Posted on 12th September 2025
UEFA commits to consultation on overseas games
UEFA’s executive committee met in Albania this week but postponed its decision on overseas competitive fixtures pending the outcome of consultation with all stakeholders – including fans.
The governing body’s latest statement comes as La Liga awaits confirmation that it can host December’s Villarreal vs Barcelona fixture in Miami, Florida, a move that has generated significant anger among matchgoing supporters in Spain.
Italy’s Serie A is also seeking to move a competitive fixture overseas for the first time. Earlier this summer, Italy’s football federation (FIGC) approved plans to move AC Milan’s fixture against Como to Perth in Western Australia – some 8,500 miles away.
“No decision was taken today but UEFA will undertake a round of consultation with all stakeholders in European football – including fans,” UEFA’s executive committee said.
“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.
“There are many issues to resolve and as the European governing body, UEFA has a responsibility to take all such factors into account.”
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has spoken out against competitive fixtures being played overseas, telling Politico that “European teams should play in Europe”.
“We will open this discussion also with FIFA and with all the federations, because I don’t think it’s a good thing,” Čeferin said.
“OK, if it’s an exception, fine; if there’s a reason, fine. But, in principle, European teams should play in Europe, because the fans that are supporting them live in Europe. It’s a big tradition.”
Supporters welcome consultation
Opposition to the plans for overseas games from matchgoing fans, as well as the wider political world, has been fierce with lobbying against the plans being led by Football Supporters Europe at continental level.
“We welcome UEFA’s commitment to meaningful consultation in the coming weeks with all football stakeholders, to ensure any decision is based on the best interests of the entire European football ecosystem”, FSE said. “Today’s announcement reflects their dedication to preserving the integrity of European football.
“The specific mention for fans to be involved in this engagement demonstrates that UEFA has recognised the strong opposition expressed by millions of supporters across the continent, as well as those of the many other stakeholders who have spoken out against these plans. FSE would like to thank every supporters group across Europe who co-signed our statement opposing these proposals – your voice has made a real difference.
“Our position remains unchanged: European football belongs to our stadiums, our cities, our communities – one domestic match abroad is one too many.
“FSE remains committed to constructive dialogue with UEFA, European institutions, and other stakeholders to protect and strengthen the European sport model and to ensure a robust framework is in place to resist any attempts to take domestic league games abroad.”
