Uefa has given the green light for the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como to be played in Perth, Australia — an unprecedented decision made “with reluctance” and described as an exceptional, one-time measure.

The approval, which also applies to Spain’s Villarreal–Barcelona fixture, follows extensive consultations with national football associations. “Uefa remains firmly opposed to staging domestic league matches abroad,” the organization said in a statement. “The decision was made only because the current Fifa regulatory framework is unclear and under review.”

Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized that “domestic matches should be played at home,” warning that moving them abroad “would deprive loyal fans and could distort competitions.”

The Serie A League welcomed the decision, thanking Uefa for recognizing “the exceptional nature of the initiative.” League President Ezio Simonelli said the temporary closure of San Siro had turned “a logistical challenge into an opportunity” to engage international fans and increase global visibility for Italian football.

The Milan–Como match is expected to take place in February, pending final approval from Fifa and the Australian federation.