UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has kicked against the move by some top leagues to host domestic league games outside Europe.
Recall that Villarreal and Barcelona are keen to play in Miami in December, while AC Milan’s match against Como is set to be staged in Perth, Australia, in February.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ceferin said European football had the potential to be “unstoppable” and “eternal,” like the city of Rome, provided there was unity and inclusion.
“Football is not just about balance sheets. It’s not just entertainment. It’s life in our communities, the streets, the clubs and the fans which shape it.
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“If we pull it too far away from those roots we risk breaking it,” Ceferin told club officials at the European Football Clubs’ (formerly the European Club Association) general assembly in Rome.
“In uncertain times football is our anchor and gives us a common ground, a joy we can share. In good times and in bad, football is always there, reliable lasting – always there.
“When Europe faces great political, economic and social challenges we need something which holds us together. Football has that power and we must preserve it.
“I believe it will prosper and inspire. It will do so because we are strong.”
