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FIFA plans to rewrite its rules to ban domestic league matches played overseas, following Barcelona and AC Milan agreeing to fixtures in Miami and Perth.
FIFA is set to tighten its regulations after UEFA reluctantly approved two high-profile domestic league matches to be played abroad — Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami and AC Milan vs Como in Perth. The governing body is reportedly seeking legal advice on introducing an outright ban on overseas domestic fixtures amid growing controversy.
The move marks FIFA’s response to what it sees as a dangerous precedent for the global game. Under current 2014 regulations, FIFA lacks the authority to block matches staged abroad if all relevant federations approve. That loophole allowed UEFA to greenlight the two games, though it made clear the decision was made with “reluctance.”
UEFA explained in a statement: “Given that the relevant FIFA regulatory framework – currently under review – is not clear and detailed enough, the UEFA executive committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it.”
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin strongly opposed the idea of turning such exceptions into a trend: “League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and distort competition. This decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent.”
The final approval now lies with the US Soccer Federation and Football Australia, along with their regional confederations, Concacaf and the AFC. The Miami fixture’s approval is uncertain, as US Soccer has previously resisted hosting European league matches, fearing commercial harm to Major League Soccer. A 2023 lawsuit filed by Relevent Sports against FIFA and US Soccer for blocking a similar Barcelona–Girona match in Miami further complicates the situation.
For major European clubs, the motivation is clear: commercial reach and revenue. Overseas matches bring access to new audiences and lucrative markets. The Premier League already generates more international broadcasting revenue (£5.3 billion for 2022–2025) than domestic income, making the foreign fanbase increasingly valuable.
However, critics argue that moving league fixtures abroad risks alienating home supporters and undermining football’s local identity. FIFA’s upcoming rule changes, expected early next year, aim to protect the integrity of national competitions and ensure that league football remains “anchored in its home environment.”