Football clubs serve as vital community assets, with deep-rooted values and histories that go beyond financial measures. They are integral to the cities and towns that support them, fostering a unique identity and tradition among fans. However, this connection may be strained by recent developments in scheduling matches internationally.
Uefa has approved a Spanish league match between Villarreal and Barcelona to be held in Miami, closer to Cuba than Catalonia. There are plans for another match between Italy’s Milan and Como to be relocated to Australia in February. This raises concerns regarding the implications of holding games far from their traditional locations. Supporters’ groups in both Spain and Italy have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision.
The potential shift in match locations could compromise the competitive balance of domestic leagues, where home-field advantage is typically a significant factor. While some argue that this arrangement could attract international fans, others contend that resources could be better directed toward promoting local leagues, like Major League Soccer in the U.S.
Recent legal developments, including a settlement from a U.S. sports promoter, have facilitated these changes, suggesting that clubs may increasingly pursue global revenue streams. This trend appears to prioritize profit over the traditional values of local football culture. Additionally, there is a growing concern about rising costs for fans, especially in the context of ticket pricing for events like the 2026 World Cup.
Uefa has indicated intentions to maintain the integrity of domestic competitions and the connection between clubs and their local communities. The evolving landscape of football raises critical questions about the future of fan engagement and the authenticity of the sport’s community ties, particularly when matches can be more accessible internationally than locally.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/oct/10/the-guardian-view-on-ac-milan-playing-a-home-game-in-perth-the-clue-should-be-in-the-name