ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHES IN HK?

Fifa says it will consider changes to its policy blocking league matches from being played in other countries, as part of an agreement with a football promoter to dismiss the world governing body from a lawsuit challenging that stance.

Relevent Sports lawyer Jeffrey Kessler has filed a letter in a US District Court in Manhattan stating that Fifa and his client have agreed to the dismissal. Kessler wrote that Fifa agreed to abide by any injunction arising from the suit, which also includes the US Soccer Federation as a defendant. The agreement did not alter the suit against the federation.

“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 Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, announced in August 2018 it planned to host a Spanish football league match between Barcelona and Girona at Miami Gardens, Florida, the following January.

In October 2018, Fifa said its ruling council adopted a policy that “emphasised 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.

The change in Fifa’s stance could open up the possibility of Hong Kong promoters bringing matches from some of the game’s biggest leagues to the city’s new state-of-the-art stadium at Kai Tak Sports Park, when it opens for business next year.

Relevent in 2019 was also refused permission by the US federation to sanction a league match between two teams from Ecuador. Relevent sued, claiming violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

“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.”