European refusal to broadcast Barcelona and Milan matches abroad

More than 400 European club fans' associations have called on FIFA and UEFA to reject proposals by the Spanish and Italian leagues to play league matches outside Europe. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has approved a proposal to stage Barcelona's match against Villarreal in Miami in December, while the Italian league plans to stage Milan's match against Como in Australia in February. Ahead of next week's UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Albania, European football leagues have mobilized to oppose the plan and fully oppose the staging of domestic league matches outside the continent. "We call on UEFA and all national associations to strongly oppose this proposal, to commit to their role in governing football, and to ensure that the game remains deeply rooted in their communities," the association said in a statement, backed by 25 national associations. "Clubs are not entertainment companies or a traveling circus, but rather to serve their communities and foster a sense of belonging through fans attending matches in the stands." UEFA is scheduled to meet on September 11 in Tirana, Albania. Last week, Ceferin suggested to UEFA that it should negotiate with FIFA to halt the project if the relevant federations agree.