Serie A President Simonelli Addresses Milan-Como Match in Saudi Arabia & Potential Evening Game Changes
Table of Contents
Luigi Simonelli, President of Serie A, recently discussed the upcoming match between Milan and como potentially being played in Saudi Arabia, as well as proposals for shifting match schedules to later evening times. His statements reveal a complex situation involving international expansion, fan considerations, and broadcasting agreements.
Serie A’s International expansion: The Milan-Como Match
The possibility of playing the Milan-Como match on February 8th in Saudi Arabia is contingent on a response from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).Simonelli stated the League is currently awaiting this response and is not proactively acting until it receives it. He emphasized that the decision was a collective one,made during an assembly,and avoided attributing “paternity” to any single individual.
While acknowledging the potential disappointment for fans unable to attend the match live, Simonelli framed the move as a historic prospect. He highlighted that Serie A would be the first major world football league to play a competitive match abroad, generating significant global media attention. https://www.football-italia.net/simonelli-on-milan-como-saudi-arabia-and-evening-kick-offs/
Proposed Evening Match Times: Balancing Fan Experience & Broadcasting
Simonelli also addressed his suggestion to move Serie A match start times to 8:00 PM local time. He initially proposed this in an interview, citing benefits for teams, journalists, and television broadcasters, allowing for more in-depth post-match analysis. He also considered the impact on younger fans who may have school the following day.
However, Simonelli acknowledged the practical challenges.Serie A has existing broadcasting rights agreements that stipulate matches be played at 8:45 PM until 2029. He expressed skepticism about implementing changes before the expiration of these contracts, stating he wouldn’t be pleased with disrupting the current format. This is due to the existing financial commitments tied to the current broadcasting schedule.
Key Takeaways:
* Saudi Arabia Match: The Milan-Como match in saudi Arabia is pending approval from the Asian Football Confederation.
* Collective Decision: The decision to explore playing matches abroad was a league-wide decision, not driven by a single individual.
* Evening Kick-Offs: While Simonelli supports later match times, current broadcasting contracts make immediate changes unlikely.
* Broadcasting Rights: Existing broadcasting agreements until 2029 heavily influence Serie A’s scheduling flexibility.
Looking Ahead
Serie A’s exploration of international markets and scheduling adjustments reflects a broader trend in professional sports – seeking new revenue streams and expanding global reach. While the immediate future appears constrained by existing contracts, the league’s willingness to consider innovative approaches suggests further changes might potentially be on the horizon. The success of the potential saudi Arabia match will likely be a key factor in determining future international ventures.