In a groundbreaking move for international football, LaLiga’s match between Villarreal and Barcelona will take place in Miami on December 20, 2024. Similarly, AC Milan will face Como in Perth, Australia, in February 2025. These matches mark the first regular season games played outside their home countries, culminating a lengthy political and legal battle within the sport.
This shift reflects a trend seen in major U.S. sports leagues, such as the NFL and NBA, which have successfully staged regular season games overseas for years. The hope among some stakeholders is that playing matches abroad will further globalize their leagues and enhance international marketing efforts. However, the decision has been met with considerable resistance from various governing bodies, including FIFA and UEFA.
Legal Battles and Changing Perspectives
The landscape began to shift following the resolution of a long-standing anti-trust lawsuit filed by Relevent Sports, a marketing and event promotion company led by Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins. In settlements reached with FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) in 2024 and 2025, the door opened for leagues to explore overseas venues for regular season matches.
While FIFA and the USSF had previously opposed any league matches outside their home territories, the easing of restrictions led to a surprising approval from UEFA, which historically has been one of the most vocal opponents of such arrangements. UEFA’s approval, however, came with clear caveats: it was granted on an “exceptional basis” and should not set a precedent for future matches.
In a press release, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized that “league matches should be played on home soil,” citing concerns over fan disenfranchisement and competitive integrity. He stated that the current “regulatory framework” established by FIFA lacked clarity, leaving UEFA with no choice but to allow the matches.
Competitive Concerns and Fan Reactions
These developments have not been without controversy. For clubs like Villarreal, facing Barcelona in Miami transforms a challenging away match into what many perceive as a neutral-ground advantage for Barcelona, who have a substantial fan base in the United States. Critics suggest this undermines the competitive balance within LaLiga.
In contrast, the match between AC Milan and Como in Australia is less contentious. Milan’s home venue, San Siro, is unavailable due to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, leaving the club with limited options. This situation has prompted many to question the implications of playing abroad, particularly for fans and players who feel sidelined by decisions made without their input.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong acknowledged the discontent, stating he “totally” understood why other clubs were unhappy with matches being played in neutral settings. Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan voiced stronger criticism, labeling the decision “absurd” and highlighting the lack of consultation with players.
Political figures have also expressed their dissatisfaction. Glenn Micallef, the European Commissioner responsible for sports and culture, condemned the decision as a “betrayal” of local communities and fans, emphasizing that sporting events should be rooted in their local contexts.
While the financial benefits for both Barcelona and Villarreal are notable, with both clubs reportedly set to share about $12 million from the Miami game and Milan and Como expected to earn around $10 million, the broader implications for fan engagement and competitive integrity remain uncertain. Barcelona estimates that their revenue will exceed the billion-dollar mark this season, raising questions about whether the financial gains from these events justify the potential disruption.
The Future of Football in Global Markets
Some industry insiders remain skeptical about the impact of these overseas matches on fan engagement. Despite the global recognition of clubs like Barcelona and Milan, there are doubts regarding the ability to attract new fans in markets like Miami and Perth. Unlike the NFL, which has successfully promoted its league through extensive marketing and fan engagement initiatives, football’s approach to international games remains less defined.
As football clubs increasingly explore opportunities to expand their reach, the challenge will be to balance financial aspirations with the sport’s traditional values. The outcomes of these matches will likely shape future discussions on how football can navigate the complexities of globalization while retaining its core identity and commitment to competitive fairness.
