UEFA Bows To Pressure, Approves Barcelona And AC Milan Matches Abroad

According to reports from Ireporter Online, UEFA has granted permission for Barcelona and AC Milan to play their upcoming domestic league matches outside Europe — a rare decision the football governing body describes as “exceptional” and not to be repeated.

This approval allows Villarreal’s LaLiga encounter with Barcelona to take place in Miami, USA, while AC Milan’s Serie A fixture against newly promoted Como will be staged in Perth, Australia. Both matches are expected to draw massive global attention, yet UEFA emphasized that the move does not signal a permanent shift in policy.

In an official statement, UEFA explained that it reached the decision after consultations with leagues, clubs, players, and supporters across the continent, noting that the majority remain opposed to playing domestic fixtures abroad.

“UEFA has today reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country,” the organization stated, acknowledging that most stakeholders had raised strong objections to the concept.

However, UEFA said the lack of clarity in FIFA’s current regulatory framework forced its Executive Committee to approve the two specific requests “on an exceptional basis.” The body further affirmed its intention to collaborate with FIFA to establish clearer rules that will safeguard the “integrity of domestic competitions and the vital connection between clubs, fans, and local communities.”

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin echoed these sentiments, cautioning that taking league matches away from their home environments could alienate loyal supporters.

“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal fans and distort the spirit of competition,” Čeferin remarked. “While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and should not be viewed as a precedent.”

Čeferin reaffirmed UEFA’s stance, pledging to ensure that European football remains rooted in its traditional communities and home venues.