LIGA MX
América prohibited from playing Liga MX games in the United States
With the hope of shifting some home games across the northern border, we are reminded of the 2020 FIFA decision.
In light of the possibility that Club América’s board was considering scheduling its home matches in venues in the United States, it’s worth noting that the current FIFA regulations explicitly prohibit official league matches from being held in any other location apart from the home country of the participating teams.
LaLiga and Premier League pushed FIFA move
This prohibition was reaffirmed by the highest governing body of international football as a result of the persistent interest of a business group to organize LaLiga matches, the Spanish football league, in the city of Miami. At that time, amid the growing interest in staging matches like Barcelona vs Girona and Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal in Miami - as well as the English Premier League also eyeing increased exposure - the issue gained such significance that FIFA authorities had to intervene to address the insistence of this group in organizing these matches.
Regarding the Spanish football situation, it’s worth mentioning that initially, the initiative was rejected by both the United States Soccer Federation and the Spanish Football Federation before it was forwarded to FIFA. The matter was then discussed by FIFA’s Stakeholder Committee, comprising federations, leagues, players, confederations, and FIFA members. Subsequently, it was presented to the governing council of the world football’s governing body, who ultimately confirmed the decision to formally prohibit official league matches from taking place outside their respective home territories. This decision effectively thwarted LaLiga’s plan to host a league match in Miami.
América look to force majeure
This brings us to more recent developments, where the board of Club América has been contemplating scheduling their matches in the US starting from January next year. A highly credible source with knowledge of such matters informed AS that, following the match between Boca Juniors and River Plate in Spain in 2018, questions began being asked in Mexican football about this possibility. However, the Mexican Football Federation authorities dismissed this option at that time, citing FIFA’s regulatory constraints.
Nevertheless, in the current scenario, Club América has the possibility of referring this decision to the Liga MX Owners Assembly as a force majeure situation, especially given the upcoming renovation of their stadium for the 2026 World Cup. In the event that the Owners Assembly approves this request, it is, as of now, unofficially suggested that they may seek the intervention of the Mexican Football Federation to submit an official petition to FIFA for a thorough review and a final determination on the matter.