J. Carlos Kuri, recently appointed as the US Soccer Federation’s new chief legal officer, may soon undergo a crucial evaluation as he contends with two enduring antitrust suits in the league. As reported by Bloomberg Law, Kuri’s dilemma includes an upcoming trial scheduled for September, where the now-dissolved North American Soccer League alleges its downfall due to an excessively close partnership between US Soccer and Major League Soccer.
The other antitrust litigation in question is initiated by soccer promoter Relevant Sports LLC, which claims US Soccer obstructed its endeavor of introducing elite international soccer teams for official matches in the US. Notably, US Soccer is the last standing defendant in this case, following Relevant’s settlement with FIFA, the sport’s international governing body, just last month.
Antitrust lawsuits potentially carry trebled damages and legal fees recovery for the winning party, thereby posing significant concern for law department leaders. While Latham & Watkins, US Soccer’s external counsel, will handle the majority of the workload, Kuri will be responsible for making critical decisions, such as settling a case or altering legal representation.
It is also worth mentioning that Kuri succeeds Karen Leetzow in his new role at US Soccer. Former legal chief Leetzow left the non-profit in late 2022 to become president of the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Red Stars. Throughout his career, Kuri has amassed significant legal experience in the entertainment and sports sector, serving as the legal head for the South by Southwest festival, beverage giants Red Bull and Heineken, and the New York Red Bull soccer franchise.
Furthermore, Kuri will face the task of promoting soccer within the competitive US sports market while maintaining a balanced representation of Major League Soccer, the dominant US professional soccer league.