UEFA Permits Barcelona, AC Milan To Play Games Abroad

UEFA has approved requests from LaLiga and Serie A to stage two domestic league fixtures overseas, but the European football body insists the move is exceptional and will not set a precedent.

The ruling means Villarreal’s league game against Barcelona will be played in Miami, while AC Milan’s clash with newly promoted Como is scheduled for Perth, Australia. Both matches are expected to attract huge international attention, yet UEFA has made it clear that its support comes with strong reservations.

In a statement released after consultations with leagues, clubs, fans and players, UEFA said the majority of stakeholders remain opposed to the idea of moving national league games abroad.

“UEFA has today reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country,” the organisation said. “That consultation confirmed the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions around the concept of domestic league matches being relocated abroad.

“However, given that the relevant FIFA regulatory framework, currently under review, is not clear and detailed enough, the UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it.”

The statement added that UEFA will continue to work with FIFA to ensure future rules “uphold the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their supporters and local communities.”

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin reinforced the organisation’s position, warning that staging games outside their home environment risks alienating the very people who give football its identity.

“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns,” Čeferin said.

“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”