Plans to stage a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Perth have been abandoned, the league and the Western Australian government confirmed on Monday, citing sanctions and conditions imposed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The fixture was due to make history as the first major European domestic league match played outside its home country. However, organisers said the proposal collapsed because of mounting financial risks and last-minute complications.

“In light of an escalation of further and unacceptable requests made in the last few hours by the AFC to the Australian Football Federation and, consequently, to the Government of Western Australia and the Serie A Football League, it has become impossible to play the Milan–Como match in Perth on 8 February,” Serie A president Ezio Simonelli said in a statement.

The Italian Football Federation had approved Serie A’s request to move the February fixture after the San Siro became unavailable due to preparations for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. UEFA later gave reluctant approval for the plan in October.

Beyond logistical considerations, Serie A viewed the proposed match in Australia as an opportunity to expand its global profile, arguing that football should follow the lead of other sports such as cycling, the NFL and the NBA in hosting events abroad.

However, the project ran into difficulties when the AFC imposed a series of conditions, including taking responsibility for appointing match officials. Although Serie A said on 18 December that these issues had been resolved, further demands ultimately led to the cancellation.

The decision comes just two months after LaLiga scrapped plans to stage a league match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, following criticism and opposition within Spain.