FIFA is moving towards implementing a ban on domestic league matches played outside a club’s home country, following the increasing trend of European clubs staging league fixtures abroad. The move comes after recent high-profile agreements by Barcelona and AC Milan to play fixtures in Miami and Perth respectively, sparking widespread controversy and concern over the integrity of domestic competitions.
FIFA is reportedly revising its regulations to prohibit such overseas matches, emphasizing that league games should be conducted within the local environment to protect fans' engagement and preserve the competitive integrity of national leagues. The decision follows the approval of UEFA, which reluctantly sanctioned two such matches Barcelona versus Villarreal in Miami and AC Milan versus Como in Perth though UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin maintained that these approvals are exceptional and should not set a precedent.
UEFA and various football supporters' groups have expressed strong opposition to the idea of international league matches, citing risks of alienating loyal fans and disrupting the traditional football calendar. Critics argue that staging league games abroad could damage the long-term viability of domestic competitions and undermine the close relationship between clubs and supporters.
FIFA’s move to regulate overseas matches aims to establish clear rules and prevent abuse of these new opportunities, which some clubs see as a lucrative way to expand their global reach. However, the organization faces pressure from leagues and clubs eager to tap into new markets, particularly in the United States and Asia, where such fixtures are seen as a way to boost revenues and global visibility.
The final decision on banning overseas league matches is expected soon, with FIFA’s regulations still being finalized amidst widespread debate and legal considerations. This development signals a significant shift in how international football authorities view the overseas staging of domestic league games, balancing commercial interests against the need to uphold football’s core values and fan loyalty.