Controversial FIFA rule change could see Newcastle United ditch St James’ Park for home games
Newcastle United have played home fixtures at St James’ Park since 1892
FIFA have given the green light for clubs to play domestic fixtures outside of their respective country in the coming years.
As it stands, leagues are prohibited from staging games internationally but La Liga have already signalled their intention to take fixtures worldwide by 2025. The FIFA council met in Bangkok on Wednesday and rubber-stamped changes that would allow leagues to contest matches on foreign territory.
Spanish clubs were also the most prominent supporters of the failed European Super League. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez called the controversial proposal “more necessary than ever” amid fears over Premier League sides pulling away financially.
The FIFA overhaul will ensure “adequate provision has been made for fans of the teams playing a proposed out-of-territory match to attend the match”. That has been criticised as vague given the logistical challenges for domestic fans to watch “home” matches abroad.
England fans have put up fierce resistance to any radical plans that would shake up the football ecosystem. The Super League fiasco caused uproar, with protests even resulting in a Manchester United vs Liverpool fixture being postponed.
There was also a backlash in 2008 when former Premier League chief Richard Scudamore suggested a 39th game to be played overseas. His successor, Richard Masters, has dismissed the idea of taking the top flight abroad.
Any notion of doing so will likely prove difficult once the football regulator is appointed. The thought of Newcastle United ditching St James’ Park to host home games internationally would be contentious.
Supporters are struggling to attend games as it is due to the high demand following the Saudi-backed takeover. Plans are being drafted to expand the iconic venue and co-owner Amanda Staveley criticised the Super League plans in 2021.