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April 9, 2024
Fifa has announced that it will reevaluate its policy prohibiting league matches from being played abroad. The modifications are a component of a deal with a promoter to remove the global governing body from a lawsuit that questions that policy.
Attorney Jeffrey L. Kessler of Relevent Sports submitted a letter to a Manhattan court on Monday, stating that both Fifa and his client had consented to the dismissal. Keller stated that Fifa, along with US Soccer as a defendant in the lawsuit, consented to follow any injunction that may result from it. The lawsuit against US Soccer remained unaltered 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.
Barcelona then withdrew its commitment to play in Florida after Fifa announced in October 2018 that its ruling council had adopted a policy that “emphasized the sporting principle that official league matches must be played within the territory of the respective member association.”
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 Soccer moved to have Caproni’s antitrust claim dismissed in July 2021; however, the second US Circuit Court of Appeals revived the case in March 2023. US Soccer asked the US Supreme Court to hear the case in August, 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.
As part of La Liga’s anti-racism protocol, referee Iglesias Villanueva halted play in the 68th minute after hearing supporters refer to the Spanish coach as a “gypsy” and the Argentine defender as a “monkey” from the stands. Additionally, the club was fined €27,000 ($29,000).
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. He wrote on social media, “Racists must be exposed and matches cannot continue with them in the stands.”
“We will only have victory when the racists leave the stadiums and go straight to jail, the place they deserve.”
In the last two seasons, La Liga has reported 16 incidents involving the 23-year-old Vinícius to Spanish prosecutors.
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