‘It’s a betrayal’: Playing domestic games abroad faces new threat as key political figure criticises move | OneFootball

A key political figure has hit out at the idea of playing domestic games abroad, casting doubt as to whether the plans will now go ahead.

The European Commissioner for Sport says it would be “a betrayal” to play domestic league matches overseas.

La Liga and Serie A are both hoping to stage games in different countries this season, with Villarreal and Barcelona having requested to play in Miami in December while an AC Milan v Como match could take place in Australia.

Neither application has been given the green light yet, but they now face a further political hurdle after Glenn Micallef, the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport spoke out against the concept.

“I’m deeply disappointed by proposals to stage domestic league matches outside Europe,” he wrote on the social media platform X.

“Today I spoke with @RonanEvain of @FansEurope to express my solidarity and make clear that I will stand with football fans, especially in Spain (@FCBarcelona @VillarrealCF) and Italy (@acmilan @Como_1907).

Barcelona and Villarreal could face eachother in Miami (AP)

“At the EU Sport Forum in Krakow, I promised that fans would be fully included in discussions on sport & governance.

“To me it’s clear: European competitions must be played in Europe. European football must stay in Europe.

“As Commissioner and as a lifelong football fan, I believe that clubs owe most of their success to their loyal fans and local communities.

“This is the first big stress test for governance since the Super League. Strong, community-based clubs are the heart of the European Sport Model. Moving competitions abroad isn’t innovation, it’s betrayal.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says there are no plans to stage any English matches overseas.

The concept of a 39th round of matches overseas was first raised over 15 years ago but Masters said earlier this month that the league’s global appeal meant the need to play abroad had “dissipated”.