Miami Dolphins owner files lawsuit againt US Soccer
The owner of the Miami Dolphins sued the US Soccer Federation after refusing to let them host international matches at Hard Rock Stadium.
The US Soccer Federation is facing a new lawsuit. This time for refusing to play international games at Hard Rock Stadium. The legal case has been brought by Relevent Sports - a soccer promotion company owned by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
The company alleges the US Federation “has exhibited a pattern and practice of violating its own policies and procedures, dissuading the staging of international competitions in the United States.”
Relevent Sports' petition presented to the New York Supreme Court, states that without apparent reason, US Soccer declined two of its proposals to host international matches at the home of the Miami Dolphins. The company, has been hosting international friendlies at Hard Rock Stadium for the past six years, including a pre-season friendly between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in 2017.
Projects rejected
In 2018, the US Soccer Federation were looking for a venue to host the final of Copa Libertadores, Relevent Sports put in a proposal to organize the event; however, the USSF came back with a negative response.
"When violence prevented the final from taking place in Argentina, Relevent Sports and Mr. Ross approached the USSF and Carlos Cordeiro to stage the final in Florida, but they refused to participate," the complaint read.
Most recently Mr. Ross company proposed to host the already approved Ecuadorian first division games to take place in American soil for the first time, but once again, the answer was negative.
USSF Rules
The organism indicates the Federation must carry out matches "unless the Federation decides with clear and convincing evidence that the organization of the party is harmful to the sport of soccer."