UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has confirmed that the organisation has “reluctantly” approved two domestic league matches to be played abroad — marking the first time European league fixtures will take place outside their home countries.
La Liga’s Villarreal will now face Barcelona in Miami this December, while AC Milan’s Serie A clash with Como is set to be held in Perth, Australia, in February 2026. The move has been met with widespread criticism from supporters and football authorities alike, who fear it could set a dangerous precedent for the sport.
In a statement released on Monday, Ceferin described the decision as “exceptional” and “regrettable,” adding that UEFA remains firmly opposed to domestic league matches being held outside their national territories.
“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and distort competition integrity,” Ceferin said. “While it is regrettable to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent.”
UEFA said it had little legal power to block the games, citing an unclear regulatory framework under FIFA. Despite consulting with 55 national associations, UEFA concluded that while there was a “widespread lack of support,” there was no firm legal basis to prevent the fixtures.
The decision follows years of debate over the globalisation of football competitions. In 2019, La Liga’s plan to stage Barcelona’s match against Girona in Miami was scrapped due to opposition from Spain’s football federation and players’ union. A similar attempt to host Barcelona v Atlético Madrid in 2024 also failed.
However, this time, legal settlements between FIFA and Relevent Sports — a US-based promoter that manages global commercial rights for UEFA competitions — opened the door for matches abroad. Without new regulations in place, UEFA says it cannot intervene.
The announcement has triggered backlash from fans and advocacy groups. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) condemned the move, saying it risks “long-lasting harm” to the sport.
“By forcing through these matches, La Liga and Serie A risk undermining their own history and long-term success,” FSE said. “Football must remain anchored in its home environment. Now is the time for a solid regulatory framework to protect domestic competition.”
For many, the decision feels like the first step toward a future where European football becomes increasingly commercialised and disconnected from its local roots. While Ceferin insists this will remain a one-off, critics argue that the commercial success of such games could encourage others to follow suit.
Former Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore first proposed taking matches abroad in 2008, introducing the concept of a “39th game” — an extra round of fixtures to be played internationally. The idea was met with fierce resistance and shelved after public backlash.
Despite that, the globalisation of football has accelerated in recent years. Both the Spanish and Italian Super Cups have been held in Saudi Arabia, while the Premier League continues to explore ways to grow its international fan base through pre-season tournaments abroad.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters reiterated in August that there are currently “no plans” to host competitive league matches outside England. Yet, if La Liga and Serie A profit significantly from their overseas ventures, pressure could mount on England’s top flight to reconsider.
Analysts suggest that the lack of clear international rules may lead to more leagues testing the waters. With FIFA’s working group still reviewing the matter, UEFA’s decision could serve as a critical turning point in how football defines its geographical identity.
As Ceferin concluded, “Football belongs to the fans. We will continue to defend that principle — but the legal environment must allow us to do so effectively.”
Still, as the first European league fixtures prepare to be played in Miami and Perth, many fear the line has already been crossed.
