FIFA is redrafting its regulations concerning domestic league games played in foreign countries and seeking legal advice on potentially banning them outright, after UEFA reluctantly approved LaLiga and Serie A matches to be played overseas. The games to be played are Villarreal v Barcelona in Miami and AC Milan v Como in Perth.

Overseas angst from governing bodies

Amid growing controversy over domestic league matches being played abroad, FIFA is working on a more robust rulebook for early next year. The effort follows UEFA's approval of games abroad, for which it blamed the loopholes in the existing, outdated regulations. FIFA was reportedly frustrated as the 2014 rules do not grant it the power to stop such games, provided all necessary parties approve. The original idea for exporting domestic games, the Premier League's "39th game" proposal back in 2008, was met with fan outrage and shelved.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportUEFA regret at overseas agreement

Despite announcing their agreement to the matches, UEFA were quick to reveal their regret, saying: "Given that the relevant FIFA regulatory framework – currently under review – is not clear and detailed enough, the UEFA executive committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it."

And UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin, made clear that the matches agreed will not become the thin end of the wedge for more matches to move abroad. Ceferin said: "League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment."

Are the matches confirmed?

The final decision now rests with the host federations, the US Soccer Federation (for a proposed Villarreal vs Barcelona match in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium) and Football Australia, along with their respective confederations, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation. US Soccer's approval for the Miami game is uncertain due to concerns that hosting European and potentially Mexican league matches could commercially harm Major League Soccer. And there was a lawsuit brought by Relevent Sports against US Soccer and FIFA, following a denied request for Barcelona to play Girona in Miami the previous year.

Getty Images SportPremier League juggernaut rolls on

Commercial revenue from overseas markets is a growing income stream for top clubs. While playing league matches abroad is controversial, it can generate revenue and reach new audiences and  pre-season tours overseas also help clubs connect with international fans and generate revenue. International earnings are a significant factor, with the Premier League generating more from international broadcast rights than the combined total of La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. The Premier League's international broadcast rights notably exceeded domestic income for 2022-2025, generating £5.3 billion globally. The league is broadcast in 188 countries.

And Premier League CEO Richard Masters has indicated the model for watching the Premier League is set to change again soon. Speaking earlier this year, he said: "If you think where football was 10 years ago, it's a sort of version of where we are today. But I hope the PL will still be in it's current position globally. I think obviously, things are going to change. Maybe the broadcast market. But I hope that we retain and maintain some of the great things about English football. The history and traditions of the game, the way the whole thing fits together with its sort of soap opera chaos thrown on the side but it maintains its current shape. And I'm very confident, in 10 years time, that the English football industry will continue to be the envy of the world."