European football belongs to Europe. What should be a matter of course has been questioned in recent weeks. Namely, to play through decisions by the Spanish La Liga and Italian series A, National League games in the United States and Australia. When I heard the argument that it was only one of 380 games, I could only contradict it: a game outside of Europe is too much.
This is neither a question of scheduling nor arithmetics. It is about the principle: the clubs are based on the loyalty and commitment of their supporters and fan communities on site. Many fans bring many great personal victims and go through thick and thin for their clubs. The fans now take the games away on site is not an innovation, but a breach of trust.
And it is literally a “take away”. There would be no fan group if your team spent fewer home games. According to a survey recently published by “The Athletic”, more than 80 percent of the fans surveyed are against playing La League games in the United States. The “decoupling from the community and tradition” were cited as reasons. The Spanish professional football association (AFE) is also against this, as is CESC Fàbregas, the coach of Como, the Italian team, which is due to play their game against AC Milan in Australia in February next year.
The success of the team is success of the community
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Football is community. I can not only report this as a political decision -maker, but also from my own experience. When I grew up, I not only followed the games of my Maltese Heimatverein żabbar St. Patrick, but also played in the first team (in midfield) and later hired me on the board. So I know: The success of the team has always been success of the whole community. When the team won, the streets filled with flags, neighbors celebrated together, conflicts were settled to support the team and celebrate together. Football is not just a game, football is part of our identity. Football is a public asset that creates cohesion.
For millions of people all over Europe, football means to go to the stadium together with the children, meet friends and share something over generations. Football is not a product and fans are not consumers or customers, but an essential part of a community. A community without which European football would not be what it is today.
Football fans have been the victims for years: ticket prices have always increased. The subscriptions for television and streaming are becoming more expensive. Nevertheless, fans remained loyal to their clubs. They understand that the associations need funds to remain competitive and they also contribute financially.
The only motivation is profit
But now they should give up something priceless: the right to see their team at home. And that’s not the first time. Cup end games have already been played abroad in some countries. Fans who had been waiting for decades to see their club in a final was denied this unique moment. In addition, several leagues had tried to move games abroad in the past. To name the name: The only motivation behind the attempt to move games to non -European countries is profit.
You should consider that European football has already achieved record income of 38 billion euros in the 2023/24 season. This corresponds to growth of eight percent compared to the pre -season. If the reason for relocating the games to non -European countries should be financial sustainability, we can have an open discussion. To find solutions that are in line with the pillars of the European sports model.
Because in fact there is nothing less than the European sports model at stake. Therefore, I will align a round table on the subject of governance in football with all relevant stakeholders.
Football belongs to the fans
The European sports model is based on strong, community -oriented clubs. The model collapses without this community. The laying of the national league games from Europe would undermine the heart of European football. Because the territorial aspect of the national leagues – and the European sports model – is an underlying core principle.
This is the first major stress test for European Sport Governance since the discussion about the Super League. The fans were right at the time, and they also have it today: football is yours. If my home club were affected, I would be among the first to protest so that a message is heard: European competitions must be held in Europe. Of course, there is no objection that other competitions or friendly games outside of Europe are played, but with national league games it is different.
This debate shows that a solid frame is required to limit commercially motivated initiatives. A greater legal certainty for decisions that protect the integrity and competition balance and at the same time preserve the cultural and social foundations of sport is required. The European Commission will publish “a strategic vision for sport in Europe: strengthening the European sports model” next year. The public consultation for this begins this September. I hope that the friends and fans of European football will be heard. My point of view is clear: European football belongs to Europe.
Glenn MiCallef is a European Commissioner for Rightness of Generation, Youth, Culture and Sport.
The Fight for Football: Key Statistics and Considerations
To further illustrate the potential impact of moving European football matches outside of Europe, let’s look at some key data points and comparisons. This facts aims to solidify the arguments presented and emphasize the importance of the European sports model.
| Metric | European Football (2023/24) | Potential Impact of Games Outside Europe |
| —————————- | ————————————- | ————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Revenue | €38 Billion (Record high) | Potential for increased revenue from new markets, but at the cost of local fan engagement and erosion of existing revenue streams (ticket sales, merchandise). |
| Fan Sentiment (Survey) | 80%+ against La Liga games in US | Decreased stadium attendance in local markets, potential loss of long-term fan base loyalty, and damage to brand value. |
| Community Impact | Strong, community-oriented clubs | Diminished community engagement, loss of tradition and cultural meaning, impacting local businesses and social cohesion. |
| TV/Streaming Subscriptions | Rising costs, fan loyalty maintained | Potential for decreased viewership in local markets as fans opt out of subscriptions for games played abroad, lowering the demand for streaming packages.|
| Governance | European Sports model at stake | Risk to the integrity and competitive balance of leagues as financial considerations overshadow sporting values and sporting ethics. |
| matchday Atmosphere | Home advantage and loyal fans | Diminished or diluted atmosphere from the local community as fans are no longer in attendance.|
This table,providing crucial data points,aims to demonstrate a clear image of the dangers of compromising the fundamental principle that european football belongs to Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions about European Football and Global Expansion
To provide clarity and address common queries, here’s an FAQ section designed to give direct, concise answers:
Q: Why is there resistance to playing European football matches outside of Europe?
A: The core issue revolves around the importance of the European sports model, which prioritizes community, tradition, and fan loyalty. Moving games abroad undermines these values, potentially leading to reduced fan engagement and a loss of the unique atmosphere associated with European football. It is a case of integrity.
Q: What are the financial motivations behind playing games internationally?
A: Primarily, the goal is increased revenue access to new markets to boost revenue. Football organizations believe that playing games in countries like the United States or australia can lead to higher media rights values, greater sponsorship opportunities, and expanded merchandise sales.
Q: How do these decisions effect the fans?
A: Essentially, fans are deprived of seeing their teams play in person on a regular basis. This reduces community engagement, the tradition built around the home game experiance, and a fundamental part of their identity. Research, such as the survey cited from the Athletic, shows strong opposition among fans.
Q: What is the European sports model, and why is it important?
A: The European sports model is based on strong, community-oriented clubs, promoting principles like fan ownership, competitive balance, as well as sporting standards. It emphasizes the importance of local communities and the cultural significance of sport. Moving games outside Europe challenges these principles and jeopardizes the model’s efficacy.
Q: Are there any exceptions to this stance?
A: It is important to distinguish between national league games and other activities. The resistance is mainly against moving regular season matches of domestic leagues. International friendly matches and certain tournaments do not inherently violate the principle of keeping league play within Europe.
Q: What is the future of European football?
A: The European Commission is working on a vision for sport, “strengthening the European sports model,” with public consultation beginning this September. This will be a pivotal step in maintaining the integrity and community values of European football. The Commissioner aims to champion the rights of the fans.
Q: How can fans voice their concerns?
A: Fans can voice their concerns through their clubs, fan organizations, and by participating in the public consultation process led by the European Commission. Your voice matters in shaping the future of European football.
