UEFA has approved, albeit reluctantly, requests from LaLiga and Serie A to play competitive league matches outside of Europe. The decision allows:
AC Milan vs Como (Serie A): This match is scheduled for February 8, 2026, in Perth, Australia.
The move was prompted by the unavailability of Milan's San Siro stadium, which will be used for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Villarreal vs Barcelona (LaLiga): This match is scheduled for December 20, 2025, in Miami, Florida, at the Hard Rock Stadium.
UEFA expressed strong opposition to the concept of playing domestic league games abroad, with President Aleksander Čeferin stating that
"League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions". However, the governing body cited a lack of a clear and detailed regulatory framework from FIFA as the reason for its approval,
calling the decision "exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent".
UEFA also confirmed that all 55 member national associations have committed to consulting with UEFA before submitting any future requests.
Implications
This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with concerns raised by fan groups and stakeholders about the impact on local fans and the integrity of domestic
competitions. Some argue that the move prioritizes commercial interests over the spirit of the game and its ties to local communities.
Conversely, LaLiga and Serie A see these matches as crucial opportunities to expand their global reach and tap into new markets and audiences,
according to Sports Illustrated.
The focus now shifts to FIFA, which is in the process of finalizing new regulations regarding the staging of domestic league matches abroad.🚨 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗭𝗬 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧: Instead of having to play in Villarreal's difficult stadium, like Real Madrid will have to do, Barcelona will now face Villarreal on neutral ground where 90% of the fans in the USA stadium are expected to be Barça fans. pic.twitter.com/OdJSAuVAJM
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 7, 2025
This decision by UEFA is likely to intensify the debate surrounding this issue within the football world.