NEW YORK (AP) 鈥 FIFA said it will consider changes to its policy that blocks league matches from being played in other countries as part of an agreement with a soccer promoter to dismiss the world governing body from a lawsuit challenging that policy.
Relevent Sports lawyer Jeffrey L. Kessler filed a letter Monday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan stating FIFA and his client agreed to the dismissal. Keller wrote FIFA agreed to abide by any injunction arising from the suit, which also includes the U.S. Soccer Federation as a defendant. The agreement did not alter the suit against the USSF.
鈥淔IFA and Relevent have agreed to resolve this matter as it concerns FIFA, pending FIFA鈥檚 consideration of changes to existing FIFA policies with respect to playing official season games outside of a league鈥檚 home territory,鈥 FIFA said in a statement. "FIFA has not admitted any liability and continues to deny the legal claims alleged in Relevent鈥檚 complaint.鈥
Relevent, controlled by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, announced in August 2018 it planned to between Barcelona and Girona at Miami Gardens, Florida, the following January.
In October 2018, FIFA said its ruling council that 鈥渆mphasized the sporting principle that official league matches must be played within the territory of the respective member association.鈥 Barcelona then to play in Florida.
Relevent in 2019 also was refused permission by the USSF to sanction a league match between two teams from Ecuador.
Relevent , claiming violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act and tortious interference.
鈥淏ringing official matches from Europe to the U.S. 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.鈥
Caproni in July 2021 granted the USSF鈥檚 the antitrust claim but the case in March 2023 by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The USSF asked the Supreme Court in August to take the case, and the Biden administration last month said the Supreme Court should .
鈥淔IFA 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 of a league鈥檚 home territory," the promoter said in a statement. "Relevent Sports looks forward to supporting FIFA as both sides work to grow the game.鈥
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