FIFA proposes limits for overseas league matches

FIFA is drawing up a new framework that would permit each domestic league to move one top-flight match overseas per season, while raising the approval bar for what it classifies as “international matches”.The proposal would also cap host countries at five imported league fixtures per season, a measure designed to stop a small number of markets becoming default destinations for European and other leagues.The protocol has been developed by a FIFA working group set up nearly two years ago after repeated attempts by leagues to export regular-season fixtures triggered political and regulatory disputes.LaLiga and Serie A both explored moving matches this season, with Villarreal v Barcelona slated for Miami and Milan v Como linked to Perth, before both plans were dropped following objections from football authorities and shifting positions among stakeholders.Under FIFA’s draft, a request to relocate a competitive domestic match would require sign-off from multiple parties before FIFA review, including the national association of the clubs involved, that association’s confederation, the host country’s football association and the host confederation.FIFA would retain a formal right of veto, with sources indicating that player welfare concerns such as workload and excessive travel could be grounds for blocking a match.The rules would also require assurances on revenue distribution, including guarantees that proceeds generated abroad would be redistributed within the sport rather than captured solely by the travelling clubs and their commercial partners.Safeguards are expected to include evidence that the host country’s domestic league would not be harmed, plus proof that supporters can attend the relocated match, with contingency and compensation plans where necessary.A notable feature is that domestic leagues themselves would not necessarily be a required consultee under the approval chain if clubs and their national associations chose to pursue a match against league preference, creating a potential governance flashpoint in markets where league and federation priorities diverge.FIFA considered a full ban on overseas league fixtures but decided against it after taking legal advice, indicating a preference for regulation over prohibition.UEFA has previously voiced concerns about the lack of clarity in FIFA’s existing approach, describing the framework as “not clear and detailed enough”, which has added pressure for a more explicit rule set.FIFA’s motivation also reflects strategic protection of the US market, where domestic stakeholders have long resisted the regular import of overseas league games and where ticket demand makes the economics particularly attractive to rights holders and clubs.The working group is also drafting a similar protocol for cross-continental club competitions, with uncertainty over whether future changes to FIFA’s Club World Cup would fall under those procedures.No date has been set for the next working group meeting, but there is an ambition inside FIFA to have the protocol in place for next season, which would give leagues and clubs a clearer route, and a higher hurdle, for taking regular-season matches abroad.