Adedotun Olusanya

Principal Partner

 LLB Babcock University (Nigeria),

 BL Nigerian Law School ,

LLM University College London (UK),

LLM Boston College Law School (USA),

LLM. Saint Louis University (USA)

Meet Adedotun Olusanya: Principal Partner at AO Sports Law Consulting

Adedotun Olusanya is the driving force behind AO Sports Law Consulting, a firm dedicated to advancing sports governance and legal practice in the sports industry. With an impressive educational background and extensive professional experience, Adedotun is recognized as a leading authority in sports law.

Education

Adedotun’s academic journey spans several top institutions around the world, highlighting his commitment to excellence in sports law:

  1. Don State Technical University, Russia: Studied Russian Language and Culture (2007-2008)
  2. Babcock University, Nigeria: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with First Class Honors (2008-2013)
  3. Nigerian Law School: Qualified as a Barrister (2013-2014)
  4. University College London (UCL), UK: Master of Laws (LLM) in Sports Law (2015-2016)
  5. Boston College, USA: Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law (2020-2021)
  6. Saint Louis University, USA: Master of Laws (LLM) in American Law (2021-2022)

Publications and Research

Adedotun is a top-ranked scholar in sports law with notable publications that have significantly contributed to the field:

  • Reforming FIFA Inside-Out: Fit-for-Purpose Governance Structure for the Global Soccer Governing Body (2021): This paper offers a deep dive into FIFA’s governance reforms and suggestions for improvement.
  • Beyond Sports Governance: Constructing a Veritable Platform for Transparency and Accountability in FIFA (2016): Focuses on enhancing transparency and accountability in FIFA.
  • Legal Framework of Sports Broadcast in Nigeria: The Nigerian Perspective (2013): Explores the legal landscape of sports broadcasting in Nigeria.
  • To Your Tents Oh Israel: Validity of Secession Claims by Nigeria’s Break-Away Groups is Determined by International Politics (2022): Discusses the role of international politics in Nigeria’s federalism and secession movements.

Media and Recognition

Adedotun is recognized as a “Mega Star in Sports Law” for his impactful work in football governance across West Africa. He addresses critical issues like FIFA’s independence doctrine and its impact on corruption in African football associations.

Seminars and Workshops

Adedotun has led numerous influential seminars, fostering important discussions among sports administrators, club owners, and athletes:

  • Specificity of Sports Doctrine and Independence Doctrine: The Bane of West-African Football: A 3-day seminar with 153 attendees.
  • Ability in Disability: Legal Rights and Welfare of Special Athletes: A four-year seminar series educating athletes on their legal rights and welfare.
  • Collaboration with Star Makers FC: Training young academy players on football laws and regulations to protect them from exploitation.

Awards and Accolades

Adedotun’s contributions to sports law and governance have earned him several prestigious awards:

  • Outstanding Contributions to Para-Athletics: From the Ekiti State Para-Athletics Association (2019).
  • Exemplary Impacts on Sports Development: From the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in 2021.
  • Advocate of Female Football Development: From the Miss Football Nigeria Organisation.

Testimonials

Adedotun’s work is highly praised by his peers and clients:

  • Coach Ojo, Head Coach of the Para Athletics Team in Ekiti: “He is a true champion of the sporting community, using his knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of athletes.”
  • Hussein Alhassan Yorda, Ghanaian sports broadcaster: “The seminar led by Mr. Olusanya and the suggestions he has made will ensure accountability in West African football.”
  • Mr. Kehinde Adebayo Ojelowo, Nigerian delegate: “A household name in Nigeria, his passion for effective governance in sports is second to none.”

Professional Expertise and Passion

Adedotun Olusanya is a multi-lingual lawyer with a profound passion for sports governance and sports law practice. His specialized education and professional contributions have positioned him as an expert in reshaping football governance in West Africa. He has been actively involved in conducting seminars and workshops, addressing critical issues in football administration, and advocating for transparency and ethical practices in sports.

His expertise is further recognized through his academic research and publications. His profile on the Social Science Research Network ranks him as #37 among the Top 3000 Legal Scholars globally. His research interests include international sports law and sports governance, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.

Advocacy for Reform

Adedotun’s work emphasizes the role of corporate sponsors in achieving governance reform in sports. He advocates for sponsors to insist on stringent governance standards, recognizing their potential to drive transparency and accountability in sports organizations. His dedication to improving the legal and ethical standards in the world of sports continues to shape the landscape of sports law and governance, particularly in West Africa.

Adedotun Olusanya’s passion for sports governance and sports law practice is evident through his specialized education, professional contributions, academic research, and advocacy for reform in sports organizations. His work continues to make a significant impact, demonstrating a deep commitment to improving the legal and ethical standards in the world of sports.