UEFA will reluctantly not oppose the tradition-busting plans for Barcelona to play a league game in Miami and for AC Milan to feature in Australia, the European soccer body said on Monday.

Amid fierce opposition from fan groups across the continent, UEFA consent was a key step for La Liga’s plan to stage Villarreal vs. Barcelona in Miami Gardens, Florida on Dec. 20 and Serie A’s AC Milan vs Como in Perth in February.

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UEFA blamed a lack of clear rules from world soccer body FIFA to block the proposed games, which many fans see as a threat to cut teams’ ties to their home communities.

“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent,” UEFA Preside

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