UEFA ‘regrettably’ approves La Liga, Serie A requests to play league games abroad

UEFA has approved, on an exceptional basis, the staging of Italian and Spanish domestic league matches abroad, despite expressing "clear opposition" to the plans. This decision was made due to regulatory gaps at the global level, with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin describing it as "regrettable" and emphasizing that it should not set a precedent, as league matches should ideally be played on home soil.

Specific matches affected include Serie A's fixture between Milan and Como, scheduled for February in Perth, Australia, and La Liga's game between Villarreal and Barcelona, planned for December in Miami, Florida. This marks the first instance of regular-season European league matches being held abroad, requiring further authorization from FIFA to proceed.

UEFA delayed its decision last month to consult stakeholders, which revealed widespread lack of support from fans, other leagues, clubs, players, and European institutions for relocating domestic matches overseas. The consultation highlighted concerns about disenfranchising loyal fans and introducing distortions in competitions.

Due to the unclear and insufficient FIFA regulatory framework, which is under review, UEFA reluctantly approved the requests. The organization has committed to actively collaborating with FIFA to develop future rules that safeguard the integrity of domestic competitions and the connection between clubs, supporters, and local communities.

The approval followed an earlier green light from the Spanish Football Federation for the Villarreal vs. Barcelona match in Miami. Ceferin reiterated the importance of home-based matches and thanked national associations for their input, while European Commissioner for Sport Glen Micallef previously labeled such proposals as a "betrayal" of community-based clubs.