The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has “reluctantly” approved the staging of two European domestic league matches outside their home countries. Despite widespread opposition from fans and stakeholders, UEFA allowed Spain’s La Liga match between Barcelona and Villarreal to be played in Miami, Florida, and Italy’s Serie A encounter between AC Milan and Como to take place in Perth, Australia.
UEFA’s decision was made on an exceptional basis, with the governing body emphasizing that it doesn’t set a precedent for future matches. The approval comes after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including fans, leagues, clubs, players, and European institutions, which revealed a lack of support for relocating domestic matches. UEFA cited the ambiguity surrounding FIFA’s regulations as a key factor in their decision.
The Barcelona-Villarreal match in Miami is scheduled for December 21 or 22, while the AC Milan-Como match in Perth is set for February 8. UEFA has imposed conditions, including financial transparency and player welfare protocols, to ensure the matches don’t compromise the integrity of domestic competitions. The decision reflects UEFA’s broader strategy to tap into the lucrative North American market, while also raising concerns about potential disruptions to tradition and the impact on local fan bases.
