UNFP Backs Adrien Rabiot in Serie A Australia Fixture Row
France's players' union UNFP supports AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot after he criticized Serie A's decision to play a match in Australia.
The decision to stage the Serie A match in Australia was reluctantly approved by UEFA, despite their opposition to...
France's players' union, UNFP, has publicly backed AC Milan's Adrien Rabiot after he expressed concerns over the scheduling of a Serie A match in Australia. Rabiot described the decision as “crazy,” sparking a heated debate.
The UNFP defended Rabiot's stance, stating that his observations are shared by many players and reflect the reality of the profession. They emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental principle for footballers, which the union will always defend.
Serie A Chief Executive Luigi De Siervo had dismissed Rabiot's concerns, telling him to respect the money he earns and his employers. However, the UNFP's support for Rabiot highlights the ongoing debate about the role of players in discussions about match scheduling and the business of football.
The decision to stage the Serie A match in Australia was reluctantly approved by UEFA, despite their opposition to domestic league fixtures being played abroad. This move has sparked controversy, with many questioning the impact on players, fans, and the sport as a whole.
AC Milan's upcoming match against Como will be played in Perth, Australia, after the San Siro stadium was unavailable in February due to the Winter Olympics. This unexpected change has turned into an opportunity for Italian football to gain international exposure.
The relocation to Perth will bring Serie A football to the Australian market, potentially attracting new fans and increasing the league's global visibility. This move showcases the adaptability of Italian football and its willingness to explore new markets.
AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot has said that playing a Serie A match abroad is 'completely crazy' 😬🌍 pic.twitter.com/EXWtjiJ7b1
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 8, 2025
By playing in Perth, Milan and Como will participate in a unique fixture that will likely draw attention from football fans worldwide. The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two Italian teams, and the Australian crowd can expect a high-quality Serie A match.
“Rabiot's observation is shared by the vast majority of players because it is accurate, because it is based on empirical knowledge of football and the profession of footballer," UNFP said in a statement on Thursday.
“Not all of them have access to the media to express themselves in this way.
“However, they should know that as the main players in the game, they have the right and even the duty to make their voices heard.
“Freedom of expression for footballers is a fundamental principle that the UNFP will always defend, as will FIFPRO, the global players' union.”
UEFA has given the green light for a LaLiga match between Villarreal and Barcelona to be played in Miami, despite expressing concerns about domestic league matches being held abroad. The decision comes after FIFA's regulatory framework was deemed unclear, leaving UEFA little choice but to approve the match. This approval is part of a larger trend, with Serie A also receiving permission to host a match in Australia between AC Milan and Como.
The decision has sparked debate, with some arguing it will boost LaLiga's global reach, while others claim it sets a “dangerous precedent” and prioritizes commercial gain over sporting integrity.
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