Spencer West Partner Mustafa Mehmood Appointed as a Chair of RFL Operational Rules Tribunal
Spencer West Partner Mustafa Mehmood has been appointed as a Chair of the Rugby Football League’s (RFL) Operational Rules Tribunal, making him the first British South Asian and Muslim to undertake the esteemed role.
The RFL Operational Rules Tribunal is an independent panel that adjudicates on cases related to both community and professional rugby league under the RFL Operational Rules., The prestigious pro bono role was officially assumed in February 2024, with Mustafa dedicating the months since then to take on the responsibilities and has presided over numerous cases.
Mustafa, a Partner in Spencer West’s Sports and Real Estate Departments, spoke about what it meant to take on the role and contribute meaningfully to administering justice across both the community and the professional levels of rugby league:
“It’s a real honour to hold a Chair position and be appointed for this esteemed role and position, I am extremely proud of this appointment – especially as the first British South Asian and Muslim in this role for the RFL. I look forward to making a genuine and positive and dynamic impact,” Mustafa said.
“My expertise in the commercial side of sport lends itself well to the role of Chair, where I can apply my day-to-day knowledge and experience at Spencer West to furthering the foundations of Rugby League in England and the integrity of the Sport.”
Speaking about the appointment Tony Sutton, RFL Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have Mustafa Mehmood as an Operational Rules Tribunal Chair. Chairs bring legal expertise and experience to the application of the Operational Rules, playing a vital role in protecting the integrity of the game, upholding justice, and ensuring Rugby League is a safe and inclusive sport. This appointment – the first British South Asian and Muslim in this role – is especially significant for us and represents progress against our commitments in Tackle It.”
Mustafa qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales in 2013 and has been a registered Football Agent with FIFA and the English Football Association since 2008. His legal specialisms include real estate, covering both commercial and residential properties, and sports law and in his role as a Chair, he intends to leverage his extensive legal background across the sporting sector.
Mustafa has successfully built a robust network of high net-worth clients nationally and internationally in both professional sports and business sectors. His legal practice frequently involves handling complex, high-value transactions.
At the age of 23, Mustafa became one of the youngest and first British Pakistani FIFA Football Agents licensed by the English Football Association, and he has since developed a substantial international sports business, representing Premier League players.
Spencer West Managing Partner Simeon Spencer said the appointment to the pro bono position reflected the way the firm encourages its Partners to pursue their passions and contribute to the community.
“Mustafa’s appointment as a Chair of this Tribunal underscores his legal acumen and commitment to upholding the integrity of rugby league. Most importantly, it reflects his desire to contribute to the community at large.”
“We at Spencer West congratulate Mustafa on this significant achievement and is confident that his leadership will greatly benefit the RFL Operational Rules Tribunal.”
The RFL Operational Rules Tribunals handle a variety of cases across both the community and the professional game involving alleged breaches of the RFL Operational Rules by participants, which typically include cases involving discriminatory language and/or behaviour pursuant to the RFL’s Tackle It action plan against discrimination, social media contraventions, safeguarding matters, touchline behaviour, player registrations, breaches of concussion protocols and failures to fulfil fixtures.
The Tribunals are comprised of a legally qualified Chairs and two side members with relevant experience, such as former professional players, coaches, match officials or civil servants. The Tribunal’s role is to examine and test the evidence presented to it by the accused and the Compliance Manager, making a guilty or not guilty finding against the relevant burden of proof and, where appropriate, determining appropriate sanctions which may include warnings, fines, suspensions, stadium bans, or other sporting sanctions such as point deductions, no spectator orders or suspension of fixtures. There is a right of appeal against the Tribunal’s findings.
