US EditionPandora’s Box Opens: Why Milan’s Trip to Perth Could Reshape Club Football
UEFA approved the Serie A match in Perth on an exceptional basis due to San Siro's unavailability, with FIFA consent still pending for the historic game outside Europe.
- Next year, AC Milan will play Como at Optus Stadium in Perth, marking the first major European league match staged outside Europe.
- San Siro's unavailability due to the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on February 6 led Milan to select Perth, influenced by their strong ties and Italian diaspora support.
- Despite calling it regrettable, UEFA approved Milan's request on an exceptional basis, citing FIFA's unclear rules, while FIFA softened its stance last year by forming a working group on out-of-territory matches.
- Sports Minister Rita Saffioti and Tourism Minister Reece Whitby welcomed coach Massimiliano Allegri and captain Mike Maignan to Perth this Thursday, and AC Milan will reimburse season-ticket holders facing travel hurdles.
- Observers say clubs seek new revenue and audiences to compete with Premier League dominance, risking future overseas fixtures, while Football Supporters Association Australia chair Patrick Clancy and supporters groups strongly oppose exporting domestic matches.
15 Articles
15 Articles
UEFA approves Milan-Como being played in Australia
UEFA has said it has approved Serie A's request to have February's Italian top-flight clash between AC Milan and Como played in Perth, Australia, so that it does not clash with the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at San Siro. (ANSA)
UEFA approves AC Milan’s historic Perth Serie A match; FIFA approval pending
UEFA ‘reluctantly’ clears historic Perth clash as AC Milan set to host Como in world-first Serie A match, with FIFA expected to grant final approval for Italy's top flight debut on Australian soil.
Sydney Morning Herald
Pandora’s box opens: Why Milan’s trip to Perth could reshape club football
For AC Milan fans in Australia, the prospect of seeing a Serie A game played here in February is a bit of a guilty pleasure, given the strong global opposition.
Uefa authorizes the championship match abroad: "But that's an exception." Satisfied League and clubs, but the climate will be an unknown
Uefa has decided to approve "exceptionally" the dispute of the Milan-Como match at the Optus Stadium in Perth in Australia in February 2026
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