“European Football Belongs In Europe” – Glenn Micallef Speaks Out Against Matches Abroad

Speaking at the EU Sport Forum in Krakow, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef made his stance clear on proposals to stage domestic European league matches outside the continent.

In an interview with Ronan Evain, Executive Director of Football Supporters Europe, Micallef stressed that “European football belongs in Europe” when asked about the possibility of fixtures being moved abroad.

The question came in the wake of the Spanish FA approving plans for Barcelona vs Villarreal to be played in Miami, as well as the Italian Football Federation revealing plans to host Como vs AC Milan in Perth, Australia.

Micallef condemned the proposals, arguing that “moving domestic matches abroad is not innovation but rather a betrayal of fans and local communities to whom clubs owe most of their success.”

Later on Twitter, the Commissioner reiterated his commitment to ensuring that fans will be fully included in future discussions on sport and governance. He also described the situation as the first major stress test for European sports governance since the collapse of the proposed European Super League a few years ago.

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