In recent months, there has been more and more said the chances of AC Milan playing Como in Australia, due to the San Siro usage.
Talk of the possibility of a game in Australia has only grown in months gone, and it seems like things are already being hoped for. In fact, the decision has already received the green light from several higher-ups in Italy.
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However, it may not actually be allowed to happen, with FIFA and UEFA still required to give a response to the clubs about the situation. For now, though, it remains a possibility, a daunting one, but a possibility nonetheless.
Damning words
There is a lot of opposition to the idea from several avenues, from Milan fans to neutrals. Today, another opposition has spoken out, this time Glenn Micallef, the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Equity, Youth, Culture and Sport, and MilanNews have relayed his words about the situation today.
“European football belongs to Europe. In recent weeks, what should be a given has been called into question by the decision of La Liga and Serie A to play league matches outside Europe, in the United States and Australia.
“When I heard the argument that playing just one league match outside Europe out of 380 matches in total would be harmless, I couldn’t disagree more. Just one league match outside Europe is already one match too many. This isn’t simply a scheduling issue. It’s a question of principle, not numbers.
“Clubs rely on the loyalty and commitment of their fans and communities, many of whom make great personal sacrifices to support them in every circumstance. Depriving them of matches is not innovation but a betrayal of trust. And this is literally a case of “deprivation.”
“There isn’t a single group of fans who would choose to see their team play fewer home games. A recent survey found that over 80% of fans oppose seeing La Liga games played in the United States, with many citing “a disconnect from community and tradition” as the reason.
“What’s at stake here is the very integrity of the European sporting model, which is founded on strong, community-based clubs. Without community, the model collapses. Taking national league matches outside of Europe undermines the very heart of European football.
“The territorial aspect of competitions is a core principle. This is the first major test of sporting governance after the failed attempts by some of Europe’s leading clubs to establish a Super League. The fans were right then, and they are right now: football belongs to them. If it were my local club, I would be among the first to protest to ensure the message is clear: this must not happen. Because, ultimately, it’s simple: European competitions must be played in Europe.
“There is no objection to other competitions being played outside of Europe, but domestic league matches are a different matter. This case demonstrates the need for a more robust framework to limit commercially driven relocations of national competitions.
“There should be greater legal certainty to protect the integrity and competitive balance of competitions, while preserving the cultural and social foundations on which sport is built. In preparation for the European Commission’s communication entitled “A strategic vision for sport in Europe: strengthening the European model of sport,” a public consultation will be launched in September.
“I hope that true football fans in Europe will make their voices heard. European football belongs to Europe.”
Common sense prevails👌
No need to open another Pandora box.
Common L for Gerry and his ambitions.
Focus your efforts on the Stadium issue, not this farce about taking European football out of Europe.
Milan need more revenues to compete with top teams, and you and your management team are not delivering.
Ryan you stupid, Didn’t you read that it was the FIGC that had the idea to move this match? It was also the FIGC that openly sold the Supercoppa to the Arabs. And you always blame Cardinale. You’re a piece of trash.
Who brought the proposal to the FIGC eh? Meeelan, that’s who.
You didn’t know? Yeah thought so.
Keep backing these losers you Redbird shill.
Good if they actually follow through on that as it shouldn’t be allowed. I would go as far to say that even the Super Coppa italia shouldn’t be allowed to be played anywhere but in Italy. Yes football belongs to the people not the club owners who at max is custodians for a limited duration of time. I remember in England when the team AFC Wimbledon was sold and renamed as MK Dons and moved 50-100 kilometers away from London which also caused new rulesets to be implemented to prevent such situations again. This situation might not be of same character but the sport and clubs shouldn’t slowly be outsourced or moved to new pastures regardless if it can generate more cash.
Imagine the logistical burden behind 90 minutes in Australia. Please stop this BS. Really please. F you Cardinale.
Moshi are you stupid? Didn’t you read that it was the FIGC that had the idea to move this match? It was also the FIGC that openly sold the Supercoppa to the Arabs. And you always blame Cardinale. You’re a piece of trash.
Good. It was a terrible idea in the first place.
See, I understand that majority of fans are in Italy but such clubs have fans worldwide isn’t it? So don’t you guys want us also to cheer for our team face to face. I am from India and honestly I can’t afford to visit Italy for a match or even on tourism as European Countries are very costly and maybe Milan would never come to India to play a match but if it’s Australia today, Japan tomorrow then fans in those countries can also get a chance to cheer for their team once in their lifes. So if a couple of matches are played outside then overseas fans can also enjoy. It’s like sharing what you all experience with others from far away also.
I am telling all this from a inclusivity viewpoint, a brotherly viewpoint, a convincing viewpoint, a considering viewpoint, a point of trying to make you all understand and not at all impose or order or entitlement so please don’t judge my tone as if I am asking this as a matter of right. Actually in written messages, the tone is difficult to convey.
And yes people have paid for season tickets so if the clubs go ahead with this then should refund one match ticket cost to season ticket holders.
Traveling into differente time zone takes its toll, can cause fatigue and even lead to injuries. Besides, you have preseason games worldwide and that’s about enough. It’s an Italian league match and as such should be played in Italy.
I can understand your viewpoints and financial predicament and you expressed yourself very eloquently but I do not agree and I’m not from Italy either as I’m from Denmark in Northern Europe. European football is played in their respective European countries as it should be. Not on the other side of the globe for marketing purposes or for inclusivity for that matter. It also has potential to do harm for championships due to heavy traveling so I will oppose the idea any day.
There is always training matches though both in USA or Asia.
100% agree with LoveMilan
So you’re telling us that you approve that SEASON TICKET HOLDERS, who expect to watch 19 home matches, are now going to watch just 18 at the San Siro, because the club want to take one of those matches and play it halfway across the globe?
How is that fair? Who is going to refund SEASON TICKET HOLDERS for that game that they are missing? Or is Milan going to fly those SEASON TICKET HOLDERS out to Australia to watch the match on Company dime?
American sports leagues play games in different countries every year. I’m pretty sure the NFL even played in England and/Germany the past couple seasons. European football is too good though to return the favor to another country?
You think people asked for the NFL in Europe? Or is it some genius idea from greedy people in charge of the League to expand the market and make more money, defying common sense, players’ health and climate change concerns? I’ve been twice in London for NFL games and most attendants were American fans.
What a load of sanctimonious crap. ‘European sport is only for Europe’.
If that is the case then stop hogging all the resources and attention from around the world.
Stop taking all the best players from the Sth America, Africa, Nth America and Asia.
Stop promoting your leagues in all these markets.
Europe dominates football. Takes all the best players. Prevents other leagues from being what they could be.
You’re asked to hand back one real fixture that is not just rubbish summer friendly and No.
That would be an outrageous corruption of the game!
While I don’t like the idea of this match in Australia strictly for the amount of travel time it takes and because one of the teams is going to lose a home match which is not exactly fair, I do like the point you are making to all of the arrogant “it’s a European sport, or Italian League only for Italy” folks on here.
If that’s how you feel than Italian league teams should only be able to have Italian players. See where that gets you. It wouldn’t be pretty.
Tell European clubs no more players from Africa or South America .
Excellent point.
I read all the comments. Please show who was “arrogant” and said “it’s a European sport” please as I missed it.
Direct quote given in the article.
“European football belongs to Europe.”
So in the article, not “folks on here”.
It is in the article.
Second paragraph after the heading:
Damning words
…..
“European football belongs to Europe. In recent weeks, what should be a given has been called into question by the decision of La Liga and Serie A to play league matches outside Europe, in the United States and Australia.
Lol that dude makes a bunch of sweeping generalizations
You are never going to put the genie back the bottle now. But pundits should acknowledge that by Europe-based leagues and clubs take all the best resources and interest in the sport.
You might need to give something back and play some limited genuine fixtures outside of Europe each year.
Serie A, La Liga are looking at this as a way to bridge the gap with EPL. The TV rights globally are worth so much more for EPL. I can see why other big leagues would use this as a bargaining chip to grow audience and revenue further afield to keep up.
EPL has no need to take a step like this.
Since 16-17 I wished to get married to a good girl, have a son whom I would introduce to football at a young age and then enrol in AC Milan academy in India….Teach him that if you play football professionally, it would be for AC Milan and no club else. Like Kaka, when you score you will show your inner t-shirt that says Maldini, Baresi and Rivera are my Gods.
Now I am 36. Life has taken turns such that I am looking at a lonely life without any wife or son. The one I thought would fulfill my dreams refused to share my dream.
No son then, thought I would name him Maldini…and my last name Mustafi (not related to Skhodran Mustafi) No Maldini Mustafi then…..I am working hard. Want to visit to Italy some day, watch my team play in San Siro at least once. Cry for my shattered dream. Imagine my kid running around on the sacred grass that seen so many great Rossoneros. Then rub some paper on the team bus, put that paper in a locket and wear my dead passion it to my end.
Love Associazione Calcio Milan Always. So sad, I don’t have anyone to pass on this love of mine to. Too much sin in past life.
There’s middle ground and you have a point but you’re conflating your anger. The fans, and specifically the ones who “keep European football European” didn’t sign anyone and didn’t market their club abroad.
I’m an idealist, I would like football to be cheaper and clubs all over Europe and the rest of the world to be full of homegrown talent. I would go as far as to bring back a foreigner limitation rule – probably 3.
The argument in favour of European games outside Europe IS a sound one, given that Aussies/Americans/Indians etc, have bought into the UEFA marketing machine and deserve an end product, but that doesn’t make it right on a ground level and it doesn’t make the fans who think its wrong sanctimonious.
I live in Sydney and have already paid for my airfare to Perth for the suggested dates. If the game does not go ahead it won’t affect me, as my daughter lives in Perth, so I’ll spend a week with her anyway. I’ve seen Milan play in San Siro and I’ve been to Milanello twice. There is a lot of support for Milan in Australia and I know a lot of fans that were hoping to see a real AC Milan game in Australia, not just a friendly. I understand the frustration of the fans in Milan but this could be the only opportunity for us to see a Serie A game of our favorite team. It’s a 5 hour flight from Sydney and I have no doubt there would over 50,000 spectators at the game and many many thousands from Sydney. Forza Milan we will cheer for you wherever you play.
It’s usually a good idea to play games outside of Europe for marketing purposes but at the same time the toll it’ll take on these players is also something not to be trifled with.
A good solution is the pre-season games, which European clubs have been doing from time immemorial and I believe it’s the solution already. Clubs take time out before the new season gets underway and go to these countries outside Europe to do preseason is already the solution no need tasking them to pay competitive fixtures there anymore.
My own 2cents
Those fixtures are generally rubbish though.
Have no meaning and are stuffed with youth team players you are not likely to see much again. Most come home from the tour and are sold/loaned.
I can see why the prospect of playing a real fixture overseas has so much more value for the league.
Between domestic league games, European cups, domestic cups, national team matches like league of nation cup and qualifications for either European or World cup, the last thing these players need are middle of the season overseas matches for marketing purposes. Cannot get more Murican than this.