FIFA to ban Barcelona’s overseas La Liga plans

FIFA is poised to disrupt FC Barcelona’s ambitious plans, casting doubt on the club’s innovative push to take La Liga beyond Spanish borders

Gianni Infantino, fifa president
Image Credits: gettyimages

FIFA is poised to disrupt FC Barcelona’s ambitious plans, casting doubt on the club’s innovative push to take La Liga beyond Spanish borders

From sold-out pre-season tours to electrifying Champions League performances, like their recent clash against Paris Saint-Germain, the Blaugrana have mastered the art of expanding their reach.

With financial pressures lingering despite a €1 billion revenue year, Barcelona’s innovative strategies—such as hosting fan events in the U.S.—have bolstered their coffers and fanbase.

Yet, their latest ambition to push La Liga’s boundaries has sparked a firestorm, threatening to reshape how the club navigates its commercial future.

FIFA is set to impose a ban on overseas league games, which would directly impact Barcelona’s agreement to stage a La Liga match in the USA, as reported by Goal.

The move, part of a broader clampdown alongside AC Milan’s similar plans for Australia, aims to preserve the sanctity of domestic competitions.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino views these “jet-setting” fixtures as a risk to football’s traditional home-soil ethos, potentially alienating local fans and complicating logistics.

Barcelona’s plan, eyed for 2026, promised €10-15 million in revenue, a lifeline amid financial fair play constraints.

Barcelona’s push for a U.S. game reflects their need to tap into the growing American market, where their brand—fueled by stars like Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski—draws millions.

The club sees it as a natural extension of their global tours, which pack stadiums from Miami to Los Angeles.

However, critics argue that overseas matches dilute La Liga’s authenticity, with jet lag and neutral venues undermining competitive fairness.

Smaller clubs, unable to afford such ventures, face further marginalization.

FIFA’s looming ban, expected by mid-2026, forces Barcelona to rethink its strategy.

A shift to neutral-site friendlies or enhanced U.S. pre-season tours could maintain revenue streams without breaching regulations.

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