This afternoon, UEFA have made a monumental decision to allow AC Milan to face Como in Australia, during the Serie A season.
There have been suggestions that Milan could face Como abroad for some time, largely due to San Siro not being usable during the time of the fixture. However, there were several decisions that needed to be made.
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One option that had to be considered was staging the game elsewhere in Italy. However, this was not seen as possible. So, the FIGC agreed for the game to be played abroad. Though a decision from UEFA was also required.
Milan vs. Como in Australia
Now, it has arrived, with the UEFA President speaking about the decision this afternoon, as Football Italia relays.
“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue.
“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games [including Milan vs. Como] go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment”.
So, after the decision was initially postponed, UEFA have now allowed for the game to go ahead abroad. Whilst it is stated that this will not set a precedent, it would be understandable if there was worry about the situation.
this is so stupid
If somewhere in EU I understand or even in Qatar or SA ..sure but going all the way to different time zone is strange and exhausting..
I presume they would have done this on east coast US if there wasn’t saturation of football going on in that market between the recent Copa America in 2024, CWC in 2025 and pending World Cup in 2026.
The club appears to have created a lucrative relationship with the local state government in Western Australia.
Whilst it is a long way. It is at least a direct flight to Perth whereas anywhere else in Australia requires two filghts from Europe. Usually via south east Asia (e.g Singapore).
Absolute dross. Bari’s stadium is available that weekend (Bari is away). And as others have pointed out: couldn’t even find another stadium on the same continent?
Absolute dross. Bari’s stadium is available that weekend (Bari is away). And as others have pointed out: couldn’t even find another stadium on the same continent?
Sickest and saddest decision ever made
So do we have to pull an all-nighter (us who live in Europe) to catch this game or have to wake up very early in the morning ?
Lots of Milan fans the world over sometimes get up at ungodly hours. Count your blessings the team is worth getting up gor. I once had to get up at 6am to watch mesbah at left back. That nightmare is seared into memory 😩
I live in Australia and I think it’s a stupid idea!
I won’t go into how it’s another nail in the coffin of football.
Milan is one of the only connections I have any more to Italy.
As an Indonesian, I have to wake up at 1.45 or 2.45 just to watch Milan match.
Serie A is a corrupt joke…
This is beyond ridiculous!
As if there’s no stadium in italy or even europe available on that date!!!
Corrupted league!
So how are they going to compensate the season ticket holders? That is a home game that they already bought and paid for. Are Milan going to fly those 30K fans out to Australia to enjoy the “home” match?
Or is that money that they are receiving going into paying back a portion of that Season ticket?
Absolutely ridiculous decision. More travel and more fatigue for the players too, not to mention the jetlag.