Opposition to relocation of competitive domestic matches abroad.

At its fortnightly meeting last night, the Football Supporters Association Australia (FSAA) Committee voted unanimously to formally support the principled opposition of Football Supporters Europe, the Independent Supporters Council (USA), and the Federación de Accionistas y Socios del Fútbol Español (Spain) to the relocation of domestic league matches abroad.

The FSAA firmly believes that domestic league fixtures are intrinsically linked to their home territories, serving as the heartbeat of local communities and the foundation of sporting integrity.

In addition to the fundamental reasons already clearly stated by Football Supporters Europe, the FSAA Committee expressed its own deep concerns, some based on recent precedent.

We have cited our own experience here in Australia, including the controversial decision to move the A-League Grand Finals to a neutral venue at the whim of a corporate partnership.

This move was met with widespread criticism and anger from local suppporters, ultimately leading to the reversal of the decision – a clear testament to the importance of local connection, integrity and sporting merit for supporters.

We also express significant concern that the timing of these proposed marquee fixtures in Australia would be to the substantial detriment of our own professional domestic season.

Such relocations risk overshadowing and devaluing local competitions and by understanding the perspective of local supporters, we would not wish for our own local clubs to adopt such overseas ventures at the expense of loyal, local members and supporters.

The FSAA Committee remains steadfastly committed to the core values of integrity and proper sporting merit.

We believe that proposals to move domestic league matches abroad fundamentally do not align with these essential principles, undermining the very essence of domestic club football and set a dangerous precedent for the future of our domestic competitions.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Football Supporters Europe, under the exemplary leadership of Ronan Evain, for its ongoing leadership, tireless advocacy, and unwavering work in protecting the true essence of the game for supporters worldwide.