FIFA is currently reviewing its regulations regarding the staging of domestic league games in foreign countries and is seeking legal counsel to determine if it can impose a ban on such practices. The governing body of world football aims to update its regulations, with a comprehensive review occurring for the first time in 11 years, anticipated to conclude early next year.
This evaluation follows UEFA’s recent decisions, which have invoked FIFA’s existing regulatory framework. For example, UEFA granted permission for matches like Villarreal versus Barcelona in Miami and Milan versus Como in Perth, a move that reportedly displeased FIFA, as it believes such decisions fall outside its purview under current regulations.
The existing regulations, established in 2014, were formulated when the concept of domestic leagues playing matches overseas was not a significant concern, largely due to the backlash against the Premier League’s previous international plans. FIFA’s rules indicate that it can block what is defined as an “international match” if the necessary processes—including authorization from relevant football associations and confederations—are not adhered to.
La Liga and Serie A have provided their consent for the games, which now await approval from the host Football Associations in the U.S. and Australia, alongside their respective confederations. In the U.S., concerns have been raised regarding potential commercial impacts on Major League Soccer, which may affect the approval process.
Historically, there have been legal challenges to these arrangements; in 2019, a U.S.-based promoter filed an anti-trust lawsuit against U.S. Soccer after a request for a match in Miami was denied, with FIFA identified as a co-defendant. FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, has suggested that allowing unrestricted international matches could pose a significant risk to the sport. The organization has not issued a formal comment on the matter.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/oct/11/fifa-seeks-advice-over-banning-league-games-staged-overseas-amid-regulations-redraft