UEFA President Ceferin Warns Overseas Games Risk Breaking Football

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has warned that relocating European football matches away from their traditional community bases risks "breaking" the sport, emphasizing that football represents much more than financial interests or entertainment; it is integral to local communities and their fans. Despite UEFA’s reluctant approval for one LaLiga match in Miami and one Serie A match in Perth this season due to legal uncertainties, Ceferin stated this did not set a precedent and reaffirmed UEFA's commitment to inclusion and unity in football, rejecting the idea of a closed Super League. He highlighted that lasting value in football comes from reforms that benefit all clubs rather than a select few and underscored UEFA's openness to all teams. The decision has faced criticism from players and supporters, with calls for FIFA to uphold regulations preventing such relocations. European Commissioner Glenn Micallef praised UEFA for opposing the Super League and the overseas relocation of domestic matches, despite the granted exceptions this season. Ceferin concluded that European football has the potential to be "unstoppable" and "eternal," provided it maintains its roots in community and inclusivity.