UEFA has granted special approval for two top-flight European league matches to be played outside the continent — a rare and controversial decision that marks a temporary departure from its long-held stance against taking domestic fixtures beyond European borders.
The European football governing body confirmed on Monday that Barcelona’s LaLiga clash with Villarreal will take place in Miami, USA, in late December, while AC Milan’s Serie A encounter with Como will be staged in Perth, Australia, in early February. The decision follows formal requests from both leagues, citing logistical and promotional reasons.
According to UEFA, the move comes under “exceptional circumstances” and should not be interpreted as a new precedent for future matches. “League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions,” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement.
“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,” Ceferin added.
Background to the Decision
The ruling follows months of internal debate and consultation with FIFA, national associations, and clubs. Spain’s LaLiga has been pushing for years to expand its reach internationally, mirroring the strategy of major American sports leagues like the NFL and NBA, which regularly take games abroad to grow their global fan base.
In 2019, LaLiga attempted to stage a match between Barcelona and Girona in Miami, but the idea was blocked by FIFA and opposed by Spain’s football federation. The latest approval therefore represents a breakthrough moment for LaLiga’s long-standing vision of taking Spanish football to international markets.
Similarly, Serie A’s decision to move the Milan–Como fixture to Perth stems from the temporary unavailability of the San Siro Stadium, which is being prepared to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics. League officials described the move as both a logistical necessity and a marketing opportunity.
Serie A Welcomes the Opportunity
Reacting to UEFA’s decision, Serie A League President Ezio Simonelli said the relocation offered Italian football an opportunity to engage global audiences.
“For us, a contingency due to the unavailability of San Siro Stadium has turned into an opportunity to satisfy the many fans of Italian football, who will have the chance to watch the match live in Perth,” Simonelli stated.
“It’s also a chance for both teams and Italian football as a whole to increase international visibility and grow their fan base. Italian football has a rich heritage, and taking a match to Australia allows us to share that passion with a wider audience.”
However, Simonelli also acknowledged the inconvenience this may cause for Milan’s loyal supporters at home. “We understand the frustration of our local fans. Traveling nearly 13,800 kilometres to Perth, which is six hours ahead of Italy’s time zone, will be impossible for many. But we are confident that this will be a one-time exception that benefits the sport in the long term,” he added.
Reactions from Spain and Beyond
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also expressed cautious support for LaLiga’s historic move to stage the Villarreal vs. Barcelona clash in Miami. A federation spokesperson described it as “a bold experiment that could help showcase Spanish football to a wider global audience.”
The decision has already stirred mixed reactions among fans. While some supporters in the United States have welcomed the opportunity to see their favourite stars in person, many traditionalists in Spain believe the game should remain local. Critics argue that relocating matches abroad undermines the connection between clubs and their domestic fan bases.
Barcelona’s decision to play in Miami aligns with the club’s global strategy under its international expansion programme. The Catalan giants have millions of fans across North America and have previously played pre-season matches in the region. The Villarreal fixture is expected to draw significant attention, both from U.S.-based Spanish expatriates and local football enthusiasts.
UEFA’s Balancing Act
UEFA’s statement made it clear that this decision was reluctantly approved, stressing the importance of maintaining competitive fairness and fan accessibility. “We recognize the increasing globalization of football,” Ceferin said, “but the core of our competitions must remain grounded in Europe, where our clubs and supporters form the foundation of the sport.”
The organization cited “the absence of a comprehensive FIFA framework” governing the staging of official domestic matches abroad as one of the reasons for its hesitance. However, both the Spanish and Italian leagues reportedly provided strong guarantees regarding player welfare, fan engagement, and travel logistics to secure UEFA’s conditional approval.
Industry analysts note that UEFA’s ruling could open the door — albeit slightly — for similar requests in the future. Leagues in France, Portugal, and the Netherlands have also shown interest in exploring international markets, particularly in North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
The Road Ahead
While UEFA insists that these approvals are “one-off exceptions,” many believe the global expansion of European football is inevitable. Broadcasting rights, commercial sponsorships, and the growing international fan base make the prospect increasingly attractive for leagues and clubs.
However, supporters’ associations across Europe continue to voice strong opposition. The European Supporters’ Alliance issued a statement calling on UEFA and FIFA to “safeguard the cultural and community roots of football.” The group argued that moving matches abroad primarily serves commercial interests at the expense of local fans who have supported their teams for generations.
Despite the controversy, ticket demand for both matches is expected to be high. The Miami game is projected to draw over 60,000 spectators, while Perth’s match could attract a full house at Optus Stadium, one of Australia’s largest sports venues.
As football continues to balance tradition with globalization, UEFA’s cautious yet historic approval marks a defining moment. Whether it truly remains a one-off exception or paves the way for a new era of international domestic fixtures remains to be seen.
