New Delhi: UEFA on Monday confirmed that it has ‘reluctantly’ approved Barcelona and AC Milan’s request to play one of their domestic fixtures abroad this season. The governing body of European football, however, made it clear that the decision is ‘exceptional’ and should not set a precedent going forward, as it remains against teams playing their domestic matches outside their respective countries.

UEFA’s approval clears the path for Barcelona to play their La Liga clash against Villarreal in Miami, USA, in December. Meanwhile, AC Milan will play their Serie A game against Como in Perth, Australia, in February next year. UEFA’s approval came after La Liga and Serie A put in separate requests for the particular matches to be played abroad.

The domestic matches in any league are played

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