UEFA Approves Milan-Como Match to Be Played in Australia

Perth: UEFA has announced its approval for Serie A’s request to hold the Italian top-flight match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, in February. This decision was made to prevent the clash of the match with the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place at San Siro.

According to Ansa News Agency, UEFA expressed its reluctance in allowing the match to be played abroad and reiterated its opposition to domestic league matches being held outside their home countries. The organization also consented to a Spanish top-flight game between Barcelona and Villarreal to be played in Miami, USA, in December.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized the importance of conducting league matches on home soil, stating that playing them abroad could disenfranchise loyal fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. “Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue,” Ceferin said.

He further emphasized that while it is unfortunate to allow these two games to proceed abroad, this decision is an exception and should not be seen as a precedent. UEFA remains committed to protecting the integrity of national leagues and ensuring that football stays rooted in its home environment.