A county court judgment last week could force millions of amateur footballers to take out cover against injuring other players, a leading barrister warned this week.
The court ruling related to a four-year-old case that was brought after a tackle by Sunday league player Stephen Minnis broke the leg of Matthew Cubbin in a match in Merseyside.
Cubbin's case was successful, forcing Minnis to pay £9,500 special damages, £9,000 compensation, and nearly £7,000 in legal costs.
Edward Grayson, founder and chairman of the British Association for Sport and the Law, said: "This case does not set any new precedent for law because it follows other cases.
"But it creates the necessity for non-league players to be aware of the potential for legal liability and the cover they need."
But the Association of British Insurers claims the effect of the ruling will not have a significant impact on the industry.
A spokeswoman for the association said: "In that sort of situation, you would generally be covered by household insurance. If somebody successfully sues you for something that is not criminal, you should be covered.
"Household doesn't just cover something that happens in your home. It could happen on the street or in a public place."
Some reports suggest the judgment could force Minnis, a father of two, to sell his home to pay the costs and damages.
