Escape Room: Young MLS Signings and the Contracts that (May) Bind Them

Recently, Major League Soccer has signed several players under age 18 to lengthy (five-to-seven years) professional contracts.  While these contract terms exceed the maximum allowed by FIFA for under 18 players, the contracts are likely valid under US laws.  This article discusses creative solutions these players may have to free themselves from their long contracts.    …

Pro/Rel Goes to Court: An Analysis of Miami FC and Kingston Stockade v. FIFA

Last month, the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected Miami FC and Kingston Stockade’s claim against FIFA, the US Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer for violation of FIFA Article 9, which requires promotion based “principally” on sporting merit. In short, the Panel concluded Article 9 only addressed clubs’ efforts to circumvent formal systems of …