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A tailored approach to reputation management in the football world

A Premier League football club director faced termination over allegations linked to private messages, leading to adverse media coverage and reputational harm. The case raised critical issues of employment law, breach of contract, reputation management, and potential litigation. The client sought our support to protect his professional future, shield his family from harmful online content, and avoid conflicts with football clubs. Through strategic advice, legal avenues, and data protection laws, we worked to minimise damage, remove adverse online content, and safeguard his long-term prospects in the industry.

Preeserving professional relationships

Maintaining the client’s standing within the football industry was central to our strategy. We began by engaging with the club’s legal representatives through the ACAS early conciliation process, seeking an amicable resolution to the dispute. Despite the club’s rigid stance, this approach demonstrated the client’s willingness to resolve matters constructively, preserving goodwill and relationships.

Legal options were carefully assessed, including a potential employment tribunal claim for unfair dismissal. However, the claim’s limited prospects and the risks of adverse costs made this route unviable. We advised against proceeding, ensuring the client avoided unnecessary financial exposure and reputational harm. This measured approach underscored our commitment to prioritising long-term outcomes over short-term fixes.

Removing adverse online content

The negative media coverage posed a significant and lasting threat to the client’s reputation and personal life. Protecting his family from encountering harmful content online was a top priority. We turned to data protection laws, including the Right to Be Forgotten, to address this issue. To support these efforts, we advised the client to submit a Subject Access Request (SAR) to retrieve the original messages central to the allegations.

Accessing this information was crucial for demonstrating inaccuracies and context, which would strengthen applications to remove damaging search results. Our team also communicated with search engines and media outlets, advocating for the removal or delisting of adverse publications. This dual approach ensured that harmful content was mitigated both legally and practically, aligning with the client’s goal of regaining control over his online presence.

Constructive engagement and innovative solutions

Beyond legal measures, we explored ways to resolve the situation without escalating conflict. The client’s membership in the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) provided a valuable opportunity to engage the club through a neutral mediator. By fostering dialogue through the PFA, we sought to build a bridge between the parties while avoiding contentious litigation.

Additionally, we reframed the client’s concerns about the club’s actions from a commercial perspective. Highlighting shared interests, such as protecting the club’s reputation and business relationships, provided an innovative angle for engagement. This approach reflected our ability to think creatively and strategically, focusing on mutually beneficial outcomes.

Comprehensive support and positive outcomes

Throughout the process, we acted as more than legal advisors. We became trusted partners, offering reassurance and clarity during moments of frustration and uncertainty. When certain options, such as defamation claims or arbitration, proved too risky, we provided honest assessments and focused on alternative strategies. Our commitment was to protect the client’s interests while ensuring every viable option was explored. In the end, we helped the client regain control of his narrative.

By addressing the reputational harm caused by adverse media coverage, removing harmful online content, and preserving relationships within the football industry, we positioned the client for a strong and positive future.

Solicitor’s thoughts on the case

This case was a testament to the complexity and sensitivity of reputation management, particularly in a high-profile and high-stakes environment like the Premier League. It demanded not only a thorough understanding of the legal landscape—including employment law, data protection, and potential litigation—but also the ability to navigate a range of stakeholders with conflicting interests. Engaging with a Premiership club, a professional association, media outlets, and search engines required a strategic and diplomatic approach at every turn. One of the key challenges was maintaining discretion while delivering honest, sometimes difficult, advice. As solicitors, it’s our responsibility to present the truth, even when it might not align with what our client hopes to hear.

In this case, we had to acknowledge that certain legal options, such as an employment tribunal claim or defamation proceedings, carried significant risks and limited chances of success. These were difficult conversations to have, but they were essential for ensuring our client was fully informed and able to make the best decisions for their future. At the heart of our approach was the trust our client placed in us. This trust allowed us to act with genuine care for their reputation and personal affairs, knowing how much was at stake for their family and professional aspirations. Our commitment to leaving no stone unturned meant exploring all possible avenues, whether through the Professional Footballers’ Association, data protection laws, or innovative angles like highlighting mutual commercial interests with the club. Each step was carefully calibrated to protect the client’s reputation and maintain their future prospects.

Balancing these legal and strategic efforts with the emotional toll of such a public and personal crisis added another layer of complexity. Our role extended beyond legal representation—we were a steady source of guidance and support, ensuring the client felt understood and empowered throughout the process. In reflecting on this case, I am reminded of the importance of thinking outside the box. Reputation management isn’t just about litigation or reactive measures; it’s about crafting a proactive, tailored strategy that aligns with a client’s unique goals and challenges. Above all, it’s about prioritising their well-being, their reputation, and their future, which lies at the heart of everything we do.