Uefa
UEFA’s recent decision to allow Serie A and La Liga fixtures to be played overseas has ignited a debate within the football community. The governing body’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, expressed concerns that such moves could alienate loyal fans who regularly attend matches. This development comes amidst ongoing discussions about the potential for Premier League games to be held in international locations, a proposal that has faced significant opposition.
Aleksander Ceferin said: “Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue. While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. That consultation confirmed the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions around the concept of domestic league matches being relocated abroad. In doing so, they voiced their collective determination to safeguard the wider interests of European football.”
Werner said: “I’m determined one day to have a Premier League game be played in New York City. I even have the sort of crazy idea that there would be a day where we play one game in Tokyo, one game a few hours later in Los Angeles, one game a few hours later in Rio, one game a few hours later in Riyadh and make it sort of a day where football, where the Premier League, is celebrated.”
The decision by UEFA to permit these overseas fixtures was described as “regrettable” by Ceferin, who emphasized that it should not set a precedent for future matches. The consultation process highlighted a significant lack of support for the idea of relocating domestic league matches abroad, with fans, clubs, and other stakeholders voicing their concerns. Despite this, the American chief, Werner, remains committed to the vision of expanding the Premier League’s reach to international cities like New York.
Liverpool’s chairman, Werner, appointed in 2010, has been a vocal advocate for staging Premier League matches overseas. However, this stance has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Liverpool’s principal owner, John W. Henry, who has distanced himself from the idea. Werner’s vision of a global football celebration, with matches played in multiple cities around the world on the same day, reflects an ambitious approach to expanding the sport’s international footprint.
The debate over playing Premier League matches abroad highlights the tension between commercial interests and preserving the traditional match-going experience for fans. As discussions continue, the football community remains divided on the implications of such moves for the future of the sport.
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