A feud has erupted between supporters, national federations and the European Commission over two league games set to take place overseas this season, a Spanish La Liga match in Miami and an Italian Serie A match in Perth, Australia.
EU Sport Commissioner Glenn Micallef voiced his “emotional” objection to European games being played outside Europe during a POLITICO interview in May, adding last month he was “deeply disappointed” by the proposals.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), an advocacy group for fans, had earlier complained to the European Commission about “ongoing attempts to deterritorialise European football,” and asked for the EU executive to take action, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO.
Micallef’s recent comments sparked criticism from the Italian league, which said it was “astonished” by his “excessive position,” and Spain’s football chief Javier Tebas, who responded, “We are talking about 1 match out of 380.”
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin told POLITICO he also objected to the plans, saying “European teams should play in Europe,” but noted earlier this month that the European governing body’s legal options were limited.