🏆 Serie A CEO Says Players Forget They Earn Millions Rabiot Faces Backlash Over His Criticism of Overseas Match Plan
Overseas Match Sparks Debate
The football world is once again divided after the Serie A announced that a major league match will take place outside Italy. This decision, endorsed by UEFA, has triggered a fierce war of words between AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo. The issue is no longer just about one game—it’s about the soul of football itself.
UEFA’s decision marks the first time that an official Serie A fixture will be held in another continent. While some see it as an opportunity to globalize Italian football, others argue it undermines the sport’s traditions and the local fanbase that built it.
UEFA’s Exception and Global Expansion
UEFA’s 2025 initiative allows select European league games to be played abroad as part of a “Global Showcase” program. Among them, Milan vs Como will be staged in Australia, while La Liga’s Villarreal vs Barcelona is set for the United States.
Officials claim the goal is to strengthen global visibility, attract new sponsors, and increase broadcasting revenue. However, critics argue that this “internationalization” sacrifices the game’s authenticity for profit. Travelling teams, jet lag, and environmental impact have all become focal points of the debate.
Rabiot’s Outburst: “It’s Insane”
In a candid interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Rabiot expressed his frustration:
“It’s completely insane. Two Italian teams traveling all the way to Australia? It’s beyond logic. Of course, money is behind it, but players have no say in these decisions.”
His words resonated with fans who feel disconnected from a football industry driven increasingly by corporate interests. Supporters applauded his courage to speak up, saying he represents the growing frustration of players forced to endure long flights and exhausting schedules.
Serie A CEO Strikes Back
Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo didn’t hold back in his response, saying:
“He’s right—we make the decisions. But players like Rabiot should remember that they earn millions from this business. He should show respect to his club and to Serie A.”
His remarks fueled an even bigger debate. For many, De Siervo’s statement epitomizes the widening gap between players, executives, and fans. It’s a clash between football’s economic reality and its emotional roots.
Money Behind the Move
Reports indicate that Australia has offered around €12 million to host the Milan–Como match. After expenses, an estimated €8–9 million profit will be shared among the clubs and Serie A. This financial windfall is hard to ignore for a league that continues to trail behind the Premier League and La Liga in global revenue.
However, many Italian fans feel betrayed. Season ticket holders who have supported their teams for decades are losing the chance to attend matches they’ve already paid for. The sentiment among supporters is clear: “We are being priced out of our own game.”
Backlash Across Europe
Players and fan associations across Europe have voiced concern. Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong echoed Rabiot’s sentiment, calling the move “understandable, but not justifiable.” The international players’ union FIFPRO warned that long-haul travel increases fatigue and injury risk, calling for “immediate dialogue between players and league officials.”
Environmental groups have also criticized the concept, citing massive carbon footprints from transcontinental travel. What was meant as a global celebration of football has instead turned into a moral and logistical dilemma.
The Future of Football
At its core, this controversy raises a timeless question: Who truly owns football?
The fans who fill the stands every week? The players who give everything on the pitch? Or the executives who turn passion into profit?
As football continues its march toward globalization, the balance between business and culture becomes ever more fragile. Rabiot’s outburst and De Siervo’s reply are more than a disagreement—they’re a reflection of a sport at a crossroads.
Once an exception, overseas matches could soon become the norm. And when that happens, football may find itself asking whether global reach was worth losing its heart.
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