On Level Terms: 10 Legal Battles that Tested and Shaped Soccer in the Modern Era

Soccer (or football as it's called throughout most of the world) has long been described as "The Beautiful Game." The elegance of its passing, the precision of its goals, and the passion of its fans all contribute in no small part to its mass appeal. A well-played match is indeed a beautiful thing. But there is more to soccer than what transpires on the pitch. In fact, the behind-the-scenes machinations of lawyers, managers, owners, players, and the leagues themselves influence what we see to a degree we probably have never even considered.

On Level Terms: 10 Legal Battles that Tested and Shaped Soccer in the Modern Era gives readers an inside look at ten cases (in the United States and Europe) that have had a lasting influence on the game as we know it today. From the demise of the North American Soccer League (NASL) and the rise of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States to prosecution of England captain John Terry for alleged racist conduct and Belgian journeyman Jean Marc Bosman's quest to gain free agency for all players in Europe, On Level Terms is the first book of its kind to examine the world's most popular sport from a legal perspective.

Whether you're an ardent fan of the game or are simply interested in the legalities behind professional sports, On Level Terms is a major contribution to the growing library of literature about soccer that is destined to join the ranks of such best sellers as Soccernomics, How Soccer Explains the World, and Fever Pitch.

TED PHILIPAKOS is an agent and consultant in the area of professional soccer who has worked with players and clubs around the world, most notably in the United States and Greece, over the last 10 years. He also serves as a part-time faculty member at New York University's Tisch Institute for Sports Management, Media and Business.