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European football's governing body has given grudging approval for two domestic league matches to be played outside their home countries, marking a controversial precedent despite widespread fan protests.
UEFA announced Monday that it had "reluctantly" sanctioned La Liga's decision to move a Barcelona-Villarreal match to Miami and Serie A's plan to stage AC Milan versus Como in Perth, Australia.
The December fixture between Spanish champions Barcelona and Villarreal will be played in Florida, while the Milan-Como encounter has been relocated to Australia for February 8 to avoid scheduling conflicts with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at Milan's San Siro stadium.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized the exceptional nature of the decision in a statement Monday.
"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," Ceferin said.
The moves have drawn sharp criticism from European supporters groups, who have characterized the overseas matches as "absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible." The protests reflect broader concerns about football's increasing commercialization and the burden placed on traveling fans.
UEFA acknowledged the widespread opposition in its statement, citing "the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions." The organization reiterated "its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country."
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However, UEFA said its hands were tied by existing regulations. The governing body determined that FIFA's statutes contain no clear framework that would allow it to block such moves, forcing the reluctant approval.
The decision represents a significant moment for European football, as leagues increasingly look to global markets for revenue growth. Both La Liga and Serie A have been exploring international expansion opportunities, viewing overseas matches as a way to build their brands in key markets like the United States and Asia-Pacific region.
The February match in Perth would mark the first time a Serie A regular season fixture has been played outside Italy, while La Liga has previously explored similar international staging opportunities.
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