UEFA has given the green light for both a LaLiga and a Serie A fixture to be staged outside Europe — a landmark move for domestic football competitions.

Barcelona’s clash with Villarreal is set to take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on December 20, marking the first official European league match ever played abroad. Meanwhile, AC Milan will face Como in Perth, Australia, as part of Serie A’s international expansion.

Speaking at the World Football Summit in Madrid on Wednesday, Spanish Football Federation president Pedro Rocha Louzán described the initiative as a gesture of appreciation to international supporters.

“It is a reward for those fans who are behind the screen — in Asia or America — who pay to watch all the LaLiga matches,” Louzán said.

“It’s a gesture for them. It’s good for football and helps promote the Spanish league around the world. Italy is also following suit with Serie A in Australia.”

The decision marks a significant moment in European football’s globalization efforts, as top leagues look to strengthen their international presence and connect more closely with overseas fan bases.