UEFA has recently delayed making a definitive decision regarding proposals to play LaLiga and Serie A matches outside of their respective home countries. This move comes as requests from the Spanish (RFEF) and Italian (FIGC) football federations to host domestic league matches abroad, specifically outside of UEFA territory, are under consideration.

The potential matches in question include a LaLiga game between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, United States, and a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia. These proposals have stirred debate within European football.

UEFA's executive committee met in Tirana, Albania, where they discussed the requests but ultimately decided to postpone a final ruling. The governing body acknowledged the increasing importance of the issue but emphasized the need to gather input from all stakeholders before making a decision. UEFA stated that there are many issues to resolve and that it has a responsibility to consider all factors involved. As a result, UEFA will conduct a round of consultations with all stakeholders in European football, including fans. The next meeting of the UEFA executive committee is scheduled for December 3rd.

The Spanish soccer federation had already approved a request from Barcelona and Villarreal to play a match in Miami in December. Similarly, the Italian soccer federation had given its approval for the AC Milan-Como match to be moved to Perth in February. However, both leagues require further approval from UEFA, and potentially FIFA.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has previously stated his opinion that "European teams should play in Europe". However, he also acknowledged that the organization's legal options are limited.

Fans' groups have voiced strong opposition to the concept of playing domestic league games abroad. They view it as a significant governance issue, comparable to the launch of the European Super League in 2021. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) welcomed UEFA's decision to conduct meaningful consultation and emphasized that any decision should be based on the best interests of the entire European football ecosystem. FSE believes that UEFA's commitment to involve fans in the engagement demonstrates the recognition of the strong opposition expressed by supporters across the continent and other stakeholders.

LaLiga and Serie A have previously emphasized the importance of staging matches overseas to increase the competitions' global exposure. The leagues have obtained consent from their national federations but require UEFA approval before FIFA makes a final decision.