Football matches held outside EU nations, according to the EU Commissioner, constitute a breach of loyalty towards fans.
In a significant development, the European Commissioner for Sport, Glenn Micallef, has voiced his opposition to plans to stage domestic league matches outside Europe. Micallef made these remarks at the EU Sport Forum in Krakow, reaffirming his commitment to including fans in discussions on sport and governance.
Micallef's stance against overseas matches is a response to the proposed plans by Serie A and LaLiga leagues. The Spanish La Liga plans a December 2025 match between FC Villarreal and FC Barcelona in Florida, USA, and the Italian Serie A plans a February 2026 match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia. These matches, which have sparked controversy and opposition from UEFA and fan groups, aim to increase the global reach of European football.
However, Micallef considers these proposals as a "betrayal" of fans. He believes that clubs owe their success to their loyal fans and local communities, and moving European football competitions abroad would be a betrayal of this relationship. Micallef's stance emphasizes the importance of community-based clubs in the European Sport Model.
Micallef's views seem to be shared by Richard Masters, the Premier League's chief executive. Masters recently stated that the English top flight's global appeal doesn't warrant a match overseas, despite considering staging a "39th game" abroad in the past.
This stance against overseas matches is a significant test for governance since the Super League controversy. Micallef has expressed solidarity with football fans in Spain (Barcelona and Villarreal) and Italy (AC Milan and Como), and his comments are seen as a clear statement of his commitment to maintaining the traditional values of European football.
It's worth noting that some League Cup competitions have already been played overseas, with Saudi Arabia hosting showpiece matches featuring foreign teams. However, the possible impact of these proposals on the European football landscape remains unclear.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the future of European football will be shaped by the balance between innovation and tradition, global appeal and local roots. Micallef's stance serves as a reminder that the fans and communities at the heart of the sport must not be forgotten in the pursuit of expansion.
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