Official: UEFA reluctantly approves Villarreal vs Barcelona in the USA | OneFootball

UEFA has officially given the green light for the Villarreal vs FC Barcelona fixture, scheduled for 20 December, to be played in Miami.

Despite maintaining its firm opposition to domestic league matches being staged outside their national borders, the European football body has approved both La Liga’s request and the Italian federation’s similar proposal for AC Milan vs Como to be held in Perth, Australia.

Following last month’s Executive Committee meeting in Tirana, UEFA carried out further consultations with relevant stakeholders to assess the implications of these requests.

Both Spain’s and Italy’s football federations had applied for permission to host the two league matches abroad.

UEFA admitted that its discussions confirmed there was little overall support for domestic league matches being played outside their respective countries.

However, since FIFA’s current regulations, which are under review, lack sufficient clarity and precision, UEFA’s Executive Committee has “reluctantly” decided to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two applications submitted.

“UEFA will actively contribute to the work being undertaken by FIFA to ensure that future regulations protect the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their fans, and their local communities,” the organisation stated.

Hard Rock Stadium to host Villarreal vs Barcelona. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The same communique also detailed that “all UEFA member associations confirmed their commitment to consult with UEFA before submitting any future requests.

“In doing so, they expressed their collective determination to safeguard the overall interests of European football.”

Aleksander Ceferin: “This decision must not set a precedent”

Announcing the decision, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin underlined the organisation’s unease with the move:

“League matches should be played at home. Anything else would deprive loyal fans of their rights and could distort the competitions.

“Our consultation confirmed the extent of these concerns. I would like to thank all 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue.”

Continuing, he added: “Although it is regrettable that we have had to allow these two matches to take place, this decision is exceptional and must not be seen as a precedent.

“Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and to ensure that football remains rooted in its local environment.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo