UEFA has confirmed it has granted permission for La Liga and Serie A to hold league matches abroad, describing the decision as both “regrettable” and “exceptional.”
This approval allows Barcelona to play their La Liga fixture against Villarreal in Miami, Florida, and AC Milan to face Como in Perth, Australia—marking the first time domestic league games from Europe’s top competitions will take place outside their home countries.
The ruling followed separate requests from the Spanish and Italian football associations, which UEFA’s Executive Committee “reluctantly” approved at a recent meeting in Tirana. In an official statement, UEFA reiterated its “clear opposition” to moving domestic league matches abroad but acknowledged that gaps in FIFA’s regulations left them with no alternative.
“UEFA today reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country,” the statement read. “Following consultations with stakeholders—including fans, leagues, clubs, players, and European institutions—it became clear there was widespread lack of support for such moves. However, due to the absence of clear and detailed FIFA regulations, the UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly approved these two exceptional requests. UEFA will actively participate in FIFA-led efforts to strengthen future rules that protect the integrity of domestic competitions and preserve the vital connection between clubs, supporters, and local communities.”
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin also expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the decision should not be seen as a precedent. “League matches belong on home soil; anything else disenfranchises loyal fans and risks distorting competitions,” Čeferin said. “While it is regrettable to allow these two matches to proceed, this decision is exceptional and must not set a precedent. Our commitment remains firm: to protect national league integrity and keep football rooted in its communities.”
The Barcelona vs. Villarreal match in Miami is scheduled for January 2026, while Milan vs. Como in Australia is planned for February 2026. UEFA confirmed its continued opposition to staging domestic games abroad and pledged to push for new rules to prevent further relocations.
FIFA is expected to have the final say, as it is currently finalizing updated regulations on the issue. UEFA officials are collaborating closely with FIFA’s working group to ensure future policies explicitly prohibit domestic fixtures from being played outside their home countries.
The decision has sparked widespread backlash from fan groups and European officials. European Union Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef called staging domestic league games abroad “not innovation, but betrayal,” while Football Supporters Europe (FSE) condemned UEFA’s reluctant approval despite its opposition.
In a statement, FSE declared, “We will continue to stand firmly with fans in Spain and Italy against these damaging proposals. Together with our members, we are exploring every option to counter these plans. By forcing these matches abroad, La Liga and Serie A risk damaging their own history and the long-term future of football in Europe and beyond. It’s time for strong regulations to protect domestic competitions. We remain committed to working with UEFA, European institutions, and all stakeholders to uphold fans’ voices and safeguard European football.”
Despite the criticism, UEFA officials emphasized that their approval was a procedural necessity rather than an endorsement and reaffirmed their dedication to preserving the integrity and traditions of European domestic football.
