Interview with a sports lawyer. Part 4. Guilherme von Cüpper

Today we are talking with one of the Heads of Office of Schweele Law (International Sports Law Boutique with offices in Berlin and in Lisbon) – Guilherme von Cüpper (Linkedin).

– Hello, Guilherme! Could you tell us about your background?

– Hello ISL! First, I would like to thank you for the kind invitation to this talk. It is my absolute pleasure to share some of my background and experience with you.

After finishing my law degree in Lisbon back in 2010, I have established myself in the areas of Corporate Law and M&A, working for some years in the Spanish law firm Garrigues and subsequently in one of the most recognized Listed Companies of Portugal (REN) as a Legal Advisor.

However, the passion for football and Sports, in general, has re-directed me to the world of sports law and when the opportunity to join Schweele Law came a few years ago I could not say no.

– Why did you choose this particular branch of law?

I am a big sports enthusiast, and especially football has always been my passion since I were a little kid. I always have thought that if one day I could find a way to connect both my passions (law and football) I would grab that chance with both hands.

Working in such an international law firm as a legal advisor allows me to work in so many different aspects of international sports law, from transfer and employment contract disputes to TV rights or match-fixing issues, or from a football club perspective to an issue concerning a player, a coach or an agent, and this is highly motivating.

– You are Director of "Berlin Sports – Bridge for Talents". Could you tell about this project?

"Berlin Sports – Bridge for Talents" is a different project where I strongly believe that we can make a difference in football. "Berlin Sports – Bridge for Talents" is a football agency that is working closely with some of Africa's best top talents. It is helping the best clubs/academies and the best players in Africa to have an opportunity to show themselves in the top leagues of Europe. We want to make sure that African players will soon be a fundamental part of all top European leagues while being able to help in the development of these countries.

Find more about "Berlin Sports – Bridge for Talents": https://www.instagram.com/bsbridgefortalents/

– Please, share your experience at Universidade Católica Portuguesa and the program related to the Sports law.

I believe that you never stop learning so when I heard about this post-graduation program, I decided to take it. I always say that Schweele Law itself is a Sports Law Master’s since we have so many internal Sports Law debates, tutorials and we are constantly learning with each other’s expertise. However, the sports law post-graduation in Universidade Católica Portuguesa is really interesting and touches almost all sports law-related topics, having also been coordinated by José Manuel Meirim, one of the sports law specialists I admire the most.

It was divided into 8 sections (Introduction to Sports Law, Europe and Sports, Sports Stakeholders, Sports Organizations, Tax and Social Security in Sports, Civil and Criminal Responsibility in Sports, Sports Litigation, Specific Sports Topics) and I recommend it to everyone.

– Could you enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of being the head of the sports law office?

I would just say that leading a team is full of challenges, especially when you combine so many Sports Law specialists from so many different nationalities. But the knowledge, desire, and passion of this team make everyone's job easier.

Find more: https://www.schweele-law.com

– Which books exist in your must-read list related to the sports law?

I still consider the Jurisprudence of the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber from Frans de Weger (https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9789462651258) is a must-read for anyone that works a lot with FIFA related disputes.

– Is it possible to find a job only as a sports lawyer in Portugal and Germany, or should it always be parallel with other branches of law? Generally, is it easy to find a job in a sports law firm?

Time is money and, in my opinion, the best professionals are the ones that eventually decide to specialize in a concrete area where they are the best and the most efficient. This way you can really make the difference.

However, I also must admit that the offer in Sports Law is still not the same as in other branches of law, especially if you want to become a specialist and work exclusively in this area. But I believe that good opportunities come when we least expect so for those still searching don’t stop believing that your time will eventually come!

– What advice would you share with our readers and young sports lawyers?

If you have a true passion for law and sports, and the focus to succeed, you will achieve your goals sooner or later, if you make the correct choices. So, get a good education, study, debate, network and get as much expertise as you can from the ones already working in our exciting sports law area.

– We would like to express appreciation for answering the questions. We wish you to score major successes in the future!

Thank you once again for having me!

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

Your International Sports Law:)