UEFA approves two exceptional overseas fixtures for Barca and Milan

UEFA has approved on an exceptional basis plans for one LaLiga and one Serie A match to be played outside Europe this season, clearing the way for Barcelona to face Villarreal in Miami in late December and for AC Milan to meet Como in Perth in February 2026. The governing body said the decisions were made reluctantly after concluding that existing FIFA regulations under review did not provide a clear legal basis to refuse the requests.

UEFA said it remains firmly opposed to domestic league matches being contested outside their home countries but accepted the two applications from the Spanish and Italian football associations on an exceptional basis. The body said it delayed a ruling last month to consult supporters, clubs, leagues, players and other stakeholders, and that the consultation confirmed widespread lack of support for moving regular season matches abroad. UEFA added that its national associations had agreed to engage with it before submitting any future requests.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin reiterated the organisation's position on the link between clubs and local fans. "League matches should be played on home soil anything else would disenfranchise loyal...