Overview
- AFC and Football Australia set conditions that the game not be marketed as a Serie A fixture and that AFC referees be used, which clubs viewed as unacceptable.
- FIFA has not granted final approval despite earlier reluctant clearance from UEFA, leaving the proposed Optus Stadium match effectively off.
- AC Milan sought the overseas venue because San Siro will be unavailable in February 2026 due to preparations for the Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics.
- Milan and Como are now weighing domestic options such as relocating the fixture within Italy or postponing until San Siro reopens.
- The setback echoes La Liga’s abandoned attempt to stage Barcelona vs Villarreal in Miami, underscoring recurring governance and logistical barriers to exporting league matches.