Fifa court deal could open way for European league matches in US
Fifa says it will consider changes to its policy that blocks league matches from being played in other countries. The changes are part of an agreement with a promoter to dismiss the world governing body from a lawsuit challenging that policy.
Relevent Sports lawyer Jeffrey L Kessler filed a letter on Monday in a Manhattan court stating Fifa and his client agreed to the dismissal. Keller wrote that Fifa agreed to abide by any injunction arising from the suit, which also includes US Soccer as a defendant. The agreement did not alter the suit against the US Soccer.
“Fifa and Relevent have agreed to resolve this matter as it concerns Fifa, pending Fifa’s consideration of changes to existing Fifa policies with respect to playing official season games outside a league’s home territory,” Fifa said in a statement. “Fifa has not admitted any liability and continues to deny the legal claims alleged in Relevent’s complaint.”
Relevent, controlled by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, announced in August 2018 it planned to host a La Liga match between Barcelona and Girona at Miami Gardens, Florida, the following January.
In October 2018, Fifa said its ruling council adopted a policy that “emphasized the sporting principle that official league matches must be played within the territory of the respective member association.” Barcelona then withdrew its commitment to play in Florida.
Relevent in 2019 also was refused permission by US Soccer to sanction a league match between two teams from Ecuador. Relevent sued the governing bodies, claiming violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act and tortious interference.
“Bringing official matches from Europe to the US is an exciting proposition but it must be done thoughtfully and collaboratively,” Relevent CEO Daniel Sillman said in a statement. “We look forward to partnering with Fifa to support the global growth of the game and the best leagues in the world.”
Caproni in July 2021 granted US Soccer’s motion to dismiss the antitrust claim but the case was reinstated in March 2023 by the second US circuit court of appeals. US Soccer asked the US supreme court in August to take the case, and the Joe Biden administration last month said the supreme court should let the appellate decision stand.
“Fifa and Relevent Sports have agreed to resolve this matter specific to Fifa while Fifa considers changes to its existing rules about whether games can be played outside a league’s home territory,” the promoter said in a statement. “Relevent Sports looks forward to supporting Fifa as both sides work to grow the game.”