According to Alistair Lindsay, partner in competition law with City firm Allen & Overy, the fact that neither side had to pay costs to the other was a sign that honours were even.
Lindsay added that because the claimants – the Sportmasters Network (now called 110 Sport) in conjunction with the two players – had not signed up a broadcaster to any tournaments before the case arose, their chances of claiming damages were considerably lessened.
But Lindsay agreed that the rival promoters and players have made up significant ground by taking the case to court. “The WPBSA can’t now reintroduce Rule A5, which restricts players from competing in other tournaments. That was put on ice while the case proceeded and they can’t now reintroduce that.”
The WPBSA will also have to be more cautious in protecting its dominant market position in future, Lindsay told sportbusiness.com
