FIFA Settles Antitrust Lawsuit Over Foreign Clubs Playing in the US

In a groundbreaking development in the world of football, FIFA has settled an antitrust lawsuit accusing the organization of illegally banning foreign clubs and leagues from staging official matches in the United States. The settlement with Relevent Sports, a sports promoter controlled by billionaire Stephen Ross, was disclosed in a filing with the U.S. District Court in Manhattan.

The lawsuit, which had been revived by a federal appeals court in Manhattan after being dismissed in 2021, has finally come to a resolution. The U.S. Soccer Federation remains a defendant in the case.

According to a statement from Relevent, FIFA will consider changes to its rules regarding the staging of matches outside a league’s home territory. This could potentially open the door for non-U.S. teams to play regular season matches in the United States, a move that could have significant implications for the sport.

The hosting of regular season matches between foreign teams in U.S. stadiums could draw in fans and sponsors currently supporting Major League Soccer, which has seen a boost in popularity with the addition of football star Lionel Messi to Inter Miami last year.

With the United States set to co-host the World Cup in 2026, this settlement could pave the way for more international football matches to be played on American soil, further solidifying the country’s position as a growing force in the world of football.

The case, which has been closely watched by football fans and industry insiders alike, marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of the sport and could have far-reaching implications for the future of international football.