Exception because of the loophole
© Imago
FC Barcelona and AC Milan are allowed to play league games abroad. The European Football Union agreed to corresponding applications by the Italian and Spanish association-albeit “reluctant”, as it was said in a UEFA announcement. The Laliga game between FC Villarreal and Barça can take place in Miami (USA) in December. The venue of the Serie-A game Milans against Como 1907 in February is Perth (Australia).
The UEFA approved the applications “exceptionally” because there are gaps in the regulations at FIFA level. The FIFA regulations would be revised. “It is regrettable that these two games have to take place, but this decision is an exception and must not be seen as a precedent,” explained Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin. Talks have shown that the relocation of league games abroad with fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions has no support.
“Championship games should be played on home,” said Ceferin. “Everything else would be loyal fans who regularly go to the stadium, disadvantage and potentially lead to distortions of competition.” The attitude of the UEFA is clear: “We want to protect the integrity of the national leagues and make sure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”