The Lega Serie A has formally introduced the cancellation of the historic match between AC Milan and Como 1907, which was scheduled for February 8, 2026, in Perth, Australia. Regardless of the preliminary enthusiasm and assist from FIFA and UEFA, the match won’t be performed outdoors Italian borders as a consequence of bureaucratic and financial obstacles.
Monetary Dangers and AFC Calls for
The choice was made in mutual settlement with the Authorities of Western Australia. The principle purpose lies within the “further situations” imposed by the Asian Soccer Confederation (AFC) to authorize the occasion. In keeping with the assertion, assembly these calls for posed an unacceptable monetary threat for each Serie A and the Australian sponsors.
Commercial
The Minister of Sports activities of Western Australia, Rita Saffioti, described the decision as “disappointing however right,” emphasizing that the federal government was not keen to show public funds to such a excessive stage of financial uncertainty.
A Misplaced Alternative for Internationalization
The president of Lega Serie A, Ezio Simonelli, deeply regretted the result, describing it as a “misplaced alternative” for the worldwide progress of Italian soccer. This match aimed to be the primary of a European championship formally performed outdoors its continent of origin, a purpose that was additionally lately thwarted for LaLiga with the failed Barcelona-Villarreal in Miami.
Commercial
Regardless of the cancellation, the organizers highlighted that the mission generated greater than 280 million {dollars} in media visibility for the town of Perth since April, demonstrating the large world curiosity in exporting elite soccer to new markets.
This text was translated into English by Synthetic Intelligence.
📸 Marco Luzzani – 2025 Getty Photographs