FIFA to Allow Only One Domestic League Match Abroad Per Season Under New Rules

FIFA is set to introduce new rules that would allow domestic football leagues to play only one official league match abroad per season, under fresh proposals designed to regulate the growing trend of exporting domestic fixtures.

The new framework, developed by a FIFA working group, also places strict limits on how often host countries can stage foreign league matches, capping them at five per year. The move is aimed at controlling the rapid expansion of overseas fixtures while addressing concerns around player welfare, competitive fairness, and commercial exploitation of global markets.

The proposals come after recent attempts by top European leagues to stage matches abroad sparked widespread debate. Spain’s La Liga had planned a fixture between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami, while Italy’s Serie A explored hosting AC Milan vs Como in Perth, Australia. Both matches were ultimately cancelled following resistance from stakeholders and logistical uncertainty.

Under the proposed system, any request to relocate a competitive league match would require approval from multiple governing bodies, including the national football association, regional confederation, and host association. FIFA would retain final veto power over all decisions.

Notably, domestic leagues themselves would not hold decisive authority, meaning national associations and clubs could theoretically approve overseas matches even without league consent—creating potential internal conflict within competitions.

FIFA is expected to assess each application based on several factors, including player workload, travel demands, and the distribution of financial benefits. Clubs would also need to guarantee that revenues are shared more widely across the game and that local fan access is not negatively impacted, including possible compensation or travel support.

A key driver behind the five-match annual limit for host nations is protecting domestic markets such as the United States, where Major League Soccer could face increased competition from European and South American leagues targeting commercial opportunities.

The issue has been shaped by years of legal and commercial tension, including a 2019 dispute involving promoter Relevent Sports, which challenged the blocking of a La Liga match in Miami. That legal battle was withdrawn in 2024, and the company has since worked alongside FIFA on the current proposals.

While no official timeline has been confirmed, FIFA hopes to implement the new rules as early as next season. A parallel framework is also being prepared to regulate future international club and cross-confederation competitions, ensuring tighter global oversight of matches played outside domestic borders.