Fifa settles antitrust lawsuit over foreign clubs playing in US

Fifa Settles Antitrust Lawsuit Allowing Foreign Clubs to Play in the US

In a groundbreaking development, Fifa has settled an antitrust lawsuit that accused the football governing body 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 US District Court in Manhattan.

This settlement comes after a federal appeals court revived Relevent’s case, which had been dismissed in 2021. The US Soccer Federation remains a defendant in the case. While lawyers for Fifa and US Soccer have not commented on the settlement, Relevent has stated that Fifa will consider changes to its rules regarding matches played outside a league’s home territory.

The possibility of non-US teams playing regular season matches in the United States is now on the table. This could have a significant impact on the soccer landscape in the country, potentially drawing away fans and sponsors from Major League Soccer, which is currently affiliated with Fifa.

Relevent, based in New York, is also known for operating the International Champions Cup. The potential hosting of regular season matches between foreign teams in US stadiums could bring a new level of excitement to American soccer fans.

With the upcoming World Cup in 2026 set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the settlement of this lawsuit could pave the way for even more international soccer events to take place on American soil. The future of soccer in the US is looking brighter than ever.