""Football is not just about balance sheets. It's not just entertainment. It's life in our communities, the streets, the clubs and the fans which shape it. If we pull it too far away from those roots we risk breaking it,""
""In uncertain times football is our anchor and gives us a common ground, a joy we can share. In good times and in bad, football is always there, reliable lasting - always there.""
""completely crazy" and "really absurd""
"Uefa says it consulted stakeholders and found "widespread lack of support" for league matches to be played abroad, echoing concerns raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions. But it said world governing body Fifa's regulatory framework is "not clear and detailed enough" for it to block the plans."
Two European domestic league fixtures have been planned outside their home countries: Villarreal versus Barcelona in Miami in December and AC Milan versus Como in Perth in February. Uefa reluctantly approved the moves but expressed deep concern that taking matches abroad could pull football away from its community roots and risk 'breaking' the sport. Uefa reported broad stakeholder opposition and said Fifa's regulatory framework lacks the clarity needed to block such plans, prompting a Fifa working group. Players and fans voiced opposition, calling the proposals 'completely crazy' and 'really absurd'. The social and communal role of football was emphasized as worth preserving.
Read at www.bbc.com
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