UEFA will consult with key football industry groups on whether to allow Spanish and Italian proposals that rocked Brussels about playing competitive European games outside the continent.
In a statement after a high-stakes meeting of its executive committee Thursday, European football’s governing body said: “The committee acknowledged it as an important and growing issue but expressed the desire to ensure that it has the views of all stakeholders before coming to a final decision.
“No decision was taken today but UEFA will undertake a round of consultation with all stakeholders in European football — including fans,” UEFA added.
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.
The post UEFA punts decision on permitting European football matches in foreign countries appeared first on Politico.
