The world football governing body, FIFA, is reportedly considering adjustments to its regulations regarding the staging of domestic league fixtures in foreign countries, amid growing controversy over the practice.
According to a report by Goal, FIFA has already sought legal advice on whether to ban such games outright, a move that could reshape how national leagues operate globally.
Naija News reports that the debate gained momentum after UEFA reluctantly approved overseas fixtures for both La Liga and Serie A.
Among the fixtures sanctioned are Villarreal vs Barcelona, scheduled to take place in Miami, and AC Milan vs Como, set to be played in Perth, Australia.
UEFA has blamed its approval on loopholes within existing regulations, which left it with little room to block the requests.
FIFA is now working on what it describes as a “more robust rulebook” expected early next year to close gaps in the current system.
Under the present framework, drawn up in 2014, FIFA lacks the legal authority to prevent domestic leagues from staging matches abroad, provided all relevant stakeholders, including clubs, national federations, and local authorities, agree.
The idea of exporting domestic matches has divided opinion across the football world.
Proponents argue it will expand global reach and revenue streams, while critics insist it undermines the identity and integrity of national leagues.
By strengthening its rules, FIFA appears set to take a firmer stance on the matter, even as pressure mounts for greater clarity on the limits of football’s commercial expansion.
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