UEFA writes pleading letter to Football Associations regarding plans to play games abroad as Barcelona set for La Liga showdown in Miami while AC Milan and Como prepare for Australia clash

In a bid to globalise their competitions and expand their markets, European football associations are making plans to stage league fixtures abroad. With San Siro set to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Italian federation (FIGC) is preparing to take Milan vs Como to Australia. Meanwhile, the Spanish federation has scheduled the clash between Villarreal and Barcelona for December 20 in Miami, USA.

However, UEFA, unhappy with the situation, has stepped in by sending a letter to all 55 member associations, instructing them to obtain prior approval before scheduling matches abroad. The final decision on whether such fixtures can proceed will be taken at the UEFA Executive Committee meeting in December.

German outlet Sport Bild has reported on the contents of the letter, in which UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin addressed the federations about the wider impact of the proposal. He wrote: "This is a complex matter with far-reaching implications beyond the affected associations, and it is currently being reviewed at a global level. It has already sparked intense debate and strong reactions from stakeholders and legislators across Europe."

The letter further says: "Given the sensitivity of this matter, I ask that your association first consult with UEFA regarding any such requests before granting approval and submitting it for formal review."

The idea of staging league matches abroad has sparked widespread debate. German Football League (DFL) executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has voiced strong opposition to the proposal, making it clear that competitive fixtures should not be taken outside the country, saying: "As long as I am in charge of the league, there will be no competitive matches abroad."

Como coach Cesc Fabregas echoed Watzke as he expressed his disappointment to schedule the game abroad in an interview in July.

However, DFL supervisory board member Fernando Carro has taken a different stance, expressing openness to the idea of hosting the German Supercup abroad. He believes it would present a great opportunity to stage a match between the Bundesliga champions and the DFB-Pokal winners in a market such as the United States.

"I have a different opinion regarding the Supercup. I wouldn't be averse to developing creative scenarios that would help the league achieve the global growth it needs, for example, by going to the USA," he said.

UEFA and the respective federations will now work towards finding an amicable solution that satisfies all parties involved. With football having truly gone global, fans across the world will be eager for the chance to see their favourite superstars in action.