Como FC has released an official statement regarding the controversial decision to play their Serie A match against AC Milan in Perth, Australia next February. The club argues that while the move may require “sacrifice”, it is necessary for the “greater good” and future of Italian football.
The match was originally scheduled to be played at San Siro in Milan, but the stadium will be in use for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on that date. UEFA has granted one-time permission for the game to be played abroad, though they maintain league matches should normally be played domestically.
In their statement, Como addressed criticisms of the decision, saying:
“We understand this may demand sacrifices in convenience and routine. Yet sometimes sacrifice is essential, not for individual benefit but for the greater good, for growth, and for the survival of the league itself.”
The club cited the need to grow Serie A`s global audience and revenues, pointing to the Premier League`s massive international broadcast deals as an example of what Italian football needs to compete with. Como argued that without adaptation, Serie A risks falling further behind financially and losing top talent.
The statement concluded:
“Our goal is clear. We want to restore Serie A to the glory it enjoyed in the 1990s, when Italian football was the most watched, most respected, and most loved league in the world. To achieve that, we must evolve, unite, and make Serie A the talk around the globe again.”
Como said they view the match as a “statement of intent” to reconnect global audiences with Italian football. The club is inviting 50 fans to travel to Australia as “ambassadors” for the event.
While controversial, the decision reflects growing pressure on European leagues to expand their international reach and revenues in order to remain competitive in the global football landscape.
Rohan Chatterjee