Could Premier League games be played abroad in future after landmark UEFA ruling?

UEFA say they have reluctantly allowed two European league matches to be played abroad this season.

La Liga sides Villarreal and Barcelona will face off in Miami, USA in December in what will be the first European league game played in another country.

And in February, AC Milan are due to take on Como in Perth, Australia.

Despite allowing the games to be played in other countries, UEFA say they are opposed to the idea, claiming they have had to allow it because there is no legal framework to stop it.

“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

“Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue.

“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.”

Despite UEFA’s opposition, they have appointed US based promoters Relevent Sports to manage the their global commercial rights, a group which is in favour of games being played abroad.

Could Premier League games be moved abroad?

This decision potentially opens the door for Premier League games to be moved abroad in the future, though Premier League CEO Richard Masters has insisted there are no plans to do so.

“I don’t think it changes the Premier League’s view on this at all, we don’t have any plans to play matches abroad,” he said.

“It’s not anywhere near my in-tray and it’s not a debate around our table.”

There has, however, been support from Premier League clubs to do so. Liverpool CEO Tom Werner said he hoped to see games played abroad in the future.

Back in 2008, then Premier League chief Richard Scudamore proposed a 39th Premier League of the season to be played in foreign countries before the idea was later shelved amid fierce opposition.

But the decision to be allow European games to be moved abroad has the potential to be a seismic decision, and one which could have significant consequences.