FIFA
October 2025
FIFA is preparing to revise its global competition regulations to potentially ban domestic league matches staged abroad, following UEFA’s reluctant approval for Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami and AC Milan vs Como in Perth. FIFA’s legal team is now exploring whether a full prohibition is enforceable under international football law.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin emphasized the exceptional nature of the approvals, citing outdated FIFA rules from 2014 that lack clarity on such cases. FIFA aims to close loopholes by early 2026, amid concern that moving league fixtures overseas undermines home-fan access and distorts competition fairness. U.S. Soccer’s decision on hosting rights remains uncertain, with MLS reportedly opposing European league incursions.