NEW YORK (AP) — A deadline is looming for millions of businesses who may be entitled to a payout in a $5.5 billion antitrust settlement with Visa and Mastercard.
The settlement stems from a 2005 lawsuit that alleged merchants paid excessive fees to accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and that Visa and Mastercard and their member banks acted in violation of antitrust laws.
Any businesses that accepted Visa and/or Mastercard credit or debit cards in the U.S. between January 1, 2004 and January 25, 2019 may be eligible to receive part of the settlement. Eligible owners whose businesses have since closed or went bankrupt can also submit a claim.
Mitch Goldstone, CEO and owner of the film scanning business ScanMyPhotos.com, and lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, said it has been difficult to get the news out to small businesses so they can file a claim in the settlement.
“Most eligible merchants still haven’t filed their claims, despite my efforts — such as helping design a user-friendly claim form with a simple QR barcode,” he wrote in an email. “It’s frustrating, considering it only takes a minute to file.”
The deadline to file a claim is Friday, May 31, 2024. Claims can be submitted on the claims portal PaymentCardSettlement.com and by mail if a company received a paper claim form.
Only businesses that submit a claim by the deadline will get money from the settlement. The amount of the payout for each business will be calculated after all claims are filed and validated.
FILE - MasterCard and Visa credit card logos are shown at the entrance of a New York coffee shop, April 22, 2005. A deadline is looming for millions of businesses who may be entitled to a payout in a $5.5 billion antitrust settlement with Visa and Mastercard. The settlement stems from a 2005 lawsuit that alleged merchants paid excessive fees to accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and that Visa and Mastercard and their member banks acted in violation of antitrust laws. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
SEATTLE (AP) — Ryan Gauld scored on a penalty kick in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, and the Vancouver Whitecaps salvaged a 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night.
Gauld’s tying goal came following a lengthy video review where referee Victor Rivas and video official Pierre-Luc Lauziere determined Seattle defender Nouhou committed a handball inside the penalty area in the 90th minute.
Gauld sent Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei the wrong direction with his left-footed shot for his fourth goal of the season. Gauld also scored against the Sounders in a 2-0 win last month.
Seattle’s Jordan Morris scored his second of the year in the opening minutes of the match but the Sounders will feel it was a harsh penalty decision that cost them the chance at three points. Seattle was trying to complete a six-point week and pick up wins over its two Cascadia rivals after winning in Portland last weekend.
Instead, the Sounders remain with just one victory at home so far this season.
The Sounders nearly picked up a late winner as designated player Pedro de la Vega had a shot hit the post in the final seconds of the match. De la Vega entered in the 76th minute for his first appearance since March 2 when suffered a hamstring injury against Austin FC. He also had a header hit the crossbar in the 82nd minute.
Morris’ goal came off a scramble in the penalty area in the ninth minute. Alex Roldan’s initial shot was saved by Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, but was pushed right toward Morris and his left-footed shot found net. His only other goal this season came on April 6 against Montreal.
After losing its last two league matches, both on the road, the Whitecaps earned a point with the late draw. But Vancouver has not won since beating Seattle on April 20 and scored just two goals in its last five MLS games.
While Vancouver gets to go home this week, it doesn’t get much easier. After a midweek home game against Calvary FC in the Canadian Championship quarterfinals, the Whitecaps host Lionel Messi and Eastern Conference-leading Inter Miami next Saturday.
AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer
Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris, right, and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Javain Brown pursue the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Vancouver Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini argues with an official as midfielder Ryan Gauld lies on the ground during the first half of the team's MLS soccer match against the Seattle Sounders, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon blocks a shot from Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas (18) during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Raposo reacts to an official calling possession for the Seattle Sounders during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Vancouver Whitecaps defender Javain Brown, top, collides with Seattle Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnák while going up for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Vancouver Whitecaps defender Javain Brown, top, collides with Seattle Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnák while going up for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris, right, reacts with midfielder Albert Rusnák, center, after scoring against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris reacts after scoring against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
