Interview with a sports lawyer. Part 1. Gleb Kuznetsov

Today we are starting a new segment where we will talk with young lawyers from all over the world who are working in the field of international sports law.

Our first interviewee is Gleb Kuznetsov (Linkedin), one of our authors and a graduate of the Master's degree in International Sports Law ISDE (Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía – a world-famous Spanish University that specializes in the study of law and economics).

– Hello, Gleb! Please tell us a little about yourself. Why did you choose this particular area of law?

Since childhood, I have been a big fan of sports, and not of any particular one, but of sports in general. I have great respect and admiration for people who have dedicated their lives to sports. Sport is a daily work on yourself that improves you and motivates others. Sports came into my life at the age of six, when my parents enrolled me in a basketball section. My elder brother had been playing basketball already, so it was a natural choice for me. The first VHS tapes with Webber’ "Sacramento Kings", Marbury’s "New Jersey Nets", and Iverson’s "Seventies Sixers" were my favorites. I had no chance not to love this sport. From that time until I was old enough, all my dreams were about getting into the pros. Sports competitions, training camps, etc. I started to play for my school, then for the district, then the city and then for the national team of the Republic where I lived. I must say that we performed quite successfully and were among the Top 10 Russian teams of our age.

After high school and a few years of University, my dreams of a professional career have sunk into oblivion but I got a sober understanding that I cannot do law without sports.

My Bachelor's degree from the Department of International Law of Kazan (Volga region) Federal University gave me a good foundation, then there was a Master's degree with the program of "International Protection of Human Rights" under the auspices of the UN with a thesis on "International Protection of the Rights of Athletes". Simultaneously with my studies, I managed to participate in major world sports events as a volunteer and an employee (FINA World Cup 2015, FIFA Confederations Cup 2017).

– In Europe, there are quite a large number of Master's programs in Sports law. Why did you choose ISDE Madrid?

It was completely by chance that I got an internship at the CSKA Professional basketball club’s Legal Department, which further encouraged me to pursue sports law. Just a few casual acquaintances and one lady – a very successful sports lawyer and an accredited intermediary of the RFU – told me about the master's program in International sports law at the University of ISDE Madrid. I had no chance to stay on the sidelines, I was fired up with this idea.

– Please tell us about enrollment process.

I sent an official request to participate in the program, received feedback, passed the entrance tests, which consisted of an interview in English, which also dealt with sports and legal issues, several tests, including a language proficiency test, and a psychological test, a motivational letter, and, here I am in Spain. Madrid, here I come! But it's not that simple...

I was filled with romantic ideas about travel, work, Europe, and prospects... Then I was not even immediately scared of the cost of studying, which was at around 27.5 thousand euros. This amount did not include the University campus (it, in principle, did not exist at that time), food, expenses for obtaining documents in Spain, flights and many other related day-to-day expenses. Thanks to my  parents for their financial assistance. Without this, there was no way that I could afford that.

– How is the program built?

The program consists of a half-year study in Madrid (full-time). Trips to England and Switzerland (CAS) were planned for the fifth month. Each trip is 4-5 days long. Subsequently, you were supposed to take an exam and an internship in the direction that you were supposed to choose during the first half-year part of the program. There were plenty of opportunities, from legal departments of football clubs to FIFA and CAS. The program consisted of lectures and homework assignments. Despite the brisk and active start of the program, the number of lectures was reduced to two lectures for 1.5-2 hours a day. The lecturers were very famous, but the system and structure of the course was not established.

– Could you enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of the ISDE Madrid Master's program?

Advantages:

• nice experience;

• networking (speakers and participants);

• new opportunities.

Disadvantages:

• expensive;

• after the program, it is difficult to stay in Europe, because you need a high-paying job to live in Europe, to rent an apartment, etc. and of course a good level of Spanish, if you want to stay in Spain or other country/language.

– Who is your favourite speaker from the ISDE and why?

The most remembered teacher – is Efraim Barak. Sports law legend, CAS arbitrator and experienced practitioner, whose lectures will not leave you indifferent. Just read about him some information: https://whoswholegal.com/efraim-barak

– What advice would you share with our readers?

You should immediately understand that in an ideal world, you should initially come to this program with knowledge of two or three languages (English is mandatory; Spanish in order to stay working in a Spanish speaking country; French – the language of sports law). This will be a great advantage for you if you really want to stay in Europe and work in the sports field.

You need to put yourself out there, connect to every lecturer you like. Otherwise, everything is futile. This is a difficult and thorny path that you need to be prepared for in advance. Plus, all this costs a lot of money, so think three times before you jump into this river. Prepare yourself financially and mentally.

It all depends on you!

– We would like to express our gratitude for answering the questions and all that you do for out channel. We wish you all of the successes in the future! 

We wish you a wonderful weekend and always follow your dreams! 

Your International Sports Law:)

Translation from Russian to English: Dmitry Morozov