Overview

• Milan captain Mike Maignan publicly objected to staging the February 2026 Serie A game in Perth, saying the club loses a home date and that financial motives are taking precedence over sporting aims.
• Adrien Rabiot previously called the idea "completely crazy," citing the roughly 13,700-kilometer, about 20-hour journey and concerns over schedules and player health.
• Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo defended the decision, arguing elite players are paid to meet such commitments and noting teams routinely make long-haul trips in business class.
• Como issued a statement supporting the move as a mission to elevate Serie A globally and said it would invite 50 fans to travel if FIFA grants the go-ahead.
• The relocation is reported to be worth about €12 million, with Milan set for the largest share, and remains unconfirmed pending sign-offs from FIFA and Football Australia.