A proposal by Italy’s Serie A to play a regular season match between Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, is meeting with strong criticism from fan groups. This comes shortly after Spain’s La Liga cancelled a similar plan to host a match in the United States due to an outcry from fans and players.
The main issue is whether domestic league games should be played abroad. Supporters argue these matches belong in their home communities, for the local fans who follow their teams all season. On the other hand, league officials see it as an opportunity to grow the sport’s global audience and business, similar to how American sports leagues operate.
📣 Fans and Players Voice Concerns
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), an influential fan organization, has publicly called for Serie A to drop the idea. They described La Liga’s cancellation of its US match as a “seismic victory” for those who believe football should remain local. The FSE warned that moving a match 15,000 kilometres away would damage the league’s reputation. This sentiment is shared by some players, including Milan’s midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who called the move “crazy” and “absurd.”
🌏 A Push for Global Expansion
Despite the backlash, Serie A’s leadership is defending the plan. League CEO Luigi De Siervo pointed out that other major sports like the NFL (American football) and the NBA (basketball) have successfully held regular season games outside the US for years. He argued that football must follow this global model to stay competitive with other sports. De Siervo also suggested that players should respect the commercial decisions of their employers, considering the high salaries they earn.
🤔 What’s Next for the Perth Match?
The match is not yet confirmed. Although UEFA, European football’s governing body, has given its “reluctant” permission, the final decision requires approval from Football Australia, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the world governing body, FIFA. Meanwhile, government officials in Western Australia remain optimistic. Sports Minister Rita Saffioti stated that they have received supportive comments from the Italian league and are confidently awaiting the final go-ahead, which they expect to receive very soon.
