🚨 BREAKING: UEFA has approved LaLiga’s request to stage Villarreal vs. Barcelona in Miami. And Serie A can play AC Milan vs. Como in Perth.
However, UEFA say they are opposed to domestic league matches played abroad, and allowing the two games is “regrettable” and should not be seen as setting a precedent.
🗣️ “UEFA has today reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country.
“After the meeting of its Executive Committee in Tirana last month, UEFA undertook further consultations with stakeholders to assess the extent of the implications of the issue, following the applications it received from the Spanish and Italian national football associations.
“That consultation confirmed the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions around the concept of domestic league matches being relocated abroad.
“However, given that the relevant FIFA regulatory framework – currently under review – is not clear and detailed enough, the UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it.
“UEFA will actively contribute to the ongoing work led by FIFA to ensure that future rules uphold the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their supporters and local communities.”
🗣️ UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin:
“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns.”
“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”.
