According to a formal statement from president Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA has disclosed that it has authorised La Liga and Serie to host games abroad, although it does so “regrettably.” It’s finally happening. For a long time, there have been speculations that big football games would be played outside of their home nations in an attempt to expand the sport. Miami, Florida will host the La Liga encounter between Barcelona and Villarreal in the United States. However, UEFA has also given Serie A permission to host AC Milan’s match against FC Como in Perth, Australia, so it won’t be the only match played abroad.
Ben Jacobs of GIVEMESPORT says that although the regulatory board allowed both leagues to play their local matches abroad, they also stated that they didn’t want to and that the choice was unfortunate. The decision was made “reluctantly,” according to a statement issued by UEFA addressing the matter.
“UEFA has reaffirmed its unequivocal objection to domestic league games being held outside of their nation of residence. Following the applications it received from the national football associations of Spain and Italy, UEFA conducted additional stakeholder consultations following the meeting of its Executive Committee in Tirana last month to determine the scope of the issue’s ramifications. The overall lack of support for moving domestic league games overseas that had previously been voiced by supporters, other leagues, clubs, players, and European institutions was validated by that consultation.
However, the UEFA Executive Committee has grudgingly decided to grant the two petitions referred to it on an exceptional basis because the pertinent FIFA regulation framework, which is presently being reviewed, is not sufficiently explicit and comprehensive. In order to guarantee that future regulations preserve the integrity of domestic competitions and the strong relationships that exist between clubs, their followers, and local communities, UEFA will actively support FIFA’s continued efforts.
Following that, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin released a statement outlining his thoughts on the matter and how he thinks about the games being held outside of their home nations.
Aleksander Čeferin, President of UEFA, criticised the ruling.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin also issued a statement addressing the decision to permit the matches to be played abroad, and he didn’t mince words, as Jacobs highlighted. He called the call’regrettable’ and acknowledged that he wasn’t happy about it. Additionally, Čeferin disclosed that he did not want the action to be interpreted as establishing a precedent for the future. He stated:
“Anything else would disenfranchise devoted matchgoers and possibly introduce distorting elements into competitions; league matches should be played on home soil.” The scope of these worries was validated by our consultation.
“Although it is unfortunate that these two games must proceed, this judgement is unique and won’t be interpreted as establishing a standard. We are steadfast in our resolve to preserve national leagues’ integrity and keep football rooted in its native setting.
Milan’s encounter with Como in Australia is anticipated to occur in February 2026, while Barcelona’s match against Villarreal in Miami is anticipated to occur in January 2026.
GIVEMESPORT is aware that UEFA is committed to amending the regulations to prevent any additional international matches. They will push for a revision in the rulebook, but they are now unable to prevent teams from moving their games abroad if the relevant member associations let it. UEFA will push for countries like Spain and Italy, who let their clubs to host these matches abroad, to follow the regulations since they require a simple majority to make changes.
It is not regarded as a concern for Congress. However, UEFA is supporting a FIFA working committee that is examining the existing state of affairs in an effort to have the regulations altered as quickly as possible. Although it’s uncertain if they will follow the other 55 member countries, UEFA expects them to, especially because Italy and Spain granted permission for the games to be held in the first place.
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