JMW advises Pitch In For Ukraine as it launches global fundraising campaign

Law firm JMW Solicitors has advised Pitch In For Ukraine as it raises funds for President Volodymyr Zelensky’s United24 initiative, which distributes critical funds for urgent life-saving programmes across Ukraine.

The world-first initiative is using digital collectibles to support donations – every donor will receive a Pixel of the Pitch (PoP), an individual 22cm pitch square engraved with their name and edition number; a unique piece of football history while providing urgent aid to Ukraine.

JMW’s sports law specialists have provided legal advice on licensing agreements with Ukrainian football clubs, including Shakhtar Donetsk. The firm also benefits from a Digital Assets team, who were able to contribute specialist expertise and knowledge.

The team, which included Stephen Taylor Heath, Sam Ballin and client partner, Graham Small, evaluated the content that must be provided by each club, including crests and stadium imagery, and advised on licensing relating to design, development, manufacture, distribution, sales and marketing of the assets.

The first Ukrainian pitch available for collection is Shakhtar’s home turf, The Donbass Arena.

Stephen Taylor Heath, Head of sports law at JMW Solicitors told LondonLovesBusiness.com, “It’s fantastic to be able to support Pitch In For Ukraine in its campaign to raise critical funds for humanitarian aid as the conflict continues.

“It is not only a great cause but is an interesting and very innovative way to raise money using unique digital collectibles – we’ve no doubt that the campaign will be hugely successful in supporting United24 and we’re pleased to have been able to play a small part in getting it off the ground.”

United24, President Zelensky’s National Funding Initiative, provides urgent humanitarian support across Ukraine. The Kyiv School of Economics Foundation is the fiscal sponsor for Pitch In For Ukraine and will be handling donations. The campaign has also recruited Tymofiy Mylovanov as President; economic advisor to President Zelensky and a regular media commentator on the ongoing conflict.

Visit www.pitchinforukraine.org for more information about the campaign and how to donate.