Serie A Match Between AC Milan And Como In Perth To Go Ahead Despite ‘Impractical’ Criticism
Players have described the proposals as "crazy" and "absurd".
A Serie A match is now controversially set to take place in Perth, Australia, after concerns were addressed.
‘Difficult’ Condition Accepted To Make Game Happen
According to Ezio Maria Simoncelli, the president of Serie A, cordial discussions resulted in an agreement that the fixture between AC Milan and Como would be held Down Under on February 8.
FootItalia previously reported that the game had been in doubt over several strict conditions tabled by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), including their authority to appoint their own non-Italian officials.
Despite the restrictions initially being seen as “impractical”, worries have now been allayed after meetings with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina.
Simoncelli provided the bombshell update ahead of the Italian Super Cup commencing in Saudi Arabia last night.
He told Mediaset: “The match will be played in Perth on February 8 as planned. We had a cordial meeting with Infantino, as always.
“We had doubts about the conditions set by the AFC, which we considered impractical, especially the one stating that the referees should not be Italian.
“I spoke with Collina, who gave me ample assurances about the Asian referees, providing me with some high-calibre names. This condition was the most difficult, but we will accept it. There are other issues that we will resolve in the coming days. The referees will be Asian.”
The AFC also stipulated that the game must not be organised by Serie A or promoted as an Italian top-flight fixture.
Milan were unable to host the match at the San Siro due to a scheduling conflict with the Winter Olympics. The showpiece will be held in Italy between February 6 and February 22.
Should it go ahead, the game would become the first competitive European league game to take place overseas.
Similar LaLiga Plans Collapsed
Similar proposals for a LaLiga match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami had been given the go-ahead. UEFA granted approval back in October, albeit “reluctantly”.
However, these plans were later postponed, citing “uncertainty” from protests.
AC Milan players have openly voiced their dissent at the prospect of a game being played in Perth. Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot both expressed surprise, with Rabiot even labelling the concept “crazy, absurd”.
On the other hand, Como vociferously backed the move, claiming it would help to “ensure survival” for Serie A.
“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.”
Dan Davis
Dan is an experienced sports journalist and part-time lecturer. An expert on Serie A and Italian football, he has produced content for the likes of the Daily Mail, Reach PLC, GiveMeSport, FourFourTwo and GRV Media. While Channel 4's iconic Football Italia was a bit before his time, the nostalgia - and pastries - fuelled his love of all things Calcio.
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