Premier League games could potentially be played in the United States after FIFA reached an agreement in a landmark lawsuit.
New York City-based event promoter Relevent Sports has dropped its antitrust lawsuit against FIFA, which had been working its way through the US court system since 2019.
In a statement made to the Athletic, Relevent Sports indicated that the agreement was made “while FIFA considers changes to its existing rules about whether games can be played outside of a league’s home territory.”
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It added: “Relevent Sports looks forward to supporting FIFA as both sides work to grow the game.”
FIFA made a similar statement, before adding it “has not admitted any liability and continues to deny the legal claims alleged in Relevent’s complaint.”
US Soccer remains a defendant in the case that is still pending and may potentially be heard by the US Supreme Court.
The outcome of the case could clear the way for teams to play official league matches outside their home territory.
This means that teams from around the world could play their games in the US. While the Premier League currently has no plans to hold a game abroad, it could become a feasible option for its chiefs depending on the case's ruling.
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FIFA is already planning to bring major football matches to the US, with an expanded Club World Cup tournament set to be played there in the summer of 2025.
Top European League have already looked to capitalise on the US commercial market with summer preseason tours.
Six Premier League teams played a “Summer Series” in the US last year, selling out NFL stadiums across the country.
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Meanwhile a “Summer Champions Tour” is being held before the start of next term between Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and AC Milan.
Commercial opportunities are only expected to grow in the coming years with the World Cup set to be played in the US in 2026.
As highlighted by the Athletic, while FIFA and Relevent’s statements indicate that this settlement could clear the path for changes to FIFA policy, there is still likely to be pushback from fans and other stakeholders regarding the prospect of moving a game outside of a league’s home nation.
Back in 2018, after La Liga and Relevent announced games would be played in the US, the Spanish FA put out a statement denouncing the decision.
Topics: Premier League, FIFA
Chris Byfield