European football’s governing body says it will seek input from stakeholders before making a final decision
Uefa has postponed a ruling on proposals from Spain and Italy to stage domestic league matches outside Europe.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) requested approval for Barcelona’s league fixture against Villarreal to be played in Miami in December. Italy’s football authorities also put forward a plan to take Inter Milan’s February meeting with Como to Perth, Australia.
Both proposals were discussed at Thursday’s Uefa Executive Committee meeting in Tirana, Albania but no verdict was reached. Instead, European football’s governing body confirmed it would seek input from clubs, leagues, players and fans before making a final decision.
“The committee acknowledged it as an important and growing issue but expressed the desire to ensure that it has the views of all stakeholders before coming to a final decision,” Uefa said in a statement.
“There are many issues to resolve and as the European governing body, Uefa has a responsibility to take all such factors into account.”
The plans have already drawn strong opposition from supporter groups. Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which represents fan organisations across the continent, has urged Uefa and Fifa to reject the proposals, warning that moving matches abroad undermines the integrity of domestic competitions.
There are also several clubs against it, most notably Real Madrid, who have also expressed concerns about the balance and integrity of the league.
