UEFA’s Announcement and Player Reactions
In a recent announcement, UEFA confirmed that a match in the Serie A between AC Milan and Como will take place in Australia this February, sparking strong criticism from players and league officials alike.
Concerns Over Travel and Player Welfare
AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot expressed his frustration over the decision, particularly the challenges posed by a lengthy 20-hour flight to Perth, where the match is scheduled. Given that the time zone is six hours ahead of Italy, Rabiot described this scenario as “completely crazy,” especially as it falls during a vital phase of the football season.
League Officials Respond
Serie A’s CEO Luigi De Siervo responded to Rabiot’s comments, emphasizing that players like him, who command high salaries, should recognize their responsibilities in the sport. He noted that international events, such as the NFL, NBA, and major cycling tours, occur regularly overseas to enhance the visibility of their respective leagues. De Siervo pointed out the importance of strengthening the product rather than undermining it.
Financial Incentives vs. Player Welfare
Rabiot, speaking to the French newspaper Le Figaro, argued that the focus on financial incentives and league visibility undermines player welfare, labeling the situation as absurd.
He expressed concerns about the implications of such extensive travel for a match involving teams that are geographically close within Italy. The match on February 8 will take place away from Milan as San Siro stadium will be occupied for the Olympic opening ceremony just days before. De Siervo further urged Rabiot to appreciate the financial rewards he receives and to support his club’s endeavors in facilitating the match abroad.
UEFA’s Stance and Future Implications
Adding another layer to the discussion, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin described the decision to hold the Serie A match in Australia as “regrettable” and emphasized that it should not set a precedent for future events. Additionally, Roma’s president Dan Friedkin, who is involved with the European Football Clubs assembly, remained firm on the matter, declining to speculate whether similar events might take place at other NFL venues like AT&T Stadium in Texas in the future, while reiterating his support for UEFA’s initiatives.
Player Movements in Modern Football
Interestingly, Rabiot only joined AC Milan in September after leaving Marseille due to conflicts with teammate Jonathan Rowe, illustrating the dynamic nature of player movements in modern football.
