Relevent Sports has settled its antitrust lawsuit with FIFA regarding the holding of league matches outside of a league's home territory. The settlement allows FIFA and Relevent to collaborate in bringing league matches from Europe and other regions to the United States.
The settlement, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, stipulates the dismissal without prejudice of all claims by Relevent against FIFA, with each party bearing its own attorneys' fees and costs. However, the settlement does not affect Relevent's claims against the United States Soccer Federation, Inc. (USSF).
Relevent CEO Danny Sillman expressed optimism about working with FIFA to expand the game, while FIFA stated that the resolution pertains to potential changes in its rules regarding playing official season games outside a league's home territory.
The lawsuit originated in 2019 when Relevent, under the ownership of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross, sought to host a La Liga match between Barcelona and Girona in Miami. The Royal Spanish Football Federation denied the request, and a subsequent attempt to host an Ecuadoran league match was also rejected by the USSF.
The USSF cited a FIFA policy from 2018 that emphasizes official league matches being played within the territory of the respective member association as the reason for denying approval. The lawsuit was initially dismissed in July 2021 but was overturned on appeal in May 2023.
With the case now heading to the Supreme Court, the Solicitor General filed a brief supporting the appellate court ruling, arguing that the USSF's adherence to FIFA policy did not constitute an unlawful agreement to restrict competition.
