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UEFA Gives One-Off Approval For Milan–Como In Australia And VillarrealBarcelona In Miami

UEFA frames the move as an exception driven by unclear FIFA rules.

Overview

  • The executive authorized Milan–Como for the weekend of February 7–8, 2026 at Perth’s Optus Stadium and cleared VillarrealBarcelona to be played in Miami in December, with final FIFA authorization still pending.
  • Milan’s home date is being moved because San Siro will be unavailable for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
  • UEFA reiterated its opposition to exporting league matches and stressed the approvals are not a precedent, as fan concerns and player criticism continue.
  • FIFA is expected to convene a working group to tighten global rules on staging domestic league fixtures in third countries.
  • Operational planning includes refunds for San Siro season-ticket holders, long-haul travel and stadium technology setup for VAR, SAOT and goal-line systems, with media estimating roughly €12 million in gross revenue for the Perth operation.