Relevent Sports settles antitrust lawsuit with US Soccer Federation

Relevent Sports has settled its antitrust lawsuit with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) — according to a filing with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

This settlement, combined with the previous agreement with FIFA a year ago — clears the path for Relevent to hold foreign league matches in the US and elsewhere.

The lawsuit alleged that USSF conspired with FIFA to withhold approval for hosting foreign league matches in the US — giving an advantage to Soccer United Marketing (SUM) as Relevent’s competitor in promoting international soccer matches.

“We are pleased to put this matter behind us as we remain focused on growing the game and harnessing the momentum of U.S. Soccer ahead of next year’s World Cup,” stated a USSF spokesperson.

The case has a long history dating back to 2019 when Stephen M. Ross, the Miami Dolphins owner controlling Relevent, signed a commercial rights deal with Spain’s LaLiga.

The attempt to host a league match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium failed to receive approval at that time.

After going through various legal stages including an appeals court overturning in 2023 — this settlement now opens opportunities for foreign leagues to hold official matches in US territory.