Controversial AC Milan v Como Serie A Match Unlikely To Be Held In Perth

AC Milan’s Serie A match against Como is now unlikely to take place in Perth, Australia.

Restrictions Put Perth Fixture At Risk

The fixture, pencilled in for February 6, was set to be held overseas after a controversial agreement was struck by Italy’s football federation (FIGC).

The opportunity had been described as “historic” but was met with fierce opposition from supporters.

The San Siro will not be available to host due to a scheduling conflict with the Winter Olympics.

As a result, UEFA “reluctantly” gave its approval and also green-lit the LaLiga game between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami. The latter fixture was later cancelled, citing “uncertainty” from protests.

However, no such announcement has been issued on Serie A’s bid to stage a game Down Under, with the West Australian government adamant in October that the plans would go ahead.

But, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the money-spinning project could come screeching to an imminent halt.

This is because the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Football Australia enforced restrictions after giving the go-ahead. These included a ban on marketing the event as a Serie A match and the requirement that the referee and their assistants be from the AFC.

For now, plans to stage the very first Serie A match abroad between AC Milan and Como have stalled.

Como had declared that the proposals would help to “ensure survival” for Serie A, but players were not impressed. Indeed, Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot said the move was “completely crazy”.

What next for AC Milan and Como?

Should the plans to shift the fixture to Australia collapse, Milan would need to find an alternative venue in Italy. Several grounds are expected to be occupied on the weekend of the game, especially those close to Milan.

A postponement is likely, allowing the tie to be rescheduled for a later date at the San Siro.

Inter Milan were able to find a new home for their Coppa Italia quarter-final game after settling on Monza.

FIFA are now the only institution capable of breaking the Perth deadlock, but there are no signs they will intervene.

Como Defend Perth Match

In a lengthy statement, Como had insisted that the decision was “not a matter of greed”.

“We understand that this journey may demand sacrifices in convenience, comfort, and routine,” the club said.

“Yet sometimes sacrifice is essential, not for individual benefit but for the greater good, for growth, and above all for the survival of the league itself.

“Most clubs in Italy are not profitable. It is about ensuring survival, and building a future where Serie A remains competitive, respected, and globally admired.”