UEFA Approves LaLiga, Serie A Matches Abroad Amid Fan Opposition

UEFA has reluctantly approved two exceptional cases allowing domestic league matches to be played abroad: a La Liga game between Barcelona and Villarreal scheduled for December 20 in Miami, USA, and a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como planned for February in Perth, Australia. This decision follows UEFA's consultation with its 55 national associations, which largely opposed the move, emphasizing that league matches should be played in their home countries to protect fan loyalty and maintain competition integrity. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin underscored that these approvals are exceptions and should not set a precedent, reaffirming UEFA's commitment to preserving the traditional structure of national leagues. The approvals came partly due to the lack of FIFA regulations preventing such matches and the unique circumstances, including the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics affecting the Milan match. Fan groups and UEFA's official liaison partner on fan issues, Football Supporters Europe, continue to oppose these games abroad, warning of potential long-term harm to European football's community ties and sporting balance. UEFA plans to collaborate with FIFA to develop future rules that uphold the integrity of domestic competitions and their connection to local supporters.