Como Football Club has announced that their upcoming league match against AC Milan will take place in Perth, Australia, in February 2024. This unprecedented move is framed by the club as essential for the survival of Serie A, Italy’s top football league. The match has received conditional approval from UEFA, despite concerns raised by various football supporters’ groups regarding the commercialization of domestic league games.
In a statement, Como emphasized the need for adaptation in light of the growing financial chasm between Serie A and its English counterpart, the Premier League. The Premier League’s lucrative television agreements are valued at over £12 billion for the current four-year cycle, while Serie A’s domestic deal only generates approximately €900 million (around £781 million) annually. Como’s statement read, “We must ask ourselves honestly how we can retain our best players, build competitive teams, and attract the world’s elite to Serie A if we do not adapt.”
Como’s leadership conveyed that the decision to host a match overseas is not driven by greed but by necessity. They stated, “Most clubs in Italy are not profitable. It is about ensuring survival and building a future where Serie A remains competitive, respected, and globally admired.” The club aims to revive the league’s former glory, reminiscent of the 1990s when Italian football was considered the pinnacle of the sport.
The club will take 50 fans on the journey to Australia, reinforcing their commitment to showcasing the values that Italian football embodies. Como’s statement concluded, “Together, we will show the world what Italian football truly represents: heritage, heart, and hope for the future. Together we stand. Together we rise. Together we survive.”
UEFA’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, acknowledged the decision to permit the match was exceptional and does not set a precedent for future events. He indicated that UEFA’s 55 national associations had reaffirmed their commitment to consult with UEFA before submitting future requests for overseas matches. Ceferin further highlighted the potential risks of detaching football from its local roots, warning that such actions could lead to detrimental consequences for the sport.
The plan is pending final approval from FIFA, with president Gianni Infantino expressing concerns about the risks involved in conducting domestic league games outside their traditional venues. The complexity of the regulatory framework has heightened the scrutiny surrounding these matches, making the outcome of FIFA’s decision critical for the future of international league play.
In summary, Como’s initiative to host a Serie A match in Australia reflects a strategic move to address financial challenges faced by the league. With significant implications for the future of Italian football, the upcoming match could serve as a key moment in the ongoing evolution of the sport.
