FIFA considering allowing domestic league games to be played overseas

FIFA is considering the possibility of allowing domestic leagues to hold matches in other countries, which could lead to English Premier League or Spanish La Liga games taking place in the United States, the Middle East, or Asia.

On Wednesday, football’s global governing body decided to establish a working group consisting of 10-15 members to explore this concept and provide recommendations.

Both the Premier League and La Liga, known for their massive international fan bases, have previously discussed the idea of hosting matches outside their home nations.

The newly formed FIFA committee will be responsible for collecting additional information and presenting suggestions to the Council regarding potential changes to the FIFA Regulations Governing International Matches (FRGIM), as stated in an official announcement.

The council, which serves as FIFA’s primary decision-making body, mentioned that the working group will evaluate various aspects of organizing matches overseas. These factors include the impact on fans, implications for the competition’s integrity, whether these matches would be occasional events or a regular occurrence, and the overall effect on football.

Many top European clubs already participate in lucrative exhibition matches worldwide, such as the upcoming game between Tottenham and Newcastle United in Melbourne, scheduled just days after the conclusion of the Premier League season.

La Liga has expressed its intention to hold matches in North America by 2025.

American broadcasters, in particular, are eager to capitalize on the growing popularity of the English top-flight by hosting competitive matches.

Historically, FIFA regulations have prevented competitive league games from being played outside their home countries, which has hindered plans for enticing matchups like Arsenal vs. Manchester City or Real Madrid vs. Barcelona in the United States.

Although the proposed idea of a Premier League “39th game” abroad was abandoned in 2008 due to opposition from various stakeholders, a recent legal challenge in the United States has prompted FIFA to reconsider its longstanding stance against matches held outside traditional territories.

Delegates have convened in Bangkok for FIFA’s annual congress on Friday, coinciding with a significant development. The decision has been made to determine the host country for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.

Following the remarkable success and increased prominence of the women’s game during the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, FIFA now faces the choice of awarding the 2027 edition to either Brazil or a collaborative bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

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