Meet the Expert: Dr Mehrdad Mohammadi

Mehrdad is an Iranian arbitration lawyer with years of experience with international arbitration cases in sports law and commercial contract disputes as a legal counsel and arbitrator.

Holding a PhD in International Law, Mehrdad brings a robust academic foundation to his practical expertise. As a legal advisor to several international companies and businesses, he has also represented clients in high-profile cases before FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He has served as a CAS arbitrator since 2023. Mehrdad is also a pro bono legal adviser for Sport Resolutions UK, a leading sports dispute resolution service. Mehrdad's academic expertise and extensive practical experience make him a trusted figure in international sports arbitration. 

How did you begin your journey into law and what motivated you to pursue a Ph.D. in International Law? 

Events around the world have always captured my interest.  

As I progressed through my legal education, international law emerged as a particularly compelling area of study. Law school served to stimulate my intellectual curiosity further. I sought a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and ongoing evolution of this field. Pursuing a PhD in International Law presented itself as a natural progression. This path not only allowed me to deepen my knowledge but also to contribute to the ongoing discourse within this domain. 

Could you share your experience practising law in Iran and any notable insights into the legal system there? 

The Iranian legal system is structured as a combination of Islamic law and a civil law system adapted from the French civil law system. General courts hold jurisdiction over most cases, except those specifically assigned to specialised courts. The general courts consist of preliminary and courts of appeals. The preliminary courts and courts of appeal are divided into civil and criminal courts. Additionally, Iran has some semi-judicial and non-judicial bodies that hear cases. When it comes to arbitration, domestic arbitration is governed by Section 7 of the Civil Procedure Code and international arbitration is governed by the Law on International Commercial Arbitration. 

What is your opinion of the legal framework in Iran, particularly regarding sports law? Is there a well-defined legal structure for sports within the country? 

A correct understanding of the Iranian legal system requires a thorough study of the various fields within this legal system. Like any legal system, it comes with its pros and cons.  

Regarding sports law, there is no single comprehensive legislation to that effect within the country. Almost every sports federation has its own rules and regulations, trying to comply with the requirements set out by their respective international federation. A key advantage of these regulations is that decisions made by national federations (though not all sports) can be appealed to CAS, as they have recognised CAS jurisdiction as the designated appeals body. 

What do you envision as the future of sports law in Iran? 

With professional sports on the rise, sports law is bound to gain importance. This likely means a growing need for specialised legal professionals who understand athlete contracts, sports governance and can help resolve disputes. International influence will likely play a bigger role as Iranian athletes and clubs compete globally. Therefore, understanding international legal frameworks will be crucial. Overall, the future of sports law in Iran has the potential to be dynamic and exciting, hopefully fostering fairness, transparency, and continued growth for Iranian sports on the world stage. 

What specifically attracts you to the field of sports law? 

On the one hand, you have the challenge of applying complex legal principles to situations that are often highly specific to a particular sport. It keeps you on your toes as you constantly learn about the nuances of different athletic disciplines. On the other hand, the stakes can be high for the athletes involved. Knowing that a fair and well-reasoned decision can significantly impact their careers adds a real weight to the responsibility. 

What I find most intriguing is the constant evolution of sports law. Continuous developments, doping cases, and even social media controversies can all raise unforeseen legal questions. Being part of a field constantly adapting and pushing boundaries is intellectually stimulating and incredibly rewarding. 

How does your experience in areas such as commercial disputes and international law complement your practice in sports law? 

My background in international commercial disputes and international law has been instrumental in my career. These areas provide a strong foundation for handling the complexities of sports contracts and navigating the global nature of the sports world. However, the benefits go beyond specific legal knowledge. Both commercial and international law require sharp analytical skills, all crucial for a CAS arbitrator. In essence, my experience equips me with a finely tuned skill set ideally suited for the unique challenges of sports law arbitration. 

How would you define sports law? 

Sports law involves the application of legal expertise to resolve disputes within the high-pressure, fast-paced world of sports. It requires a deep understanding of the rules, regulations, and relevant case law that governs the industry. 

 We deal with intricate contracts that can become contentious. Here, my dispute resolution background ensures fairness for all parties. But sports are global now, with athletes, clubs, and governing bodies operating internationally. It's all about ensuring fairness and upholding the integrity of the game, even when things get messy off the field. 

Would you consider yourself primarily a sports lawyer?

While sports law is undoubtedly a passion of mine, I wouldn't say it entirely defines me. My background in international commercial disputes and international law has been instrumental in my work as a CAS arbitrator. It's more like my diverse legal toolbox allows me to excel in this area.  I see myself as a well-rounded lawyer who leverages a diverse skillset to excel in the unique world of sports arbitration. 

How do you perceive the impact of arbitration on resolving disputes within the sports industry? 

In the high-pressure world of sports, arbitration is a more efficient way to settle arguments than going to court. CAS arbitrators are like sports experts – they are more attuned to the specific rules and situations that might cause a dispute. This means they can get a better grasp of the issues more effectively. Additionally, arbitration keeps things private. No one wants their dirty laundry aired publicly, and arbitration allows athletes and clubs to settle things discreetly. Finally, once the decision is made, it's final and binding. That's the end of it. It's all about a quicker and fairer way to solve problems in the fast-paced world of sports. 

Can you share any significant cases or experiences you've had as an arbitrator or legal counsel? 

While I can't dive into the specifics due to confidentiality, cases involving termination with/without just cause are particularly intriguing. These disputes often present unique challenges that require a deep understanding of complex sports regulations and case law. 

A common issue that often pops up in sports arbitration, particularly within football contracts, is termination disputes.

These disputes usually centre around complex issues like: 

• Breach of Contract: Both players (or coaches) and clubs can be accused of violating the terms of the contract. Disputes may arise over missed payments, unmet performance expectations, or other contractual obligations. 

• Compensation Complications: Football contracts often include intricate clauses related to transfer fees, bonuses, and salary structures. Disagreements over these financial aspects can lead to disputes requiring arbitration. 

• Termination: The termination clauses within these contracts can be a major source of contention, especially around whether the termination was justified based on performance, misconduct, or other reasons.  

What are your favourite sports and favourite athletes? 

I'm a big sports enthusiast, especially football! Beach volleyball, fitness training, water sports, and karate all hold a special place in my life for different reasons. 

Do you have a favourite or most memorable one among the sports cases you've worked on? 

One case that stands out involves a professional football player and their club. This dispute centred on the termination of the player's contract due to alleged underperformance. 

The main issue was the interpretation of contractual clauses related to performance expectations. Both parties meticulously presented a significant volume of documents and arguments to the arbitration panel. The arbitration panel ultimately ruled in favour of the player. This case reminds me of the need for clear, objective language in contracts and fair assessment methods to ensure a level playing field for both players and clubs in professional football.