FSG receive answer to controversial Liverpool dream as UEFA release blunt statement

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UEFA president Aleksandr Ceferin has issued a warning to governing bodies such as the Premier League against playing matches overseas following claims from Liverpool chairman Tom WernerUEFA have reiterated their opposition to domestic league games being played abroad in light of controversial claims previously made by Liverpool chairman Tom Werner. President of the governing body Aleksandar Ceferin warned that playing overseas would "disenfranchise loyal match-going fans".The American chief has previously stated that he was "determined" to see English top-flight football matches played in New York, as well as fixtures being moved to different parts of the world.

Italy and Spain's football federations have both unveiled plans to stage matches in Australia and the United States, which would see AC Milan take on Como in Australia and Barcelona face Villarreal in Miami.Monday's announcement from UEFA saw permission granted for the respective Serie A and La Liga fixtures to be played overseas but described the decision as "regrettable" as Ceferin offered a blunt warning to supporters.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk called out in 'worrying' Liverpool dressing room claimREAD MORE: Alexander Isak plan revealed as manager fires dig at Newcastle after Liverpool transfer“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions," he said. "Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns."I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue.“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent."Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment."In their statement UEFA added: "UEFA has today reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country."After the meeting of its Executive Committee in Tirana last month, UEFA undertook further consultations with stakeholders to assess the extent of the implications of the issue, following the applications it received from the Spanish and Italian national football associations."That consultation confirmed the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions around the concept of domestic league matches being relocated abroad."However, given that the relevant FIFA regulatory framework – currently under review – is not clear and detailed enough, the UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it."UEFA will actively contribute to the ongoing work led by FIFA to ensure that future rules uphold the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their supporters and local communities."In parallel, all UEFA national associations confirmed their commitment to engage with UEFA before submitting any future requests.

In doing so, they voiced their collective determination to safeguard the wider interests of European football."The 75-year-old Werner was appointed Liverpool chairman in 2010 and was at the helm as the Reds transformed their fortunes from mid-table mediocrity to champions of England. Werner's expression of interest to stage Premier League matches overseas drew criticism, while Liverpool's principle owner John W Henry distanced himself from the idea.Speaking to the Financial Times in 2024, Werner said: "I’m determined one day to have a Premier League game be played in New York City."I even have the sort of crazy idea that there would be a day where we play one game in Tokyo, one game a few hours later in Los Angeles, one game a few hours later in Rio, one game a few hours later in Riyadh and make it sort of a day where football, where the Premier League, is celebrated.”