UEFA has “reluctantly” approved two “exceptional” European league matches to be played abroad, a decision the governing body’s president, Alexander Ceferin, called “regrettable” but unavoidable due to a lack of legal framework to stop it.
The fixtures set to move are:
- Villarreal vs. Barcelona (La Liga) to be played in Miami in December.
- AC Milan vs. Como (Serie A) to be played in Perth, Australia, in February.
Ceferin stressed the decision “will not set a precedent,” maintaining the body’s “clear opposition” to moving domestic games, arguing it would “disenfranchise loyal match-going fans.”
The move was immediately condemned by Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which warned the action could inflict “long-lasting harm” on the sport and called for a “solid regulatory framework” to protect domestic competitions.
UEFA noted that a consultation process found “widespread lack of support” for the plan, but stated FIFA’s regulations were “not clear and detailed enough” for it to block the leagues’ proposals.
The move contrasts with the English Premier League, which has “no plans” to stage matches abroad.
