Nick De Marco QC

Blackstone Chambers

Like many sectors, sport has been badly affected by the pandemic, and Blackstone’s Nick De Marco QC appeared in over 35 contested hearings last year. This year, he also acted for more than 15 football clubs, plus several players and managers in a variety of national and international disputes.

It was not just the one dispute that stood out in 2020 for De Marco. He helped save Sheffield Wednesday FC from relegation after the English Football League was set on deducting the club 12 points. De Marco persuaded the EFL to defer the points deduction to the 2020/21 season. He also advised on Project Restart, which led to football returning in the summer after a three-month hiatus.

In 2021, De Marco is acting for Newcastle United FC in relation to the club’s proposed Saudi takeover, as well as financial fair play cases and a group action on behalf of gymnasts against British Gymnastics. De Marco is also involved in the world of football politics. He foresees major shake-ups in the game internationally and nationally and these plans will continue in 2021, even after the Premier League’s controversial Project Big Picture came to naught. Whatever comes, De Marco will be on speed dial for sporting bodies and individuals wanting the very best legal representation.