Robert Golz, LL.M.

Episode 56 of the sports law podcast ‘Liebling Bosman’ explores the different competition models of the Bundesliga and the North American basketball league, the NBA. Together with Prof. Dr Lars Dittrich, the hosts discuss his book *A Comparison of Sporting Competition in the Bundesliga and the NBA*. The focus is on how sporting parity – known as ‘competitive balance’ – can be ensured within the two league systems. Whilst the NBA operates as a closed franchise system featuring, amongst other things, a salary cap, a draft and play-offs, the Bundesliga is embedded within the European club and league system with promotion and relegation. The discussion centres on how the dominance of financially powerful clubs, transfers, player loans and buy-back clauses influence the level playing field. The discussion also addresses the question of whether mechanisms from US sport – such as the draft – could even be meaningfully and legally applied to European football. Podcast link:

Episode 55 of the sports law podcast “Liebling Bosman” focuses on ticket allocation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the employment law implications of taking on a secondary role in the Baller League. Fabian Reinholz, Robert Golz and Dr Holger Jakob discuss the complaint lodged by Football Supporters Europe and Euroconsumers against FIFA regarding the allocation and pricing of World Cup tickets. In an interview, FSE Director Stuart Dykes explains the background to the issue and the potential rights of football fans. The hosts also examine a court ruling on the conditions under which a head coach’s role in the Baller League could justify dismissal.

In episode 54 of our sports law podcast “Liebling Bosman”, we examine the trademark dispute surrounding darts player Justin Hood and his nickname “Happy Feet”. We also discuss the CAS proceedings in the case of Senegal v the African Football Confederation (CAF) in connection with the decision to award Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations title by default, and assess the liability issues surrounding Noa Lang’s injury in the match between Galatasaray and Liverpool. Finally, we take a look at the latest developments regarding stadium bans in Germany and provide an update on the regional league reform.

Advertising, brands, AI, public viewing: what is allowed? The 2026 FIFA World Cup offers companies plenty of opportunities for creative marketing campaigns, competitions, social media campaigns and public viewing events. At the same time, the legal boundaries are narrow: FIFA’s trademark rights, players’ personal rights, ambush marketing, AI-generated advertising and licensing issues relating to public viewing should be considered at an early stage. Our handout provides a concise overview of what is permitted in advertising in the context of the 2026 World Cup and where legal risks lie.

Cyberattacks are no longer merely a technical issue – they are a communication issue. Anyone who communicates incorrectly or too late during a crisis risks fines, liability and reputational damage. Our event, ‘Cyber Law and Communication’, brings together legal experts, technologists and PR professionals to demonstrate how companies can position themselves in a legally sound and professionally communicative manner – in Germany, the EU and Switzerland.

In episode 53, we tackle three new topics and bring you an update from the Netherlands: What does the ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the case of Vladimir Heraskewytsch mean? We put the CAS decision into context, discuss the background to the case, and explore what kind of signal it might send to athletes and how political expression is handled in sport. We also examine whether women’s football in Germany is on the brink of structural upheaval. We look at the latest developments surrounding a possible split between the Women’s Bundesliga (FBL) and the DFB, analysing the opportunities and risks. The third topic is the racist incidents targeting Vinícius Jr., which expose a structural problem in European football. We discuss reactions and accountability. Finally, we take a look at the Netherlands and explain why the planned Justice for Players class action lawsuit is currently stalled.

Following last year’s successful launch, our sports law conference, HÄRTING.SPORT.EVENT, is back for its second edition.