In a groundbreaking decision, UEFA has given the green light for AC Milan to face FC Como in a Serie A match in Perth, Australia, this February. This move marks the first time a European league match will be played outside the continent, stirring a mix of excitement and controversy within the football community.
The announcement comes at a time when Italian football is grappling with significant challenges. The national team, the Azzurri, has missed the last two FIFA World Cups, and Serie A clubs are struggling financially compared to their Premier League counterparts. No Italian team has lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 15 years, and issues such as crumbling stadiums and declining broadcast revenues are exacerbating the situation.
AC Milan’s Australian Connection
For Taylor Battistella, founder of Milan Club Melbourne and president of Milan Club Australia, the upcoming match represents a rare opportunity. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Battistella, who established the Melbourne club in 2017 to connect with fellow fans. The Rossoneri’s visit will be their third trip to Australia in two years, a stark contrast to their previous 30-year absence.
UEFA’s decision, while reluctant, aligns with a broader trend of exporting European football to new markets. The governing body also approved a La Liga match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami, set for December. These matches, though not yet officially confirmed, are seen as inevitable by many in the football world.
Controversy and Opposition
The concept of playing league matches abroad is commonplace in American and Australian sports but remains contentious in European football. Many clubs, fans, and UEFA itself have expressed opposition. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin emphasized that this should not set a precedent, though the legal framework now exists for more such matches in the future.
Western Australia’s treasurer and tourism minister, Rita Saffioti, played a crucial role in bringing the match to Perth. Her lobbying efforts highlight the growing interest in hosting international sporting events to boost tourism and local economies.
Implications for Italian Football
AC Milan is framing the Perth match as a one-time event, necessitated by the unavailability of the San Siro Stadium due to the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. However, many, including Battistella, view it as a strategic move to tap into new markets amid the Premier League’s dominance.
“My view of that is that there already is a Super League, and it’s the English Premier League,” Battistella remarked, highlighting the financial disparity between leagues.
For Italian clubs to remain competitive, exploring new revenue streams and audiences is essential. This includes exporting matches, despite the potential risks to traditional club values and fan sentiments.
Future Prospects and Local Concerns
Within the Australian fanbase, opinions are divided. Italian-Australians often view the venture as morally questionable, while Australian-Italians see it as a chance to witness top-tier football. Battistella expressed hope that Australia could become a second home for AC Milan, albeit acknowledging the necessity of such moves for financial sustainability.
However, not everyone is on board. Patrick Clancy, chair of the Football Supporters Association Australia, voiced strong opposition to hosting foreign domestic fixtures, warning of potential negative impacts on the local A-Leagues.
“We know it’s necessary. We know that these Italian clubs need to plug the revenue gap,” Battistella conceded, referencing similar ventures like the Italian Super Cup being played in Saudi Arabia.
As the football world watches these developments, the implications for the sport’s global landscape remain uncertain. While UEFA insists on the exceptional nature of these matches, the door is now open for more international fixtures, potentially reshaping the future of European football.
