COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — UPDATE: The Columbus Crew is saved: Haslam, Edwards families to assume ownership

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The city of Columbus and the state of Ohio has filed a motion to dismiss a joint lawsuit that sought to keep the Columbus Crew soccer team in Columbus.

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announced today that the city and the state filed a notice with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas to dismiss their joint lawsuit against Major League Soccer and Precourt Sports Ventures, according to a press release.

“By seeking to dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice, the city and state, amongst other things, are signaling that they still believe the merits of their case are valid,” Klein said in the press release.

The lawsuit was filed in March after Anthony Precourt, CEO of Precourt Sports Ventures and chairman of Columbus Crew SC, announced plans to move the team to Austin. Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and his business group, which includes Columbus’ Edwards family, led by long-time Crew team physician Peter Edwards Jr., announced plans to buy the team in October.

Area leaders, including Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Klein announced plans earlier this month to build a new soccer stadium and turn Mapfre Stadium into a community sports park.

“From the start, this litigation was about keeping the Crew in Columbus, and I believe we are finally there.  After having conversations with the new ownership group, I believe that it’s time to tentatively dismiss the lawsuit so that the deal can be finalized, and once it’s done, the case can be permanently closed,”  Klein said. 

“I can’t thank #SaveTheCrew enough for having my back as we did the unexpected—we saved the Crew.  I’m looking forward to celebrating the launch of the 2019 season right here in Columbus on March 2nd!”

A copy of the notice for dismissal is available online.