Petke case going to arbitration, judge rules

Mike Petke vs. Utah Soccer, LLC d/b/a Real Salt Lake has been stayed pending arbitration, the judge in the case ruled today.

Arbitration, lawyers for Real Salt Lake argued, is necessary per the MLS Constitution, to which Petke was a party. Petke’s lawyers argued against that, arguing in part that the contract was non-specific about that fact.

This is presumably the last we’ll hear in a major way around the case, with arbitration taking place privately. MLS Commissioner Don Garber will likely be over the arbitration, per the constitution, but he is not required to be, as he can also nominate somebody in his place.

While the drama was certainly exciting — and the promise of discovery doubly so — this is likely the best outcome for Real Salt Lake and Dell Loy Hansen, who will be glad to have this out of the public sphere.

Other coverage

• RSL files motion to dismiss in Petke case, argues for arbitration as required remedy
• Mike Petke files lawsuit against RSL, claims breach of contract
• Mike Petke’s lawsuit against Real Salt Lake, explained