Dismissed solicitor is still acting for footballers in brain injury court case
Solicitor Richard Boardman, whose firm has been dismissed by more than 1,000 rugby players pursuing brain injury claims, is still representing 23 former footballers in a similar case. The development matters because a judge is considering whether the rugby claim could be struck out after serious criticism of its handling, potentially ending a six-year legal battle without compensation for claimants.
Master Jeremy Cook cited alleged widespread failures to comply with court requirements and misleading evidence, including missing medical records. The football group is suing the Football Association, English Football League and FA of Wales; it includes relatives of Nobby Stiles and Joe Kinnear, while the rugby claimants seek new solicitors and Leigh Day is considering taking over.
- Dismissed rugby solicitor still leads football brain injury claim.
- Rugby case faces possible strike-out after court criticism.
- Football claim involves 23 former players and families.
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Brain injury claims in professional sport have become a significant legal issue in recent years. Former rugby and football players have been pursuing cases against governing bodies, contending that leagues and associations failed to protect them from the cumulative damage of repeated head impacts during their careers.
One of the most prominent cases involves over a thousand rugby players who initiated legal action six years ago. A judge has recently raised serious concerns about how this case has been administered, citing alleged missing evidence and procedural failures, which could potentially result in the entire claim being dismissed without claimants receiving compensation.
Similar legal action is proceeding in football, where former players including relatives of well-known figures are seeking damages from the Football Association, English Football League and Football Association of Wales. The management of these cases has become significant, as questions have emerged about whether claimants are receiving adequate legal representation and protection of their interests.