Court Denies NASL's Request For D-II Status In Case Against USSF

The NASL's request for a mandatory injunction restoring its D-II status for the '18 season has been "denied by a U.S. District Court judge, leaving the short and long-term future of the league in peril." Judge Margo Brodie ruled that although the NASL "did clear several required legal hurdles." But it "ultimately never 'made a clear showing of entitlement to relief.'" Brodie ruled NASL "fails to present sufficient evidence of undue influence in the actual standard-setting process” despite “ample evidence of a conflict of interest between (the USSF) and MLS." The NASL still could "press forward with its antitrust case, which could continue even if the league dissolves." It also could "appeal Brodie’s ruling to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals" (SI.com, 11/3).