Milan-Como match in Australia still in doubt as pressure mounts on AFC and FIFA

Recent reports claim there are growing doubts over the feasibility of playing the Serie A match between Milan and Como in Australia, with suggestions that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are under increasing pressure to stop the game from going ahead. 

Earlier this month, UEFA granted permission for the Serie A match between the Rossoneri and Como, scheduled for February 8, to be played in Perth, Australia. Milan’s regular home, the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in San Siro, will be preoccupied with preparations for the Winter Olympics on that date, hence the search for a new venue. 

UEFA granted permission on a one-off basis for the Milan vs. Como match to be played in Australia, as they did with the proposed Villarreal vs. Barcelona match in Miami, a decision that has since been cancelled. 

In order for the Milan vs. Como match to be played in Australia, Serie A still required permission from the Australian FA, the AFC and from FIFA. 

According to reports from The Guardian, there is now mounting ‘external pressure’ on the AFC to stop the game from going ahead in Australia by refusing to grant permission. 

The Guardian also reports that there is a growing feeling within UEFA that the feasibility of playing Milan vs. Como in Australia is ‘receding’.