Regulations will allow each league to play one match abroad if certain conditions are met, with Fifa exercising a veto
Fifa is preparing to introduce new rules that would allow domestic leagues to stage one competitive match each season in a foreign country.
The proposals, developed by a Fifa working group over the past two years, would also cap the number of foreign league matches hosted by any one country at five per season, according to the Guardian.
The aim is to bring some structure to what became a highly contentious issue this season and led to disputes between football governing bodies, the leagues themselves and supporters.
Both La Liga and Serie A tried to stage games abroad this term. Villarreal and Barcelona were scheduled to play in Miami while Milan and Como were to play in Perth. But both games were ultimately scrapped after serious pushback from local authorities, fans and other footballing stakeholders.
Under Fifa’s proposed framework, any request to move a domestic league match overseas would require approval from multiple parties, including the national associations of the clubs involved, their respective confederations, and the host nation’s football association and confederation. Fifa would retain the final say and could veto requests.
The world football governing body is also expected to consider player welfare when assessing applications, particularly concerns around travel demands and fixture congestion, which have been stressed by organisations like Fifpro.
Other conditions include that leagues need to demonstrate that revenue from overseas matches would be redistributed within the game, and that hosting such fixtures would not harm domestic competitions in the host country.
Clubs would also need to show that arrangements are in place for supporters to attend, including compensation where necessary.
The current regulations, introduced in 2014, only allow Fifa to block international league matches if procedural rules are not followed. The new protocol would significantly expand its oversight.
There is no confirmed date for the next working group meeting, but Fifa is aiming to implement the updated rules in time for next season.
Despite their failure this term, La Liga and Serie A remain keen to revisit plans to play abroad, even if many clubs within those leagues are currently opposed to the idea. However, the Premier League has made it clear it has no intention of doing so.
