UEFA Criticizes Overseas Matches Despite Approving US Barcelona and Australia Milan Games

Despite significant opposition from fan groups across Europe, UEFA’s approval was crucial for La Liga’s plan to host Villarreal vs. Barcelona in Miami Gardens, Florida on December 20, as well as Serie A’s match between AC Milan and Como in Perth scheduled for February.

UEFA cited the absence of explicit regulations from FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, as a reason for not blocking the proposed matches, which many fans argue could sever teams’ connections to their local communities.

“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,” UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stated.

UEFA further expressed its commitment to working with FIFA to ensure future regulations protect the integrity of domestic competitions and the close ties between clubs, their supporters, and local communities.

The Football Supporters Europe network has pledged to continue its efforts to prevent such international games, which it argues compromise the sporting integrity of local leagues.

“By forcing through these matches, La Liga and Serie A risk undermining their own history and long-term success while inflicting long-lasting harm to football in Europe — and beyond,” said FSE, UEFA’s recognized partner on fan-related issues.

Historically, the Spanish and Italian leagues were considered the most likely to push for “out-of-territory” games, aiming to compete with the global popularity and financial strength of England’s Premier League.

Relevent’s Role

La Liga and Relevent Sports, its commercial partner in America, have been attempting to host a Barcelona game in Florida since 2018, but were previously stopped by FIFA regulations.

Renewed plans emerged 18 months ago after FIFA withdrew from a legal case initiated by Relevent in a Manhattan court. Shortly thereafter, FIFA announced a review of its rules and set up a working group that includes UEFA’s legal team.

Relevent has since become a pivotal commercial partner for UEFA and the European Club Association, entrusted with selling six years’ worth of commercial rights for the Champions League and other continental competitions through 2033.

Plans are now in motion for Barcelona, orchestrated by Relevent, to play where its legendary former player, Lionel Messi, now plays for Inter Miami.

The December 20 game at Hard Rock Stadium will technically be a home game for Villarreal, which is participating in the Champions League this season. The match is expected to draw a majority of fans eager to see Barcelona.

Barcelona’s financial difficulties, predating Messi’s 2021 transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and continuing thereafter, make the game in South Florida an opportunity to expand its fan base and brand.

Overseas games for these reasons have become common in U.S. professional sports leagues — with recent NFL games in Dublin and London — but contrast starkly with European football culture, which thrives on local rivalry and visiting fans in stadiums.

Germany’s Bundesliga has stated it has no plans to hold games abroad and could face significant backlash from fan groups if it chose to do so.

Milan’s Olympic Effect

The Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, opening on February 6, provided the Italian league with a reason to explore international opportunities.

The Olympics’ opening ceremony is scheduled for the iconic San Siro stadium, shared by AC Milan and Inter Milan, leading the league to schedule Milan’s home game against nearby Como on February 8, necessitating another venue.

AC Milan, a seven-time European champion not competing in this season’s Champions League, has been well-received by the Italian community in Australia on previous trips.