AC Milan vs Como in Australia: Serie A Clashes with EU Over “Betrayal of Fans” Row
Italy’s Serie A has pushed back strongly against the European Union’s Sports Commissioner after he blasted plans to stage a regular-season match between AC Milan and Como in Australia next year. The league dismissed the criticism as “excessive,” insisting the move is about growing the game, not betraying supporters.
The fixture—scheduled for February 2026 in Perth—was approved by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) earlier this year. The San Siro, Milan’s iconic home stadium, will be unavailable due to preparations for the Winter Olympics, but UEFA and FIFA still need to officially sign off.
EU Commissioner: “This Is Betrayal”
EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef expressed his outrage on X (formerly Twitter), saying he was “deeply disappointed” by Serie A’s decision.
“To me it’s clear: European competitions must be played in Europe. European football must stay in Europe. Moving competitions abroad isn’t innovation—it’s betrayal,” Micallef wrote.
His remarks came as La Liga also eyes Miami for a potential Villarreal vs. Barcelona fixture in December—another groundbreaking move that has sparked heated debate among fans.
Serie A’s Strong Response
Serie A wasted no time firing back. In a statement, the league said it was “astonished” by the Commissioner’s claims, stressing that one overseas game out of 380 league fixtures cannot be seen as turning its back on supporters.
“To speak of betrayal for a single match seems excessive and risks fueling a populist debate,” the statement read. “Taking a match abroad doesn’t mean exporting the championship. It means introducing new audiences to the excellence of Italian football.”
Serie A emphasized that while Milan and Como supporters may sacrifice a local game, Italian football as a whole stands to gain from global exposure and increased popularity.
Football’s Globalization Battle
This controversy is just the latest flashpoint in football’s ongoing tug-of-war between local tradition and global expansion. Leagues see overseas matches as a chance to grow fanbases and revenue streams, but critics argue it risks alienating the very communities that built the sport’s legacy.
For Serie A, the Perth clash is more than just a football match—it’s a test of whether globalization can enhance the game without losing its soul.
✅ Summary
AC Milan vs. Como will be played in Perth, Australia, in February 2026.
EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef condemned the move as a “betrayal of fans.”
Serie A defended the decision, saying it promotes Italian football globally.
The debate raises bigger questions about the future balance between local fans and global markets.
⚽ What’s your take?
Should European leagues keep domestic matches at home, or embrace global stages like Australia and the U.S.? The answer could shape the next decade of world football.
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