UEFA historic decision: La Liga, Serie A to play overseas matches

UEFA “exceptionally” approved the request of La Liga and Serie A to move two league matches to the United States and Australia — a global first. A historic decision.

In its statement, UEFA’s Executive Committee nevertheless reiterated “its opposition to holding domestic league matches abroad” and pledged to contribute “to the ongoing work led by FIFA” to establish strict rules on this matter, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

The matches in question are Villarreal–Barcelona in Miami on December 20 for La Liga, and Milan–Como in Perth, Australia, on February 7 or 8, 2026 for Serie A, as San Siro will be unavailable due to the Winter Olympics.

“League matches should take place within the country of the league. Any other solution would deprive the most loyal fans and could introduce distortive elements into the competitions. Our consultation confirmed the extent of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement in such a sensitive issue. While it is regrettable that we have to make a decision regarding these two matches, this is an exceptional decision and should not be seen as a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its national environment,” said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.

The clubs involved, as well as the leagues and football federations of Australia and the United States, have all agreed. There is great optimism among all parties regarding FIFA’s position, as the organization is working on changing the regulations to lift the complete ban on matches being played outside their domestic countries.

In an interview with the Spanish newspaper As last week, Ronan Evain, director of Football Supporters Europe, stated that they would take legal action if UEFA approved the relocation of the match.

“About 600 supporters’ associations from 30 European countries, representing more than 3 million citizens, have expressed strong opposition to the relocation of football. This initiative goes against the very essence of the game. The connection between a football club and its territory is fundamental since its foundation. It is so contrary to the nature of football that fans are not the only ones opposing it — it will also be a matter for the administrative court,” he said.