In an ambitious move that reflects the evolving landscape of global football, Serie A is considering hosting regular-season matches in the United States over the next three years. Michele Ciccarese, the league’s commercial and marketing director, has articulated the potential for this plan, indicating that the landscape is conducive to such international ventures. With growing interest from various European leagues in establishing their presence in lucrative overseas markets, Serie A might find itself at the forefront of this trend.
Ciccarese’s remarks come on the heels of a significant legal development involving Relevent, a New York-based company managed by NFL owner Stephen Ross. The settlement of a long-standing antitrust lawsuit with FIFA has opened up the possibility for leagues to explore playing matches outside their home countries. While FIFA has yet to revise its policies formally, a re-evaluation shows promise for future endeavors, especially for Serie A.
The Legal Landscape: Complex Yet Promising
Despite the advances, obstacles remain. The conflict between Relevent and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) illustrates the complex legal terrain that must be navigated for Serie A’s ambitions to materialize. The USSF’s previous adherence to FIFA’s regulations has limited its sanctioning of only exhibition matches in the U.S., making Serie A’s proposed shift to regular-season games a groundbreaking move, pending legal clearances.
Ciccarese noted the intricate approval process involved in bringing these matches to fruition. With the need to gain the backing of the Italian Football Federation, UEFA, and ultimately FIFA, the timeline for Serie A’s debut in the U.S. is still uncertain. Ciccarese sets an optimistic yet cautious projection of a one-to-two-year window for these games but underscores the necessity of devising an effective strategy that also considers local community sentiment.
The move to play matches abroad is not without precedent. The NFL has successfully hosted games in London, the latest indicator of a paradigm shift in how sports leagues perceive international engagement. Serie A aims to capitalize on this emerging trend, with Ciccarese acknowledging the potential upsides. “If you look at the NFL, they’re playing in Germany, they’re playing in London, and they’re going to play in Australia,” he said. This statement underscores that the sports world is increasingly recognizing the commercial potential of international markets.
Spain’s LaLiga, often seen as a rival, has similarly explored hosting matches abroad, but it has faced significant pushback from its own federation. Javier Tebas, LaLiga’s president, has voiced his vision of taking Spanish football to the U.S., yet regulatory hurdles remain a significant barrier. This context reveals that Serie A might have the opportunity to lead the pack in realizing such internationally based games as LaLiga continues to grapple with local opposition.
A pivotal consideration in this international endeavor is the response of fans back in Italy. Ciccarese expressed a poignant awareness of the domestic reaction, acknowledging that hosting serious league matches outside the country could be contentious among loyal supporters. “We need the support of the clubs and the fans,” he noted, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between expanding the league’s global appeal and maintaining its traditional roots.
Moreover, players’ workloads also pose a challenge. Serie A teams feature a packed schedule that includes domestic leagues, knockout cups, and international tournaments. Ciccarese emphasized the need for a thorough strategy, indicating that a miscalculation could overwhelm not only the teams but also the players involved.
As Serie A inches toward potentially playing regular-season matches in the U.S., it stands on the brink of significant change. While the challenges are substantial, so are the opportunities for revenue generation and global engagement. With Ciccarese advocating for taking calculated risks, the coming years could be pivotal for Italian football on the international scene.
Ultimately, whether Serie A paves the way for a new era of international football or becomes ensnared in the complexities of legal and fan-based opposition remains to be seen. For now, the league’s intentions signal an ambition to broaden its horizons—an ambition worth watching closely as it unfolds.