The death of globalisation as an economic principle has been widely proclaimed given the reintroduction of tariffs as a political and economic weapon. However, it is alive and well in footall as is illustrated by the extensive involvement of US-based private equity firms in European football clubs. Europe may be finished in some American eyes, but its ‘soccer ball’ clubs remain world class. The ultimate test of globalisation in football would be the staging of a regular league match in another country, but so far all attempts have failed in the face of exist ing rules. Court challenges have been only partially successful. Plans to stage a Serie A game between Milan and Como in Perth, Australia have been abandoned, the league’s president and the government of Western Australia said in a joint statement on Monday. Many fans will no doubt be pleased, but those pushing this concept are not going to give up - and they have plenty of money to spe...