FIFA Plans One‑Game Limit for Leagues Playing Abroad

Rabat – FIFA is preparing new rules that would restrict how often domestic leagues can stage matches outside their home countries. 

A draft proposal circulated in March outlines strict limits and approval processes for “out of territory” games.

Under the plan, each league would be allowed to play only one game abroad per season, while host nations could stage a maximum of five such matches. 

Any league seeking to move a game overseas would need approval from its own federation and confederation, as well as from the host nation’s governing bodies. FIFA would retain final authority, the draft proposes.

Applications must be submitted six months in advance and include detailed plans for revenue distribution, player welfare, and supporter compensation. 

Organizers would also need to ensure fans are not unfairly disadvantaged, either through financial support or travel assistance.

One notable condition is that leagues staging games abroad must offer reciprocal opportunities. For example, if La Liga takes a match to Miami, Major League Soccer would be given the chance to host a game in Madrid.

The one‑game cap would not apply to Super Cups, which many European leagues already hold abroad. 

The draft also sets similar requirements for new international club competitions or confederations seeking to play outside their jurisdiction. This could make it harder for UEFA to move the Champions League final beyond Europe.

FIFA began reviewing overseas league matches two years ago after settling a dispute with event promoter Relevent, which had tried to bring La Liga games to the US in 2018. That attempt was blocked, sparking legal challenges.

Recent efforts by La Liga to stage Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami and Serie A’s plan to play Milan vs Como in Perth were both cancelled, despite initial support from federations. 

Opposition from fans, politicians, and concerns over player welfare ultimately forced organizers to back down.

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