McKenzie goes in-house with SPFL on leaving Harper Macleod

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has appointed Rod McKenzie as part time in-house legal counsel, along with four firms to its external panel.

Mr McKenzie, who is retiring as a partner of Harper Macleod, was principal adviser to the SPFL, which has now conducted a tender process to appoint future legal advisers.

Its panel will consist of Brabners LLP, Fladgate LLP, gunnercooke LLP and Shepherd & Wedderburn LLP.

Mr McKenzie commented: "When I was retiring from Harper Macleod it was of importance to me to continue my relationship of almost 20 years with the SPL/SPFL, the last 16 years of which have been as its principal legal adviser. This appointment has enabled me to continue the work I have been undertaking for the League and I am grateful to the SPFL board for allowing me this exciting opportunity at what is a critical time for the game in Scotland."

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL, added: "I would like to thank the team at Harper Macleod for their advice over the past 20 years. I am looking forward to working with a new team of legal advisers, which includes some of the best legal minds in sports law from across the UK."