UEFA has approved the staging of a La Liga and a Serie A match in the United States and Australia, respectively, despite sustained protests from fans.
The decision means Barcelona and Villarreal will meet in Miami in December, and for Milan and Como to play in Perth, Australia, in February.
Supporters’ organisations and fan groups had voiced strong opposition to proposals to move the matches overseas, arguing that staging domestic league games outside their home countries undermines local fans and the integrity of national competitions.
But in a statement on Monday, UEFA acknowledged the controversy around taking domestic league fixtures abroad but said the approvals were an “exceptional” measure and must not be interpreted as setting a precedent.
The statement signed by UEFA’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, read, “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.
“I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue.
“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.”
The move comes after the Italian and Spanish football federations applied for those matches to be played abroad.
Uefa said its national associations had agreed to engage with it before submitting any future requests.
Uefa’s executive committee delayed a decision on the matter last month and says its consultation on the issue has found a lack of support for the concept.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
