AC Milan vs. Como Match in Australia Confirmed Amid Referee Controversy

The upcoming Serie A match between AC Milan and Como, scheduled for February 8, 2024, in Perth, Australia, has been confirmed to proceed as planned. Serie A president Ezio Maria Simoncelli announced that the match will feature Asian referees, addressing earlier concerns regarding officiating requirements set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Simoncelli stated, “Milan vs. Como will be played in Perth on February 8 as scheduled,” following discussions with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Doha.

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The match faced uncertainty due to the AFC's stipulation that foreign referees must officiate the game, a condition that raised concerns among Italian football officials. Simoncelli expressed skepticism about this requirement, emphasizing the trust in Italian referees. However, after discussions with Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Simoncelli received assurances regarding the quality of Asian referees, which ultimately led to the acceptance of the AFC's conditions.

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Simoncelli acknowledged the initial doubts regarding the AFC's requirements, particularly the foreign referee mandate, stating, “We didn’t feel like complying to this, let’s say, AFC request.” He highlighted the importance of ensuring high officiating standards for the match and expressed confidence in the Asian referees selected for the event.

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While the decision to use Asian referees has been accepted, it has not been without criticism. Some Italian football fans and officials have voiced concerns about the quality of officiating, fearing that foreign referees may not fully understand the nuances of Serie A matches. This sentiment reflects a broader apprehension regarding the implications of international officiating on domestic leagues.

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As the match date approaches, further organizational details will be finalized, including the selection of referees and logistical arrangements. The Serie A and AFC will continue to collaborate to ensure a successful event, aiming to enhance the visibility of Italian football in international markets.

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• “Milan vs. Como will be played in Perth on February 8 as scheduled,” — Ezio Maria Simoncelli, Serie A President

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• “Jonathan Moscrop/ "We had some doubts regarding certain conditions the AFC had set, which we considered impractical, especially regarding the referees.” — Ezio Maria Simoncelli, Serie A President

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