April 23 – The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday allowed a promoter’s antitrust lawsuit to go forward against FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation over the former’s policy of not permitting a country to host league matches involving teams from overseas.
The lawsuit came about when Relevent tried to stage a league match between Spanish giants Real Madrid and Girona in 2019, but the Spanish FA (RFEF) refused to sanction the match. Relevant also sought to organise an Ecuadoran league match between Barcelona and Guayaquil City in the US but didn’t get approval either.
The high court order leaves in place a federal appeals court ruling in favour of Relevent Sports, controlled by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
A district court dismissed the lawsuit, but a three-judge panel unanimously reinstated it. The Biden administration then weighed in on Relevent’s side at the Supreme Court.
The implications are widespread with Relevant now technically free to organise competitive games in the United States.
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