FC Villarreal

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‌ ⁤ ⁢ Flicks Barça‍ is involved
UEFA Reluctantly Authorizes League ‍Games Abroad, Cites FIFA Regulations

06.10.2025, 9:26‍ p.m.

FC Barcelona,under Hansi Flick,will be ⁢involved in one of two La Liga matches approved by UEFA to be played outside ⁤of Spain,despite critically important opposition. The ‌decision,‍ announced today, stems ⁤from applications ‍to⁢ host games in the United ‌States due to scheduling conflicts⁤ with the Winter Olympics.

The UEFA ⁢Executive Committee has “reluctantly” approved requests from the Spanish (RFEF) and Italian (FIGC) football associations to relocate league fixtures. FC Villarreal will ‌host FC Barcelona in Miami in December, while AC⁢ Milan will play Como 1907 on February 6th. the ⁢applications were made to⁢ accommodate⁤ the Winter Olympics schedule.

Following an initial meeting in Tirana,Albania in September,UEFA conducted “further consultations with interest groups.” These discussions “confirmed the widespread rejection of the concept already expressed by fans,​ other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions.” Though, the ⁢UEFA Executive Committee persistent that, due to ambiguities in the current FIFA regulations -⁤ which are undergoing revision – it was obligated to consider the applications.

“No Precedent”

“It is unfortunate that these two games have to take ⁢place, but⁢ this decision is⁣ an exception and must not be seen as a precedent,” stated UEFA President Aleksander ‍Ceferin.”Our commitment is clear: ⁤We want⁣ to protect​ the integrity ⁢of the national leagues and​ ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”

Ceferin emphasized that ‍league games “should be held on home soil; everything else woudl be disadvantageous and could⁢ lead to distortions in the​ competitions.” ‍He added, “Our consultation has confirmed how ⁢great ‍these concerns are. I would like ​to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible​ commitment in this sensitive matter.”