Who? Dan Lowen, head of regulatory and talent representation at specialist sports law firm Couchmans, London.

Why is he in the news? Represented Burnley FC in its claim for compensation from Liverpool for the training and development of Danny Ings. Premier League rules provide that a club signing an out-of-contract player is required to pay compensation to the former club for the training and development of a player under 24.

On 28 April, the Professional Football Compensation Committee awarded Burnley an upfront sum of £6.5m – the highest compensation ever awarded for an out-of-contract player.

Thoughts on the case: ‘The fact that compensation was due was never in dispute, but the two clubs disagreed on the level. The tribunal’s award is interesting because of its magnitude vis-à-vis the next highest award (£3.5m when Daniel Sturridge left Manchester City), and the training compensation that would have been due under the FIFA regulations if Ings had moved overseas (which would have been a few hundred thousand euro).

‘It confirms the pragmatism of English league compensation rules in respect of players at the top level.’

Dealing with the media: ‘This case has captured the imagination because of the [amount] awarded for a player who, by virtue of his contract expiring, would be thought of by many as “going on a free”. The general misconception surrounding this award is that the sum payable by Liverpool relates in some way to the player’s transfer or market value. Ings’ value if he were under contract has no bearing whatsoever on the compensation payable for development following the expiry of his contract.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘My grandfather was a QC in South Africa and my father was a Crown court judge.’

Career high: ‘I work with many sports people, from junior tennis players to international footballers in multi-million-pound deals. It’s very satisfying when you’re genuinely helping their careers.’

Career low: ‘While a trainee, I reviewed a patent relating to the design of roller cone drill bits. It reinforced my desire to become a sports lawyer.’ 

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