European fans take aim at hosting league matches overseas

AFP | London

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European supporters groups yesterday said plans by the Spanish and Italian football federations to host league matches overseas were “absurd”.

Spain’s La Liga has agreed to move a game between champions Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida on December 20.

The Serie A encounter between AC Milan and Como is due to be staged in Perth, Australia on February 6 to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium.

While various Super Cups are staged abroad these two fixtures will represent a first for European leagues.

“The concept of flying players, staff, fans, and others across oceans for a ‘home’ game is absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible,” the Football Supporters Europe (FSE) wrote in a statement signed by 423 groups from 25 countries.