Rocco Commisso, the owner of Serie A club Fiorentina and former chairman of the North American Soccer League (NASL), has found himself at the centre of a legal and ethical controversy. During a federal trial in the United States, Commisso admitted to using an anonymous Twitter account to post inflammatory comments against Major League Soccer (MLS) and the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). The revelations have added a dramatic twist to an ongoing antitrust lawsuit he has funded against these organizations.
The Origins of the Conflict
The dispute dates back to September 2017, when the USSF declined to renew NASL’s Division 2 status, effectively causing the league’s collapse. At the time, Commisso was both the chairman of NASL and owner of the New York Cosmos franchise. The decision prompted him to file a $170 million lawsuit against MLS and USSF, alleging a conspiracy to undermine NASL’s viability.
Anonymous Attacks Revealed
In court proceedings, it was revealed that Commisso operated a Twitter account under the pseudonym “Global Soccer Fan.” Through this account, he launched personal attacks on MLS Commissioner Don Garber and former USSF President Sunil Gulati. The tweets included comparisons of Garber and Gulati to convicted criminals such as Harvey Weinstein and Bernie Madoff, drawing widespread condemnation for their inflammatory nature.
During his testimony, Commisso admitted responsibility for these tweets and expressed regret for his actions. “I don’t feel good about what I did because it’s not who I am,” he stated. He also confirmed that he had ceased using social media entirely over the past five or six years.
Legal and Financial Implications
The trial has brought significant scrutiny to Commisso’s actions and motives. His lawsuit seeks substantial damages from MLS and USSF, claiming that their decision caused severe economic harm to NASL. Under U.S. antitrust laws, any damages awarded could be tripled, potentially resulting in a massive financial payout.
However, Commisso’s use of anonymous social media accounts has raised questions about his credibility and methods. It was also disclosed that he had instructed his public relations team at Mediacom, his cable company, to post disparaging content about MLS and USSF under another alias.
A Complex Legacy
This controversy adds another layer to Commisso’s already complex reputation. Known for his outspoken nature and business acumen, he has faced criticism in Italy for his handling of Fiorentina’s operations and disputes with local authorities over stadium funding. Now, his actions in the U.S. soccer landscape have further polarized opinions about him.
