UEFA clears La Liga, Serie A matches to be played outside Europe

Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, has given approval for a Spanish La Liga and an Italian Serie A match to be staged outside Europe, despite heavy criticism from fans.

Under the new arrangement, Barcelona will face Villarreal in Miami, United States, this December, while AC Milan will play Como in Perth, Australia, in February next year.

The decision has triggered outrage among supporters’ groups and fan associations, who argue that taking domestic league matches overseas disregards local fans and undermines the integrity of national competitions.

In a statement released on Monday, UEFA admitted awareness of the backlash but described the move as an exceptional measure, clarifying that it should not be considered a precedent for future fixtures.