USFF Warns Super F League to Stop Using the Term 'Futsal'
KANSAS CITY (10-11-04) - The Super F League has reportedly received a letter from the U.S. Futsal Federation (USFF) ordering the new organization to stop using the word "futsal".
The USFF sent the letter despite the fact that the Super F League has
received the sanction of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
The attorney representing USFF is Scott Placek. The letter was sent to Jon Parry of the
Super F League.
At stake in this conflict is who will be the ultimate governing authority
over futsal in the U.S. - the USFF or U.S. Soccer and FIFA. At stake also are broadcasting
rights, licensing fees and authority to organize futsal teams representing the U.S.
The Super F League contends that futsal is a sport, not a property, and to
stymie its growth is not in the best interests of the sport.
"If the USFF attempted to be responsive to the needs of its membership and
democratically run in a responsible way, it would not need to use its purported
"hammer" or trademark rights to enforce its will on the futsal players of
America," a Super F League spokesman said.
The Super F League has retained John Collins as its attorney. Collins is
a former attorney with U.S. Soccer and is expected to be extremely capable in defending
the Super F League's right to use the term "futsal".
Futsal On-Line