Serie A will make history by hosting a league match abroad after La Liga’s planned Miami fixture was scrapped amid internal opposition.
Serie A is set to make history by staging a league game overseas after La Liga’s proposed Miami fixture was cancelled last week, sparking widespread reaction across Spain.
La Liga had planned to host Villarreal against Barcelona in Florida, which would have been the first Spanish league match outside the country. However, the event was cancelled by promoters Relevent, citing “uncertainty in Spain.” The decision angered Villarreal, who felt poorly treated, while Barcelona expressed disappointment. Real Madrid and Spain’s Ministry for Sport had both raised objections, though the latter took no formal action.
In contrast, Serie A has confirmed plans to hold a match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, on January 4. Serie A General Director Luigi di Servio told Cadena SER that the project had unanimous backing.
“Both teams – Milan and Como – gave their consent, as did all 20 Serie A clubs, unlike what happened in Spain, where there was internal conflict,” he said. “The FIGC Federal Council voted, and we also obtained UEFA approval.”
Despite the setback, La Liga President Javier Tebas vowed to try again, with RFEF chief Rafael Louzan calling it “a shame” the Miami match didn’t proceed.