Serie A Still Hoping for Perth Match Despite AFC Obstacles

AFC's conditions put Serie A Perth match in doubt

Serie A President Ezio Simonelli insists Perth match is still possible despite AFC's unacceptable conditions.

“If it is, we consider those conditions non-existent and take it as a favourable opinion...”

The proposed Serie A match in Perth is still on the table, according to Serie A President Ezio Simonelli, despite the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) imposing conditions that have been deemed unacceptable. Simonelli emphasized that the plan to move the match to Perth hasn't been abandoned, and talks are ongoing.

The match in question is February's fixture between AC Milan and Como, which needs to be relocated due to the San Siro hosting the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Serie A's request to move the match has been approved by the Italian FA, but the AFC's conditions have complicated the process.

UEFA had previously given the green light to Serie A's plan to hold a match in Perth, Australia, but with some reluctance. This decision was part of a broader approval that also included LaLiga's proposal to host a game between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, which was later scrapped due to opposition from domestic stakeholders.

  

The proposed Serie A match, featuring AC Milan and Como, is facing uncertainty, with recent Italian media reports suggesting it's unlikely to proceed. The match, scheduled for February 8, would have made history as the first major European domestic league fixture played outside its home country.

“I've read things in recent days that aren't correct,” Simonelli told reporters. “It's not an idea that has been ‍abandoned, but one that is still in progress. We've received many favourable opinions.”

Serie A President Ezio Simonelli revealed that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) imposed two conditions on the proposed Perth match. The AFC stated that Serie A couldn't organize, promote, or market the match, and that the AFC would appoint the match officials.

These conditions were deemed unacceptable, making it challenging for the match to proceed as planned. The AFC's stance differs from other governing bodies, as UEFA had previously given its approval for the match.

“That's why we asked FIFA to ⁠give a final answer,” Simonelli said.

“We don't consider those conditions acceptable, not because we don't want to accept them, but because it's impossible to play an Italian league match without defining it as such. Just as it's impossible to go to Australia without Italian referees.”

The AFC's conditions on the Perth match are notable, especially since Italian referees will be officiating the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia next week, which also falls under the AFC's jurisdiction. This highlights the inconsistency in the AFC's approach to Serie A's proposal.

“Maybe it's just a misunderstanding,” he said. “If it is, we consider those conditions non-existent and take it as a favourable opinion.”

The proposed Serie A game between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Western Australia on February 8 is in doubt.

In a statement to The Athletic, the Western Australia Minister for Sport and Recreation, Rita Saffioti said: “A number of conditions have been placed on the sanctioning of… pic.twitter.com/JWwA0ht3Aw

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 11, 2025

 

Serie A President Ezio Simonelli is set to meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Doha on December 17 to resolve the issue surrounding the proposed Serie A match in Perth, Australia. Simonelli emphasized that Serie A hasn't prepared alternative plans and is committed to staging the match between AC Milan and Como on February 8. The match's fate hinges on FIFA's decision, as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) imposed unacceptable conditions, including not allowing Serie A to organize, promote, or market the event.

“If FIFA says the match cannot take place, we'll ⁠accept that,” he said. “I'm not making predictions. I'm simply saying that the process is still ongoing.”