The prolific sports lawyer and sports agent, Mel Stein, has just
been appointed by Coventry University's Centre for the
International Business of Sport (CIBS) as a visiting Professor in
Sports Law.
Mel Stein was one of the very first solicitors in the country to
work in this area and is most famous for his long term
representation of Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle.
Mel continues to advise top players, managers and clubs and is
Chairman of the Association of Football Agents. Author of
some 18 books starting with 'A Solicitor's Introduction to
Accounts' in 1975 and most recently 'Football Babylon' in 2008, his
best-selling book 'How to be a Sports Agent' is generally regarded
as the established guide book for football agents.
Earlier this year, he helped the University to launch its new
Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Law, a course that will be
delivered in London by Coventry University.
Mel is currently a consultant at leading law firm Clintons in
London and First Artist Corporation (one of the world's most
pre-eminent sports agencies) and has been the Legal Advisor to The
Football Conference (comprising 68 clubs) since 2005.
As well as helping to deliver the new Post Graduate Certificate
in Sports Law, Mel will visit Coventry on a regular basis to share
his expertise with students at the University.
With sport continuing to face an increasing number of
challenges, including growing commercialisation, a series of
constitutional issues, and the representation of athletes and
players, the legal environment in which sport operates has never
been more exciting or as demanding.
In acknowledgement of the important contribution of academia to
the sports industry, Mel Stein said:
"We believe that the continuing professional development of
sports lawyers is essential if they are to stay on top of the
challenges they face. I already have a good working
relationship with Coventry University having helped develop the
sports law programme. Being made a visiting professor takes my
involvement to the next level and I look forward to the new
challenges ahead."
Director of CIBS, Professor Simon Chadwick, believes that Mel
Stein is a significant appointment for the University. He said:
"Mel's knowledge of sports law is second to none. Given the
growing number of legal pressures that sport faces, his
contribution to our courses will prove to be invaluable. We are
very honoured to have him working with us."
Dr Anna Semens, Deputy Director of CIBS, who was instrumental in
bringing Mel Stein to the University, said:
"We are delighted to formalise Mel's continuing contribution to
CIBS. With his significant experience and industry knowledge, Mel
is able to offer an unparalleled insight into the workings of the
sports industry. This appointment will benefit our students as well
as furthering the track record of CIBS in engaging with industry to
commercialise research".
For more information about Coventry University, please visit
their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk