AC Milan's upcoming Serie A clash with Como could set a new precedent in European football by becoming the first league match to be played abroad. The Italy's football federation (FIGC) has announced plans to host the fixture in Perth, Australia, in February. This move, however, hinges on the green light from several governing bodies, including FIFA, UEFA, Football Australia, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The FIGC has expressed a "positive opinion" on the proposal, stating, "This initiative could mark a historic moment for Serie A, taking a league match abroad for the first time." Yet, the federation acknowledges the complexity of the authorization process required to secure approval from all involved parties.

Challenges and Precedents FIFA's current regulations prohibit domestic league matches from being held outside their home countries. However, last year, FIFA established a working group to explore the possibility of changing these rules. This development comes after similar attempts by other leagues faced hurdles. For instance, La Liga's plan to host Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid in Miami was abandoned due to time constraints, and a proposed match between Barcelona and Girona in Miami was scrapped following opposition from Spain's football association and players' union.

Premier League's Stance In contrast, the Premier League has consistently stated it has no intentions to play games overseas, maintaining a traditional approach to league fixtures.

Potential Impact If approved, this match could open the door for more European leagues to consider international fixtures, potentially expanding the global reach and fan base of domestic football. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as this proposal moves through the necessary channels for approval.

For more updates on this groundbreaking development, stay tuned to the latest football news and podcasts.