"Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue. 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."
"FSE will continue to stand firmly with fans in Spain and Italy in resisting these damaging proposals, it said. Together with our members in these countries, we are looking into every possible option to counter these plans. By forcing through these matches, La Liga and Serie A risk undermining their own history and long-term success while inflicting long-lasting harm to football in Euro"
UEFA reluctantly approved two domestic league matches to be played abroad: Villarreal versus Barcelona in Miami in December, and AC Milan versus Como in Perth in February. UEFA expressed clear opposition but cited a lack of legal framework to prevent the fixtures. President Aleksander Ceferin described the decision as regrettable and exceptional and emphasized that it must not become a precedent, warning that moving matches away from home soil disenfranchises loyal match-going fans and may distort competitions. Fans' group Football Supporters Europe warned of long-lasting harm and pledged to explore options to resist the plans.
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