"Fifa has been urged by leading supporters' groups to block domestic league matches from being played abroad and avoid a Pandora's box of disarray for football, as the prospect of major European fixtures taking place on different continents looms large. World football's governing body is likely to be tasked with deciding whether Villarreal face Barcelona in Miami in December after La Liga's request to make the switch was approved and submitted by the Spanish football federation."
"They explained moving games abroad would undermine sporting integrity, unbalancing the regular home-and-away rhythm, while reducing clubs to entertainment products detached from their tradition and communities. The letter pointed out that local supporters would be alienated and the clubs' cultural identities would be reduced; it also stressed the environmental cost and logistical burden of the associated long-haul travel."
Leading supporters' groups have urged FIFA to block proposals to relocate domestic league fixtures to other continents. Specific proposals include Villarreal v Barcelona in Miami and Milan v Como in Perth. Fan organisations warn such relocations would unbalance the regular home-and-away rhythm, reduce clubs to detached entertainment products, alienate local supporters and erode cultural identities. The groups also highlight the environmental impact and logistical burdens of long-haul travel. The letter was sent to FIFA's secretary general by Football Supporters Europe, the Independent Supporters Council, Football Supporters Association Australia and Accionistas y Socios del Futbol Espanol, which reject claims these would be one-off events.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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