Uefa Delays Ruling on LaLiga and Serie A Overseas Game Plans
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European football’s governing body has postponed a decision on controversial proposals to host domestic league matches outside of Europe, citing the need for broader consultation.
Uefa has put the brakes on approving plans by Spain’s LaLiga and Italy’s Serie A to stage games overseas this season. The decision came following a meeting of the Uefa executive committee in Tirana on Thursday, September 11, 2025. LaLiga proposed a fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami this December, while Serie A aimed to take AC Milan’s match against Como to Perth, Australia, in February.
The proposals have ignited debate within the football world, pitting the leagues’ desire for global expansion against concerns about tradition and fan access. According to a statement released by Uefa, the executive committee “acknowledged it as an important and growing issue but expressed the desire to ensure that it has the views of all stakeholders before coming to a final decision.”
The delay is further complicated by the need for approval from Fifa, world football’s governing body. This adds another layer of scrutiny and puts LaLiga’s timeline for a Miami showcase in jeopardy. “There are many issues to resolve and as the European governing body, Uefa has a responsibility to take all such factors into account,” a senior Uefa official stated. “As a result, no decision was taken today but Uefa will undertake a round of consultation with all stakeholders in European football – including fans.”
Financial Pressures Drive Overseas Ambitions
LaLiga and Serie A are increasingly motivated to explore new revenue streams as they grapple with the financial dominance of England’s Premier League. The leagues believe exporting games to new markets will boost their global profile and attract greater investment. This push comes after an antitrust lawsuit brought by US promoter Relevent, which was settled earlier this year, seemingly removing a significant legal barrier to such moves.
However, the plans have faced strong opposition from fans’ groups, who argue they were not adequately consulted and that the proposals threaten the fundamental principles of the game. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) welcomed Uefa’s decision to delay, stating it “ensures any decision is based on the best interests of the entire European football ecosystem.”
“Today’s announcement reflects their dedication to preserving the integrity of European football,” FSE added. “The specific mention for fans to be involved in this engagement demonstrates that Uefa has recognised the strong opposition expressed by millions of supporters across the continent, as well as those of the many other stakeholders who have spoken out against these plans.” FSE maintains its firm stance, asserting that “European football belongs to our stadiums, our cities, our communities – one domestic match abroad is one too many.”
A Delicate Balancing Act for Uefa and Fifa
Uefa and Fifa find themselves in a challenging position, navigating legal precedents and the desires of powerful leagues while also considering the concerns of fans and the broader football community. One analyst noted that the governing bodies likely feel they have limited legal grounds to outright block the moves following the Relevent lawsuit settlement.
The consultation process announced by Uefa will be crucial in shaping the future of this debate. It remains to be seen whether the leagues will be granted permission to proceed with their plans, or if Uefa and Fifa will ultimately prioritize the preservation of traditional football structures. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the global landscape of the sport.
