UEFA have finally granted permission for AC Milan and Como to play a Serie A game in the U.S. However, UEFA warns that this doesn’t set a precedent for other teams.
AC Milan and Como are set to make history with their Serie A match in Perth, Australia, after UEFA gave the green light for the game to proceed.
The match, scheduled for February 7 or 8, will be held at the Optus Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 61,266. This decision comes as San Siro, the home stadium of AC Milan, will be occupied by the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
The decision to play the match in Australia is not just a logistical solution but also a marketing move to boost the sport’s profile in the region.
The Italian Football Federation and AC Milan are looking to strengthen their bond with local authorities and fans in Australia, particularly with the Milan Club Perth. This event is expected to draw in fans from across the globe, although the long-distance travel might be a challenge for some.
Considering the long-distance travel required to attend the match, AC Milan is likely to offer reimbursements to season ticket holders.
The decision to allow the match to be played in Australia has not been without controversy. UEFA emphasized that this decision is exceptional and does not set a precedent for future matches.
The organization has expressed concerns about domestic league matches being played outside their home country, citing potential risks to the integrity of the competitions.
Despite these concerns, the match is expected to be a significant event for Australian football fans and a great opportunity for AC Milan and Serie A to expand their global reach.