"League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment."
"According to Goal, FIFA is 'redrafting its regulations concerning domestic league games played in foreign countries' and 'seeking legal advice on potentially banning them outright' in response to UEFA approving the plans. In addition to Milan-Como, they green-lit Barcelona playing Villarreal in Miami. FIFA were 'frustrated' as the 2014 rules do not grant it the power to stop such games, provided all necessary parties approve, and a loophole in the existing regulations has therefore been exploited."
UEFA approved two exceptional requests allowing AC Milan and Barcelona to play scheduled domestic 'home' games abroad, with Milan proposing a Como fixture in Perth and Barcelona set to face Villarreal in Miami. San Siro's unavailability during February due to the Winter Olympics motivated Milan's request. FIFA is redrafting regulations on domestic league games played in foreign countries and is seeking legal advice on potentially banning such fixtures outright. FIFA says the 2014 rules lack authority to stop such matches when all parties approve and that a loophole has been exploited. UEFA described its approvals as reluctant and exceptional and insisted they should not set a precedent.
Read at SempreMilan
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