AC Milan set for historic Serie A clash in Australia after UEFA 'green light'

The match is expected to take place on either 7 or 8 February at Optus Stadium, with the decision driven by the unavailability of San Siro, which will host the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on February 6.

UEFA confirmed earlier this week that the game can go ahead, describing the move as an "exceptional circumstance" rather than a precedent for future fixtures.

The ruling follows a similar decision allowing Barcelona to play Villarreal in Miami on 20 December 2025.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has voiced support for Milan's trip to Australia, provided that it complies with the game's regulations. 

Speaking at the European Club Association (ECA) General Assembly in Rome, Infantino said FIFA welcomed innovation, but insisted that structure and governance remained essential.

"In football, we have an international and national structure. It's a structure that has made football the number one sport in the world, but it's just one match," Infantino said.

"We want everyone to play wherever they want, but we want something with rules. Deregulation in this area doesn't help anyone."

The decision has sparked heated debate across the football world. AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot criticised the idea of staging domestic league matches abroad, calling it "completely crazy" and "absurd" due to the 20-hour flight and time zone challenges.

In response, Serie A chief executive Luigi de Siervo urged Rabiot to "respect his employer" and argued that such moves are part of football's evolution, helping to grow the league's global audience.

For Milan, the trip represents both a logistical challenge and a marketing opportunity, as the club looks to strengthen their global fan base while maintaining their domestic ambitions.