""We call on UEFA, FIFA, and all national associations to stand firm, play their role as regulators of the game and ensure that football remains rooted in our communities, where it belongs," the FSE group said Wednesday, with support from fan groups in 25 countries, "Clubs are neither entertainment companies nor traveling circuses. They exist for the benefit of their communities and provide a sense of belonging, where fans have been attending home games for generations," FSE said."
"Allowing the Barcelona or AC Milan games to move would "instantly open a Pandora's box with unpredictable and irreversible consequences," the fan groups warned. Fresh proposals to move domestic leagues abroad were inevitable once FIFA withdrew from a court case last year in New York brought by promotions agency Relevent. Relevent was co-founded by Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins, whose Hard Rock Stadium is set to stage the Villarreal-Barcelona game which the clubs hope will help build their fan bases and brands globally."
More than 400 European club supporter groups urged FIFA and UEFA to block plans by Spain's federation and Italy's Serie A to play domestic matches abroad, citing threats to local communities and sporting integrity. The plans include Barcelona vs Villarreal in Miami and AC Milan vs Como in Perth. Fan groups warned moving fixtures would open a "Pandora's box" with unpredictable consequences. Critics and EU sports officials say games abroad would unbalance competitions. Proposals gained traction after FIFA withdrew from a court case brought by promotions agency Relevent, co-founded by Stephen Ross, linked to Hard Rock Stadium.
Read at ESPN.com
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