The Columbus City Attorney's office is asking a court for a six month stay in the city and state’s lawsuit against the Columbus Crew SC, owner Anthony Precourt and Major League Soccer to provide local investors an opportunity to purchase the team.
The state law, known as the 'Art Modell' law, says a team that receives public funding or plays most of its home games in a taxpayer-supported facility cannot move without first providing six months notice and the opportunity for local interests to purchase the team. Precourt has plans to move the Crew to Texas. Mayor Andy Ginther asked Precourt last week to make financial records available to the Columbus Partnership and other local investors to facilitate a purchase of the team. The Crew, Precourt and MLS have yet to comment on the City Attorney's motion..
