La Liga, Serie A to Stage International Matches After UEFA Approval
UEFA has approved requests from La Liga and Serie A to stage two international matches overseas, despite expressing reluctance.
In a statement released on Monday, 6 October, the European football governing body confirmed that it will honour the requests of the Spanish and Italian leagues to stage their respective matches outside their home countries.
“Given that the relevant FIFA regulatory framework – currently under review – is not clear and detailed enough, the UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it,” the statement reads.
This means that La Liga outfits, Villarreal and Barcelona, will clash in Miami, Florida in December this year.
As for Serie A, Como will take on AC Milan in Perth, Australia in February next year.
UEFA’s decision comes following pressure from these leagues, who sought to host their fixtures on international shores rather than on domestic soil.
“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent,” UEFA said. “Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”
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