UEFA is set to consult with fans and other stakeholders regarding the contentious issue of playing domestic league games abroad. This decision comes as plans to host matches such as Villarreal vs. Barcelona in Miami and AC Milan vs. Como in Perth, Australia, face significant opposition.
The UEFA executive committee has acknowledged the growing importance of this issue and wants to ensure all perspectives are considered before a final decision is made. The proposal to play league games outside of their home countries has sparked fierce debate, particularly among fan groups who believe it undermines the integrity of the sport and disregards the traditions and communities associated with their clubs.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), an officially recognized fan liaison group by UEFA representing over 500 fan groups, has voiced strong opposition to the plans. They argue that clubs should not be reduced to "entertainment products" detached from their roots and that European football belongs in its stadiums, cities, and communities. FSE has welcomed UEFA's commitment to consult with fans, praising the dedication to preserving the integrity of European football.
The idea of playing domestic league games abroad isn't new. La Liga and its commercial partner Relevent, a U.S. marketing agency, initially attempted to host a Barcelona game in Miami in 2018 but were blocked by FIFA. These attempts to expand the reach and revenue of leagues and clubs have gained traction, especially as leagues like the English Premier League have outpaced others financially.
Critics, including Glenn Micallef, a top sports official in the European Commission, have called the proposed game in Miami a "betrayal," arguing that it could unbalance and damage the sporting integrity of leagues. Concerns have also been raised about setting a precedent that could lead to unpredictable and irreversible consequences for the sport.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has stated that the organization has limited legal power to prevent these games if the national federations involved agree to them. FIFA has established a working group to review its regulations regarding domestic games played abroad, with its 37-member ruling council, including eight from UEFA, scheduled to meet next month. This indicates a potential shift in FIFA's stance, which previously blocked such proposals.
While fan groups and some officials stand firmly against the idea, leagues and clubs may see it as an opportunity to tap into new markets and increase revenue. For instance, Barcelona has faced financial struggles in recent years, making the prospect of increased revenue from international games appealing.
As UEFA embarks on this consultation process, the future of playing domestic league games abroad remains uncertain. The outcome will depend on balancing the economic interests of leagues and clubs with the concerns of fans and the broader implications for the integrity of European football.
