Serie A Eyes U.S. Soil: A Bold Move in American Ownership
ROME (AP) — Serie A, Italy’s top-flight soccer league, is taking a bold step forward by aiming to be the first major European league to play a regular-season game in the United States. This ambitious plan, announced by Italian league president Ezio Simonelli, comes at a time when nine of the 20 Serie A teams are under American ownership, highlighting the growing influence of American investors in European soccer.
The American Influence in Serie A
Elected just two months ago, Simonelli is well aware of the significant role American ownership plays in the league. "This is a market that we count on a lot. We have nine clubs under American ownership and one Canadian, so I also need to thank them since they elected me," he said during an event in New York. The American-owned clubs include Atalanta, Fiorentina, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Parma, Roma, Venezia, and Hellas Verona. Bologna is owned by Canadian Joey Saputo. This influx of American investment has not only brought financial stability to these clubs but has also infused new energy and strategic vision into the league.
U.S. Standouts in Serie A
Serie A is also a home to several U.S. soccer standouts, including Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Weston McKennie (Juventus), and Timothy Weah (Juventus). These players are not only key contributors to their respective teams but also serve as bridges between American and European soccer, fostering a deeper connection between the two footballing cultures.
Breaking Barriers: FIFA’s Policy Review
The idea of playing a Serie A game in the United States is not without its challenges. FIFA, the global governing body of soccer, has traditionally blocked domestic league games from being played in other countries. However, last year, FIFA moved toward ending this decades-old tradition by ordering a review of its policy. "Holding a game abroad also requires authorization by the local league so we need to make an agreement in that regard," Simonelli explained. This change in FIFA’s stance opens up new possibilities and could pave the way for Serie A to lead the charge in globalizing European soccer.
Successful Precedents and Future Plans
Serie A has a history of playing significant matches abroad. The Italian Super Cup, for instance, has been held in various international locations, including Saudi Arabia. Other European leagues, such as the Spanish La Liga, have also attempted to hold games in the United States, but without success. Simonelli’s vision is to learn from these attempts and ensure that Serie A’s plan is well-executed and sustainable. "We are considering timeframes that would work for this. We want to be the first league to set up an event like this in the United States," he emphasized.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Global Soccer
The timing of Serie A’s plan is particularly strategic, given that the United States is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico. This event, along with the increasing popularity of soccer in the U.S., presents a golden opportunity for Serie A to expand its reach and strengthen its ties with American fans. Additionally, the upcoming Club World Cup, which will feature Inter and Juventus, will further enhance the league’s profile in the United States. As Serie A continues to explore new horizons, the potential for a regular-season game in the U.S. could mark a significant milestone in the global evolution of soccer.
