UEFA has reaffirmed its firm opposition to staging domestic league matches outside their home countries.
Following last month’s Executive Committee meeting in Tirana, UEFA conducted further consultations with key stakeholders to evaluate the broader implications of this issue, prompted by applications submitted by the Spanish and Italian national football associations.
These consultations confirmed the overwhelming lack of support previously expressed by fans, leagues, clubs, players, and European institutions regarding the relocation of domestic league fixtures abroad.
However, due to insufficient clarity and detail in the current FIFA regulatory framework—which remains under review—the UEFA Executive Committee has, on an exceptional basis, approved the two pending requests.
UEFA emphasized that this decision does not signal a shift in policy and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of domestic competitions and preserving the deep connection between clubs, their supporters, and local communities. The organization will continue to work closely with FIFA to ensure that forthcoming regulations fully protect these core principles.
Announcing the decision, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:
“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. 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. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment”.
