Como have issued a statement addressing fans on the sensitive subject of facing AC Milan in a Serie A clash in Australia next year, as they claimed that the clash is for the survival of the league. The match, set for February 2026, will be the first Serie A match held outside Italy. While UEFA reiterated that this approval "should not set a precedent", the move has drawn sharp criticism from players and fans alike.
Historic Serie A clash to be held in Australia
For the first time in history, a Serie A game will be held outside Italy as Como and AC Milan will lock horns in a league clash in February 2026 at Perth in Australia. UEFA "reluctantly" granted approval to stage the match abroad, despite labelling the move "regrettable". The governing body said the decision was made "on an exceptional basis amid regulatory gaps at the global level" and "should not set a precedent".
Along with Serie A, La Liga have also got UEFA's nod to host the Barcelona vs Villarreal clash on December 20 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The fixture, originally meant to be played at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica, would be a significant marketing moment for the league and huge for soccer fans in the United States.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportComo claim controversial match is for 'survival of Serie A'
Addressing their fans, Como have released a statement in which they claimed that hosting the match abroad was necessary to increase the popularity of the Italian league, stressing that England's Premier League continues to "dominate at the global stage".
The lengthy statement read: "Dear Como Family, Friends, and Fellow Serie A Supporters. If approved by the FIFA, Como 1907 will travel to Perth, Australia this February to face AC Milan, taking part in a shared mission to make Serie A the conversation of world football once again, and to secure a stronger future for every club that represents Serie A.
"We understand that this journey may demand sacrifices in convenience, comfort, and routine. 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. We have all seen what happens when a league fails to evolve. In France, the collapse of the domestic broadcasting deal left clubs in turmoil, players unpaid, and fans disheartened. French football is still struggling to recover from that setback. Meanwhile, the Premier League continues to dominate the global stage. Its latest broadcasting agreements are worth over £12 billion for the next cycle from 2025 to 2029, including £6.7 billion from UK domestic rights and around £6.5 billion from international deals. For the first time, its overseas income is now worth more than its domestic rights.
"By comparison, Serie A's domestic TV deal is valued at about €900 million per year, and its international rights generate less than ten percent of what the Premier League earns abroad. This imbalance gives English clubs an enormous financial advantage, allowing them to keep their stars, attract the best talent, and expand their global influence. We must ask ourselves honestly how we can retain our best players, build competitive teams, and attract the world’s elite to Serie A if we do not adapt. This is not a matter of greed. 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.
"Our goal is clear. We want to restore Serie A to the glory it enjoyed in the 1990s, when Italian football was the most watched, most respected, and most loved league in the world. To achieve that, we must evolve, unite, and make Serie A the talk around the globe again. Just as we proudly represented Italian football at The Soccer Tournament (TST) in the United States, we now carry that same mission to Perth. This is not just a match. It is a statement of intent, a movement to reconnect the world with the beauty, culture, and passion of Italian football. And we want you to be part of it. We are inviting 50 fans to join us on this journey to Australia to stand beside us as ambassadors of Como 1907 and Serie A. Together, we will show the world what Italian football truly represents: heritage, heart, and hope for the future. Together we stand. Together we rise. Together we survive."
Serie A's decision faces criticism from players
The decision to stage a Serie A game outside Italy has drawn sharp criticism from fans and players, including AC Milan stars Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot.
Calling the idea "completely crazy", Rabiot had said: "I was surprised when I learned that AC Milan and I will be playing a Serie A match against Como…in Australia! It’s completely crazy. These are financial agreements to give visibility to the league, things that are beyond us. There's a lot of talk about schedules and player health, but this all seems truly absurd. It's crazy to travel so many miles for a match between two Italian teams in Australia. We have to adapt, as always."
Echoing his compatriot's comments, Maignan had added: "I totally agree with Adrien Rabiot. I don't understand why we're playing abroad. Many things are forgotten these days, we think too much about the financial aspect. It's an Italian league match, I don't understand why we're playing abroad. Furthermore, we should have been playing at home, so we 'lose' a home game. Our goals are ambitious, we mustn't leave anything to chance."
Getty ImagesSerie A chief hits back at Rabiot
Rabiot's strong words did not sit well with Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo, as he hit back at the Milan star, saying: "Rabiot's outburst about AC Milan-Como in Australia? He forgets, like all footballers who earn millions of euros, that they’re paid to do something, just play football.
"He should have respect for the money he earns and be more accommodating to his employer, AC Milan, who agreed and pushed for this match to be played abroad. Top players, whose salaries are commensurate with the effort they put in, should understand that this is a sacrifice that can be made."
