FIFA will explore the potential impact of allowing domestic leagues to play foreign competitive games in the near future, which has major consequences on MLS and its popularity in the USA. It was revealed in April that soccer’s governing body would consider changing a policy that blocks league games from being scheduled in other countries. The move followed FIFA’s settlement with Relevent Sports Group during an ongoing court case.
The deal between the promotors and the governing body opened the door for top European league matches to be played here in the United States. This could include LaLiga or Premier League fixtures. Relevent, an American sports media company, previously attempted to bring a Spanish top-flight match to the States in 2018. LaLiga president Javier Tebas remains adamant that regular season Spanish league games will come to America by 2026.
FIFA is now amping up efforts for these European games to be played abroad by setting up an official committee. The committee will compile information on both the effects on the leagues and the potential host countries. The group will then pass on their official recommendations regarding the issue to the governing body.
MLS already fighting against foreign games and popularity in USA
While there is still work to do, FIFA’s move to even set up the committee is telling. The decision by the organization is the first step in allowing foreign teams to play official games in the United States. It now seems more than likely that official European matches will come Stateside at some point.
Allowing these top games in America would, however, affect Major League Soccer. Foreign leagues such as the Premier League already take a huge amount of interest away from MLS. The English top flight is currently the most popular soccer league on TV here in the States. Viewership of the Premier League in America is also still rising. Apple’s deal with MLS, on the other hand, has not been able to make a…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-foreign-teams-playing-official-games-in-usa-will-impact-mls/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-05-15 15:49:58
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