Law Howard Kennedy
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Testing times It might have been a fun night out to celebrate a win. Maybe it was a crazy party to cheer up after a savage loss. It could start with a few drinks, hanging out with friends and dancing. Maybe getting drunk and just trying a little Class A that’s ok, isn’t it? The mega hangover could be the least of your problems. Howard Kennedy take a look at the possible consequences of failing a drugs test for using social drugs. Your Club – your playing contract will say that the
insurer to refuse to pay a claim if it is related to social drug use. If you are injured or you injure someone else Club can end your contract if you are guilty of gross and your insurance won’t pay, this could really affect misconduct, including using a prohibited substance such as cannabis or cocaine. The Club can give you short your financial position. notice to end your contract. You could try to appeal, but Criminal record – the police don’t prosecute for you would have to act quickly and might not succeed. simply having a social drug in your system, unless you The FA – the FA anti-doping regulations say that you are driving or there is other evidence of possession – which is why you hear stories about drug dealers must not take social drugs (eg cocaine, cannabis and swallowing their stash. It is against the law to possess a ecstasy) at any time. You could be suspended from playing for 6 months if a drugs test shows that you have social drug, so carrying any on your person or hiding it at home is illegal. The most serious cases of possession taken a social drug (however it got into your body), or could lead to 7 years in prison. for 2 years if the test were after a match.
Sponsorship deals – your endorsement contracts
International travel – if you do get arrested
Insurance – it will depend on the terms of the policy,
So it might have started as a fun night out. But failing a drug test for taking a social drug could have really serious consequences for your career, your finances and your life outside football too.
with your sponsors may have a “non-drugs” clause or say that you must not do anything to bring them or the sport into disrepute. If so, failing a drugs test could allow your sponsors to terminate your deals. If your Club loses a sponsorship deal by your actions, they may look to you for compensation for their losses. but your medical or motor policies may allow your
for possession of a social drug, you might also find it difficult to travel overseas. For example, an arrest on drugs charges could stop you getting a visa for the United States.
For further information please contact Lois Langton and Fiona Hinds, joint Heads of the Sports Individuals Group at Howard Kennedy LLP Lois.langton@howardkennedy.com | Fiona.hinds@howardkennedy.com
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