Barcelona and AC Milan Matches to be Played in US and Australia

UEFA approves LaLiga and Serie A matches to be played abroad

UEFA approves LaLiga and Serie A matches to be played abroad A matches to be played in the US and Australia, despite fan protests and environmental concerns.

“The widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions...” 

UEFA has given the green light for two European league matches to be played abroad, despite strong opposition from fans. The matches in question are Barcelona vs. Villarreal in Miami, Florida, and AC Milan vs. Como in Perth, Australia. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin stated, “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.”

The decision comes after Spain's LaLiga and Italy's Serie A submitted requests to play these matches outside their home countries. The Barcelona-Villarreal match is scheduled for late December in Miami, while the AC Milan-Como match will take place on February 8 in Perth, allowing the San Siro stadium to prepare for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

We are opposed to domestic league matches being played abroad.

Two requests have been approved on an exceptional basis due to regulatory gaps at global level.

We are committed to anchoring the integrity of domestic competitions and fans’ perspectives in forthcoming FIFA rules.

— UEFA (@UEFA) October 6, 2025

In its statement, UEFA said that it had “reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country.”

But despite “the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions,” UEFA said that it had found no clear regulatory framework in FIFA's statutes that would allow it to oppose the moves.

“The UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it,” European football's governing body said in its statement.

Fan Reactions

• Supporters' groups have expressed strong opposition to the decision, labeling the moves “absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible.”

• Fans argue that playing domestic league games abroad undermines local supporters and the integrity of national competitions.

UEFA's Stance

• Ceferin emphasized that league matches should be played on home soil to protect the integrity of national leagues.

• UEFA's executive committee had postponed its verdict, citing limited support for the concept after extensive consultations.

• The governing body stressed that its national associations have agreed to consult with UEFA before submitting similar requests in the future.