American court blocks governing body from joining European soccer inquiry

An American judge blocked soccer leaders from interfering in a European probe.

A federal judge in the United States denied an attempt by world soccer authorities to participate in an independent European inquiry regarding a controversial tournament broadcasting plan. The disputed project was subsequently dropped by leadership shortly after public disclosure. The legal setback keeps the internal governing dispute focused on continental authorities.

• The decisionA United States magistrate ruled against the international governing body's attempt to interfere with regional oversight.
• The backgroundEuropean officials launched the inquiry following a surprise proposal regarding global tournament media rights.