UEFA has delayed its decision on allowing domestic league matches to be played abroad, committing to consult with all stakeholders, particularly fans. This move impacts potential matches in the US and Australia and follows opposition from supporters’ groups concerned about sporting integrity.
UEFA has officially announced the postponement of its decision regarding the contentious proposal to allow domestic league matches to be played in foreign countries. This move comes with a firm commitment to consult with all stakeholders, placing particular emphasis on incorporating the views of fans, who have voiced significant concerns over the potential changes.
This decision introduces considerable uncertainty for clubs such as Villarreal and Barcelona from La Liga, and Milan and Como from Serie A, all of whom had been exploring the possibility of staging league games in the United States and Australia, respectively. The consultation process, anticipated to commence in the near future, offers a glimmer of hope that these matches could still proceed as planned, pending the outcomes of these discussions.
The announcement was made following a meeting of UEFA's executive committee on Thursday. It is expected to bring a sense of relief to supporters' groups across Europe, who have been remarkably united in their opposition to the concept of exporting domestic league matches. These groups have consistently argued that such moves would compromise the integrity of the sport and undermine the deep-rooted connections between clubs and their local communities.
UEFA's official statement acknowledged the increasing significance of overseas fixtures but emphasized the organization's commitment to gathering input from all relevant parties before making a final determination. The statement highlighted the complexity of the issue, noting that numerous factors need careful consideration. As the governing body for European football, UEFA recognizes its responsibility to thoroughly evaluate all potential impacts before making any decisions. Consequently, the executive committee opted to postpone the decision and instead initiate a comprehensive consultation process involving all stakeholders in European football, including the passionate and dedicated fan base.
Last month, prominent supporters' groups jointly addressed a letter to FIFA's secretary general, Mattias Grafström, expressing their profound concerns about moving domestic games abroad. They argued that such actions would not only undermine the sport's integrity but also transform clubs into mere entertainment products, severing their ties to tradition and local communities.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has warmly welcomed UEFA's decision to conduct a thorough consultation. FSE views this move as a testament to UEFA's commitment to preserving the fundamental values of European football. A spokesperson for FSE emphasized that the explicit inclusion of fans in the consultation process demonstrates UEFA's recognition of the widespread opposition voiced by millions of supporters across the continent, as well as concerns raised by numerous other stakeholders who have openly criticized the proposed plans.
The FSE spokesperson reaffirmed the organization's unwavering stance: "European football belongs to our stadiums, our cities, and our communities. Even a single domestic match played abroad is one match too many." This statement underscores the deep-seated belief that the sanctity of domestic leagues must be protected and that the interests of fans should be paramount in any decisions that affect the future of the sport.
The next meeting of UEFA's executive committee, where this issue is expected to be revisited, is scheduled to take place on December 3 in Nyon, Switzerland. The footballing world awaits the outcome of these consultations and the subsequent decision with bated breath, recognizing the potential ramifications for the future of European football.
The decision to postpone comes amid reports that Barcelona and Milan were exploring the possibility of playing matches in Miami and Perth, respectively. These proposals have drawn heavy criticism from fans, who argue that they would prioritize commercial interests over the traditions of the game. Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, has been a vocal advocate for playing matches abroad, citing the need to compete with the Premier League's global reach. However, UEFA's decision to consult with fans suggests that the organization is taking a more cautious approach.