A Serie A match between AC Milan and Como could be the first European league game to be played abroad due to the Winter Olympics.
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Milan and Como's fixture to be held in AustraliaSan Siro to host Winter Olympics in 2026FIFA to consider changes in policiesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
As per , Serie A and FIFA are discussing the possibility of taking the Italian league matches abroad, with Italy set to host Winter Olympics in 2026. Milan and Inter will have to play their home matches elsewhere as opening ceremonies of both the Winter Olympics and Paralympics are reportedly set to take place in the club's home ground, San Siro.
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In the wake of the Relevent Sports antitrust settlement, which after six years cleared the way for domestic games to be held overseas, multiple European leagues and FIFA are now trying to push for a global audience by taking these matches to a bigger stage abroad. Now, with the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony taking place at their stadium, Milan are hunting for a new venue for their home matches. Considering the potential, there have been talks of hosting their fixture against Como at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia.
To ease congestion later in the season once the Winter Olympics begin, both Milan and Inter will also kick off their campaign at San Siro.
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La Liga recently showed interest in hosting league matches abroad. The Spanish league wanted Barcelona's fixture against Atletico Madrid to be held in Miami, but the idea never materialised. As far back as 2018, La Liga discussed the idea of hosting Barcelona's match against Girona in Miami.
Even the English Premier League once considered playing a set of matches named the '39th game' abroad almost 17 years ago. This move faced a huge backlash from domestic league supporters and was ultimately opposed by FIFA as well.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR FIFA?
With the changing winds and a focus on gaining more audience, FIFA is reportedly looking into its policies and considering changes to its laws to give the leagues a chance at catching more eyes worldwide. However, how the fans and supporters will react to this move, should it gain traction, is a factor that the football federation will have to consider in subsequent stages.
