US Soccer Federation appeals to Supreme Court for relief on ‘radical’ antitrust ruling.

The United States Soccer Federation ​Seeks Relief from “Radical” Ruling

The United States Soccer Federation is making a bold move ⁣to seek relief from a recent ruling that could ⁢have damaging consequences for‌ the organization. U.S.⁢ Soccer’s legal team at Latham &⁣ Watkins has filed a petition with the Supreme Court, challenging⁢ a ruling by the U.S. Court ⁤of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.

The original 2018 lawsuit from Relevant focuses on a FIFA ⁤rule⁢ that prohibits foreign​ soccer clubs from holding official matches in ⁤the United‌ States. ‍Relevant argues that this policy unfairly restricts competition and ‌violates U.S. ‍antitrust law.

Relevant Sports, based in New York,⁢ wants U.S. Soccer’s‌ approval to host official games on‍ American soil, including a match between Girona FC and FC ‍Barcelona from Spain’s La Liga. In addition,⁤ U.S. Soccer is accused of trying to stifle competition with Major League Soccer, the country’s⁤ top ⁤domestic league.

The‌ 2nd ⁣Circuit ruled in‍ favor of Relevant, allowing them to ‌proceed with ⁣their antitrust conspiracy lawsuit ⁤against U.S.‍ Soccer. ⁣The court stated that since U.S. Soccer ​is ​a member of⁣ FIFA‍ and has agreed to its rules, Relevant’s lawsuit can move forward.

Gregory Garre, representing Latham & Watkins, warns that the 2nd Circuit’s decision‍ is‌ “radical” and ⁣could have far-reaching ⁤consequences if it stands. In the petition filed with the Supreme Court, Garre argues that the ruling ⁢puts numerous membership associations at​ risk⁣ and disrupts long-standing ⁣principles of antitrust law.

The‌ case, known as⁣ United States Soccer Federation ‌Inc v. Relevant Sports, requires respondents to submit their filing by September 7. The Supreme Court will⁤ not ​consider ​the case until at ​least the end of September, and⁤ it will require the votes ⁢of at least four justices to‍ grant ‌a review.

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