Amidst shifting tides in European football, a potential precedent has been set with Barcelona scheduled to face Villarreal in La Liga’s inaugural competitive match on American soil, sanctioned by UEFA to be held in Miami. This development has stirred concerns among Arsenal’s devoted fanbase, especially those who hold season tickets at the Emirates Stadium.
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has openly embraced this venture, highlighting the significant financial gains and enhanced connections with the club’s international supporters, particularly in the strategic U.S. market. “We are eager to reconnect with our fans across the United States,” Laporta stated. “An official match in a city like Miami, boasting a fervent Barça community, promises a thrilling spectacle, showcasing top-tier competition.”
However, UEFA maintains a clear stance against regularising such events. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin articulated concerns about shifting home matches abroad: “League matches should remain on home soil to preserve the loyalty of local fans and maintain competitive integrity. Allowing these Miami matches is an exception, not a template for future directives.”
For Arsenal, the prospect of playing home matches away from North London had been previously addressed by Josh Kroenke, the club’s co-chair and son of owner Stan Kroenke. During a 2021 Fan Forum in the wake of the Super League’s collapse, Kroenke reassured fans regarding Arsenal’s home fixture policy. When pressed about competitive matches being held outside London, Kroenke affirmed, “I can guarantee that won’t happen while KSE owns Arsenal.”
The Gunners remain committed to connecting with their global fanbase, embarking on pre-season tours across Asia and the United States. However, the club’s policy on maintaining domestic fixtures at the Emirates remains resolute, promising to keep Arsenal’s spirit firmly rooted in North London.