Serie A’s Historic Perth Fixture: A Complex Negotiation
The much-anticipated Serie A clash between AC Milan and Como, potentially the first major European domestic league fixture to be held outside its home continent, is currently navigating a complex web of approvals and conditions. Originally slated for February 8 at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, the match faces hurdles presented by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Despite recent media speculation suggesting the fixture’s cancellation, Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has clarified that the proposal is far from abandoned and remains a work in progress. “I’ve read things in recent days that aren’t correct,” Simonelli stated. “It’s not an idea that has been abandoned, but one that is still in progress. We’ve received many favourable opinions.”
The Italian FA had initially approved Serie A’s request to relocate the match. This move was necessitated by the unavailability of the San Siro stadium, which is set to host the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. UEFA also granted its reluctant clearance in October, a decision that also encompassed La Liga’s now-cancelled plan to stage a Barcelona versus Villarreal game in Miami.
The primary obstacle to the Perth fixture proceeding lies with the AFC. According to Simonelli, the AFC is the sole governing body that has not provided unconditional approval, instead imposing two specific requirements.
AFC’s Demands and Serie A’s Stance
The conditions stipulated by the AFC are as follows:
- The match cannot be organised, promoted, or marketed by Serie A.
- The AFC will be solely responsible for appointing the match officials.
Serie A finds these conditions “unacceptable.” Simonelli elaborated, “That’s why we asked FIFA to give a final answer. We don’t consider those conditions acceptable, not because we don’t want to accept them, but because it is impossible to play an Italian league match without defining it as such. Just as it is also impossible to go to Australia without Italian referees.”
This stance is further underscored by the fact that Italian referees will be officiating the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia next week, a tournament also falling under the AFC’s jurisdiction. Simonelli suggested that the AFC’s demands might stem from a misunderstanding. “Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding,” he commented. “If it is, we consider those conditions non-existent, and take it as a favourable opinion.”
The Road Ahead: FIFA’s Intervention
To resolve this impasse, Simonelli is scheduled to meet with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Doha on December 17. Serie A has not prepared any alternative plans and remains committed to pursuing the Perth match on its proposed date.
“If FIFA says the match cannot take place, we’ll accept that,” Simonelli affirmed. “I’m not making predictions. I’m simply saying that the process is still ongoing.”
The potential staging of this Serie A match in Perth represents a significant moment for international football, raising questions about the future of global sporting events and the boundaries of domestic league competitions. Whether AC Milan and Como will indeed grace the Optus Stadium turf remains contingent on the crucial discussions with FIFA, which will ultimately determine the fate of this groundbreaking fixture. The outcome will also shed light on how international football federations navigate the complexities of cross-border league matches and their impact on established sporting structures.
