ROME, 22 December 2025, 16:48 – The highly anticipated and equally controversial plan to stage the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, next February has been officially called off. This decision, announced on Monday, marks a significant reversal from previous statements by league officials.
Financial Risks and Complications Lead to Cancellation
A joint statement released by Serie A and the Government of Western Australia confirmed the cancellation. The statement highlighted several key factors contributing to the decision: “Both parties have come to this decision due to financial risks that could not be mitigated, onerous approval conditions, and last-minute complications beyond their control.”
The initial intention behind moving the game was to avoid a clash with the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place at the San Siro stadium on February 6. This move was part of a broader strategy by Serie A to expand its international reach and engage with a global fanbase.
Previous Optimism and Subsequent Disappointment
Just last week, Serie A President Ezio Simonelli had expressed confidence in the project, stating that the league was actively pursuing the plan to host the match on the other side of the world. However, the tone shifted dramatically with Monday’s announcement.
Simonelli conveyed his disappointment in the joint statement: “While expressing disappointment at the outcome of this project, we remain firmly convinced that this conclusion is a missed opportunity in the growth of Italian football at an international level, which also deprives the many Serie A fans abroad of the dream of attending a match of their favourite team in person.”
Player Opposition and Domestic Preferences
The proposal to play a Serie A match abroad had not been without its critics, particularly among the players. Several individuals had voiced their opposition to the idea. AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, for instance, had stated in October that he would have preferred the match to be played within Italy, underscoring a preference for traditional domestic venues.
The cancellation of the Perth match underscores the complexities involved in internationalizing domestic sports leagues, particularly when balancing commercial aspirations with logistical challenges and the preferences of key stakeholders, including players and fans.
