19 June 2025 – Manchester
Muiris Lyons, founder of Muiris Lyons Legal Ltd, has been appointed to The Football Association’s Judicial Panel. He joins the Chairs Panel for General Appeals for a three-year term starting in the 2025–26 season.
The Football Regulatory Authority confirmed the appointment on 10 June 2025. The selection followed a competitive process. In this new role, Muiris will chair Appeal Boards that hear and decide appeals across English football.
The Role of the Judicial Panel
The FA governs football in England. It sets the Rules and Regulations that everyone in the game must follow. When those rules are broken, The FA takes disciplinary action. This often involves a hearing before an Independent Regulatory Commission or an Appeal Board.
The Judicial Panel is the group of people who serve on those commissions and boards. They are legal and football professionals who act independently of The FA.
Regulatory Commissions deal with first-instance disciplinary cases. Appeal Boards review decisions made by these commissions or by other bodies affiliated with The FA.
Upholding Fairness and Integrity
The Judicial Panel protects the fairness and integrity of football. Each Appeal Board includes three members. As Chair, Muiris will lead hearings and make sure they follow proper process. He will ensure that every case is heard fairly and efficiently.
In addition, he may deal with procedural matters. These include decisions about case timetables, disclosure of evidence, and whether appeals are allowed. Many of these issues arise in complex or high-profile cases.
A Career Bridging Law and Sport
Muiris brings more than 35 years of legal experience to this role. He was a senior partner at a leading international City law firm. Today, he runs his own practice and is also an accredited mediator.
Reflecting on his appointment, Muiris said:
“It is a great honour to be appointed to the Chairs Panel of the FA Judicial Panel. I look forward to applying the FA’s rules with fairness and consistency, and to supporting integrity, inclusion, and justice in football.”
Expanding His Role in Sport Regulation
This new appointment builds on Muiris’s work in sports governance. He continues to advise clients on legal and regulatory issues through Muiris Lyons Legal Ltd. He also contributes to legal education and initiatives that promote integrity in sport.