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Breaking: Major League Soccer (MLS) is poised to host regular season matches featuring top European clubs as early as 2026, following a legal settlement that removes longstanding barriers to international competition on US soil. The agreement, finalized after years of litigation, opens the door for potential games involving teams from leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A to be played in American stadiums.
The change stems from the resolution of a lawsuit initiated by Relevent Sports, a US-based events promoter, against both Fifa and the US Soccer Federation. The case centered on Fifa’s statute prohibiting domestic league matches from being held outside of their home territories. Relevent, founded in 2012 by Stephen ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, argued this rule violated the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, designed to prevent monopolistic practices.
The dispute began in 2019 after US Soccer blocked Relevent’s attempt to host a La Liga match between Barcelona and Girona in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Relevent’s legal challenge sought to dismantle the Fifa regulation,claiming it unfairly restricted competition and economic opportunities within the US market.The settlement reached with Fifa involves a commitment to review and potentially revise the statute, paving the way for future collaborations.
Relevent Sports has established itself as a key player in bringing high-profile European soccer to the US, organizing the International Champions Cup (ICC) – a pre-season tournament featuring clubs like Real Madrid, manchester United, and Juventus – from 2013 to 2019. In February 2024, Relevent secured a six-season agreement with Uefa, becoming its exclusive global marketing and sales partner for the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa conference League. This partnership grants Relevent control over commercial rights, including sponsorship and broadcast deals, across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, with an estimated value exceeding $300 million annually.
The implications of this settlement extend beyond individual matches.analysts predict increased revenue for MLS, greater exposure for European clubs in the US market, and a potential boost to the overall popularity of soccer in the country. The agreement also raises questions about the future of the US Soccer Federation’s control over international competitions held within its borders and the potential for increased competition from European
