The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) has successfully defended itself against an antitrust lawsuit filed by the now-defunct North American Soccer League (NASL).
The NASL had accused US Soccer and Major League Soccer (MLS) of conspiring to block its ability to compete at the highest level of men's professional soccer by repeatedly denying its applications for Division II status.
The league argued that USSF’s sanctioning process unfairly favored MLS, preventing independent leagues from gaining recognition and financial stability.
However, the jury ruled in favor of US Soccer and MLS, stating that the NASL’s failure was due to its own mismanagement rather than an unfair system.
Reacting to the verdict, US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone stated, “This decision reaffirms that our federation operates in the best interests of the sport and its growth in the U.S.”
The ruling comes as a relief to MLS and US Soccer, which faced significant legal challenges over their governance of professional leagues.
The lawsuit had raised concerns over whether the USSF holds too much power in determining league sanctioning, an issue that could have reshaped the landscape of American soccer had the NASL won the case.
Critics, however, believe that the case exposed deeper issues in how professional leagues are structured, with former NASL executive Rishi Sehgal arguing, “The current system remains closed and anti-competitive, limiting opportunities for independent clubs to thrive.”
While the legal battle has ended, discussions over the structure and accessibility of professional soccer in the U.S. will likely continue.
Josh Acheampong, the promising young right-back, has reportedly been sidelined by Chelsea until he signs a new contract, according to The Athletic. The 18-year-old is highly regarded by the club, having made a brief first-team appearance under manager Enzo Maresca, where he played 27 minutes in a Carabao Cup match against Barrow.
Despite his contract running until 2026, discussions are ongoing regarding his long-term future at Chelsea, but no agreements have been reached. As a result, Acheampong has seen limited action lately, even with the U21 squad.
Acheampong made his Premier League debut last season in a 2-0 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge and was part of Chelsea's pre-season tour in America. However, with top-quality players like Reece James and Malo Gusto ahead of him in the right-back position, securing regular minutes in the first team poses a significant challenge.
Chelsea's management appears to be taking a firm stance on contract negotiations, evident in their approach with other academy stars like Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount. This situation has understandably led to speculation about Acheampong's future, with reports suggesting he is attracting interest from clubs abroad, including a surprising link to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
As the teenager navigates this uncertain period, he has expressed readiness for any first-team opportunities that may arise. However, with his current status, fans are left hoping that this situation does not lead to a surprise exit, as Chelsea looks to secure the future of another talented academy product.
.png)