Journey
05:09 Transitioning to Fulham FC: The In-House Experience
08:13 The Role of Legal in Football: A Day in the Life
11:45 Navigating Legal Challenges in Premier League Football
16:27 Broadcasting Rights and Sponsorship: Revenue Streams
26:21 Understanding Player Transfers: The Legal Process
29:31 Jurisdiction and Legal Framework in Football Transfers
31:41 Mitigating Risks in Transfer Agreements
34:00 Funding and Financial Structures of Transfers
35:52 Challenges in Negotiating Transfer Agreements
38:03 The Role and Power of Agents in Transfers
39:38 Understanding Transfer Deadline Dynamics
44:14 The Evolving Landscape of Sports Law
46:31 The Premier League: A Thriving Product
48:37 Qualities of a Successful In-House Lawyer
49:46 Advice for Aspiring Sports Lawyers
51:35 Key Contract Clauses in Sports Law
52:32 The Importance of Pragmatism in Sports Law
54:41 Recommended Reading for Sports Lawyers
