UEFA postponed decisions about controversial foreign game plans

Thursday 11 September 2025 17:01

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UEFA has postponed the decision whether to approve the Spanish and Italian League controversial plans to play games abroad this season.

Laliga wants to do a match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami in December, while Serie A hopes to bring AC Milan with Como to Perth, Australia, in February.

The European Football Regulatory Executive Committee discussed the proposal at its regular meeting today in Tirana but decided to conduct a full consultation before any decision.

With the head of the world FIFA must also approve the request, Laliga now faces a race against time to make the Miami Showcase approved in time.

UEFA said: “Executive Committee discusses requests from RFEF and FIGC to approve the game of one domestic league match respectively outside the country of origin, especially outside the UEFA region.

“The committee recognizes it as an important and developing problem but expresses the desire to ensure that he has the view of all stakeholders before making a final decision.

“There are many problems to be resolved and as the European government body, UEFA has the responsibility to consider all these factors.

“As a result, no decision was taken today but UEFA will conduct a round of consultation with all stakeholders in European football – including fans.”

Laliga and Serie A are interested in exporting games to improve their league and team profiles, which are increasingly defeated financially by the English Premier League.

UEFA and FIFA are said to feel that they have a few legal reasons to block the movement, follow the antimonopoly lawsuit filed by the US promoter who is relevant and completed earlier this year.

But fan groups urged government agencies to reject the plan and claim that they have not yet consulted enough for a proposal that will threaten to determine precedents.

European football supporters welcomed UEFA’s decision “to ensure any decision based on the best interests of all European soccer ecosystems”.

FSE added: “Today’s announcement reflects their dedication to preserving the integrity of European football.

“Special mention of fans to be involved in this involvement shows that UEFA has recognized the strong opposition expressed by millions of supporters throughout the continent, as well as those from many other stakeholders who have spoken against this plan.

“Our position remains unchanged: European football belongs to our stadium, our cities, our community – one domestic match abroad is too much.”