UEFA Grants Exception for AC Milan and Como to Play Serie A Match in Perth, Australia: Barcelona and Villarreal Also Approved for LaLiga Match in Miami, USA
UEFA has granted permission for AC Milan and Como to play a Serie A match in Perth, Australia, despite their opposition to domestic league matches being played outside the home country. The decision was made after further consultation on the matter, which was initially put on hold at a meeting in Tirana. Barcelona and Villarreal also requested permission to play a LaLiga match in Miami, USA, and have been granted approval for the game on December 20, 2025. The matches in Australia and the USA are considered exceptions to UEFA's stance on playing league matches on home soil. The Stadio Meazza will be unavailable for the Milan vs. Como match due to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games' opening ceremony. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of national leagues and ensuring football remains rooted in its home environment. The decision to allow these matches to be played abroad is exceptional and not intended to set a precedent.