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April 9, 2024
According to Fifa, modifications to its policy prohibiting league matches from being played abroad will be considered. A deal with a promoter to dismiss the world governing body from a lawsuit contesting that policy includes the changes.
Jeffrey L. Kessler, the lawyer for Relevent Sports, filed a letter on Monday in a Manhattan court stating that Fifa and his client approved of the dismissal. US Soccer is also a defendant in the lawsuit, and Keller stated that Fifa consented to follow any injunction that resulted from it. The litigation against US Soccer was unaffected by the agreement.
“Fifa and Relevent have agreed to resolve this matter as it concerns Fifa, pending Fifa’s consideration of changes to existing Fifa policies with respect to playing official season games outside a league’s home territory,” Fifa said in a statement. “Fifa has not admitted any liability and continues to deny the legal claims alleged in Relevent’s complaint.”
In August 2018, Relevent—owned by Stephen Ross of the Miami Dolphins—announced it would host a La Liga match between Barcelona and Girona in January 2019 at Miami Gardens, Florida.
In October 2018, Fifa said its ruling council adopted a policy that “emphasized the sporting principle that official league matches must be played within the territory of the respective member association.” Thus, Barcelona pulled out of its Florida game.
In 2019, Relevent was also denied authorization by US Soccer to approve a league game between two Ecuadorian teams. Relevent filed a lawsuit against the governing bodies, alleging tortious interference and a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
“Bringing official matches from Europe to the US 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.”
US Soccave the antitrust claim dismissed by Caproni in July 2021; in July 2021, however, the second US Circuit Court of Appeals revived the case in March 2023. In August, the US Supreme Court was named US Soccer, and the Joe Biden administration stated last month that the court should uphold the appellate decision.
“Fifa 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 a league’s home territory,” the promoter said in a statement. “Relevent Sports looks forward to supporting Fifa as both sides work to grow the game.”
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has ordered Getafe to partially close their central stand for three matches in response to the racist and xenophobic abuse that Sevilla manager Quique Sánchez Flores and player Marcos Acuña endured during the La Liga match on Saturday.
The Argentine defender was being called a “monkey” and the Spanish coach a “gypsy” by fans in the stands, prompting referee Iglesias Villanueva to halt the game in the 68th minute as part of La Liga’s anti-racism protocol. A €27,000 ($29,000) fine has also been imposed on the club.
In a statement, the RFEF said that a visible message opposing violent, racist, xenophobic, and intolerant acts in football and in favor of fair play must be displayed in the closed section of the stands.
Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian winger for Real Madrid, expressed his support for the individuals impacted by the racist incidents he has experienced in Spain. “Racists must be exposed, and matches cannot continue with them in the stands,” he posted on social media.
“We will only have victory when the racists leave the stadiums and go straight to jail, the place they deserve.”
Throughout the previous two seasons, La Liga had reported 16 such incidents involving the 23-year-old Vinícius to Spanish prosecutors.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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