Title: FIFA Drops Defendant Status in Antitrust Lawsuit: Impacts and Future Trends
New York City-based event promoter Relevent Sports has reached an agreement with FIFA to drop the world governing body as a defendant in its ongoing antitrust lawsuit, according to a resolution filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. While FIFA’s exit from the case is a significant development, it remains a defendant in relation to the U.S. Soccer Federation.
The lawsuit centers around the possibility of club teams being allowed to play official league games outside their home territories, a practice currently prohibited by FIFA statutes. The resolution between Relevent and FIFA does not disclose the details of the settlement, but it establishes that FIFA will be bound by the final decision, provided it pertains to rules, policies, or practices regarding games held outside a league’s home territory.
The Background of the Case
The comprehensive history of this case takes us through the various legal battles and the reasons behind the disagreement. It sheds light on why both parties are locked in this ongoing dispute, bringing us to this crucial turning point.
The Agreement between FIFA and Relevent
The agreement emphasizes FIFA’s withdrawal as a co-defendant in the lawsuit, resulting in the dismissal of all claims against FIFA, without prejudice. Additionally, each party is responsible for its own attorneys’ fees and costs. The critical aspect of the agreement is FIFA’s commitment to adhere to any final decision, especially regarding official season games played outside a league’s and teams’ home territory.
Implications for FIFA
At first glance, this move seems like a significant change of heart on FIFA’s part. Previously, FIFA had strictly adhered to the rule that official league matches must be played within the territory of the respective member association. However, their decision to drop as a defendant indicates a potential shift in their stance.
In the lead-up to this resolution, FIFA joined forces with the U.S. Soccer Federation, only to face allegations of impeding Relevent’s business growth and having a conflict of interest. The case’s progress reached a noteworthy point when a United States District Judge ordered fact discovery to be completed before September 2024, putting additional pressure on FIFA. Subsequently, Relevent reached an agreement with USSF, with FIFA following suit to drop its defendant status.
The undisclosed details surrounding FIFA’s settlement raise questions regarding their newfound openness to domestic fixtures being taken abroad. However, FIFA did not provide any comment in response to queries about this implication.
Potential Future Trends
The outcome of this case may reshape how teams can participate in official matches outside their home territories. With the possibility of staging games in the United States, clubs from around the world could tap into the massive American commercial market.
While FIFA already organizes the Club World Cup tournament in the United States, the event represents an expanded format of an existing global competition rather than a domestic league. The top European leagues have also been exploring opportunities in the United States through preseason tours and events like the Summer Series. The success of these ventures strengthens the prospect of further commercial growth, especially with the World Cup coming to the U.S. in 2026.
Nonetheless, the decision to move games outside home nations may face resistance from fans and other stakeholders. In the past, the Spanish Footballers Association expressed its disapproval when La Liga and Relevent announced games to be played in the U.S. However, despite potential pushback, Relevent CEO Daniel Sillman has previously stated that official La Liga games will be played on North American soil before the 2026 World Cup.
A comprehensive analysis of the implications of this case reveals a potential future trend of internationalization in football leagues. The success of staging official matches outside home territories, if deemed permissible, could unlock vast commercial opportunities for clubs worldwide. Additionally, the growing integration of football into global markets calls for thoughtful collaboration between FIFA, leagues, and governing bodies to ensure the sport’s steady growth.
With this resolution marking a significant step forward in the legal battle, the industry should be prepared for potential changes in FIFA policy and further exploration of international fixtures.
(Photo: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images for Premier League)