Why Was the AC Milan vs Como Match in Australia Canceled?

The planned Serie A match between AC Milan and Como, set to take place in Perth, Australia, in February 2024, has been cancelled due to sanctions imposed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This decision follows a series of complications that made it unfeasible for the match to proceed, marking a significant moment in the context of European football's expansion ambitions.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The cancellation of the AC Milan vs. Como match highlights the ongoing challenges faced by European football leagues attempting to expand their reach internationally. Serie A president Ezio Simonelli announced that escalating demands from the AFC made the match's execution "impossible." This announcement follows the match's initial approval by UEFA, indicating a shift in the feasibility of staging European league games outside their traditional venues.

Key takeaways

• The Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Australia has been cancelled.
• Sanctions from the AFC created insurmountable complications for the match.
• This cancellation reflects broader issues of financial sustainability in European football.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the proposed match in Australia included critical milestones:

• October 2023: UEFA grants approval for the match between AC Milan and Como, alongside a La Liga match in Miami.
• Late October 2023: Serie A faces increasing complications from the AFC regarding the match's officiating and logistics.
• 23 October 2023: Serie A officially announces the cancellation of the match due to AFC sanctions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Serie A confirmed the cancellation of the match, citing the AFC's last-minute demands as the primary reason. This decision underscores the difficulties in executing international sporting events and the implications of having to adhere to various governing bodies.

What was already established

Prior to the cancellation, the match was heralded as a significant event for Serie A, intending to showcase Italian football in Australia. However, concerns about financial viability and the logistics of using Asian match officials had already raised doubts about the match's feasibility.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK football fans, the cancellation of the match may shift focus back to domestic leagues, reaffirming the importance of local games. It also reflects the financial struggles faced by international leagues, which may influence the viewing experience and ticket prices for local matches.

Businesses and jobs

The cancellation represents a lost opportunity for businesses in Australia that could have benefited from the influx of fans and associated spending. Local hospitality and tourism sectors may have anticipated a boost from hosting such an event.

Policy and regulation

This situation highlights the complexity of international football governance and the need for clear agreements between leagues and governing bodies. The AFC's influence underscores the challenges European leagues face when trying to expand their footprint globally.

Numbers that matter

• 1: The number of scheduled Serie A matches in Australia that have been cancelled.
• 8 February 2024: The original date designated for the Milan-Como match.
• 3: The number of months since UEFA's approval for the match was granted.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Serie A: The top professional football league in Italy.
• AFC: Asian Football Confederation, the governing body for football in Asia.
• UEFA: Union of European Football Associations, governing body for football in Europe.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, fans should keep an eye on any announcements from Serie A regarding alternative plans for the league and potential future matches abroad.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the coming months, it will be important to monitor how Serie A adapts its strategies to maintain financial viability against the backdrop of a dominant Premier League.

Signals to watch

• Future announcements regarding international matches from Serie A or other European leagues.
• Responses from Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and other fan organisations regarding international games.
• Changes in AFC regulations that could impact future international match proposals.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about updates from your favourite leagues regarding international matches.
• Support local teams and leagues to help bolster their financial stability.

Don’t

• Assume that all international matches will go ahead as planned; be prepared for cancellations.
• Overlook the significance of local match attendance in supporting the wider football ecosystem.

Checklist

• Check official league websites for updates on match schedules and changes.
• Engage with local fan clubs for insights on upcoming events.
• Consider contributing to local clubs through attendance or merchandise purchases.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the cancellation of the match is final, there are ongoing uncertainties regarding future international matches for Serie A and other leagues. The dynamics between governing bodies like the AFC and UEFA will continue to evolve, potentially impacting future plans.

Bottom line

The cancellation of the AC Milan vs. Como match in Australia underscores the complexities of international football governance and the financial realities facing leagues attempting to expand their global footprint. As fans, it is crucial to stay engaged with local leagues and anticipate changes that may arise in the international football landscape.

FAQs

Why was the AC Milan vs. Como match cancelled?

The match was cancelled due to sanctions imposed by the Asian Football Confederation, which made it impossible to proceed with the plans.

When was the match originally scheduled to take place?

The match was scheduled for 8 February 2024 in Perth, Australia.

What does this mean for future international matches?

The cancellation raises questions about the feasibility of future international matches for Serie A and other European leagues, especially in light of governing body regulations.