A High Court judge has ruled that a legal row centred on Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini should be halted.
An investment company representing the 30-year-old had sued kit manufacturer New Balance.
Rosalina Investments said bosses at the sportswear firm breached an agreement to make payments if Fellaini wore New Balance boots.
But lawyers representing New Balance asked Mrs Justice May to halt litigation.
They said Rosalina's claim had "no real prospect of success" and should be dismissed.
The judge ruled in New Balance's favour on Friday after analysing rival arguments at a High Court hearing in London, and made an order "striking out" Rosalina's claim.
Barrister Ian Mill QC, who led New Balance's legal team, had said there were no "reasonable grounds" for asserting that a contract had been concluded.
Lawyers representing Rosalina disagreed and said a trial was necessary.
Mrs Justice May said in her ruling: "I am satisfied that the issues raised by New Balance's application are suitable for summary determination and that the claim for breach of a concluded agreement and the alternative claim for breach of a duty to negotiate in good faith are each bound to fail.
"Accordingly there will be an order striking out the claim and/or for summary judgement in favour of New Balance."
Fellaini has been at the centre of attention recently, with speculation rife over his future at Old Trafford.
United boss Jose Mourinho revealed that the club have offered Fellaini a new contract.