LaLiga Stars Reject Spain’s Plan to Stage Barcelona Match in the US
LaLiga Players Reject Proposal to Hold Barcelona Match in the US
The captains of all LaLiga teams have collectively opposed a recent proposal to relocate Barcelona’s upcoming fixture against Villarreal to the United States. The plan, approved earlier this month by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), is awaiting further approval from UEFA and FIFA.
If approved, Barcelona’s squad, led by coach Hansi Flick, would travel to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium for an away match. However, this move has faced strong resistance from players’ representatives.
Following a meeting on Thursday with the captains of all 20 LaLiga clubs, the Spanish players’ association (AFE) voiced their opposition, citing a lack of transparency and dialogue from the RFEF regarding the plan. The AFE emphasized that the decision to play a league game abroad, especially involving travel outside Spain, was made without proper consultation.
A statement from the AFE read: “Backed by all team captains, we oppose holding a league match outside Spain.”
Upcoming Fixture Challenges
The Villarreal and Barcelona match is scheduled for December 21. However, the fixture might be rescheduled due to conflicts with the NFL calendar, as the Miami Dolphins are also slated to play at the same stadium that day. Additionally, the Spanish Cup’s round-of-32 matches are set for mid-December, adding complexity to scheduling.
Historical Attempts and Industry Reactions
LaLiga has previously attempted to host matches abroad, including proposals in 2018 and 2019 involving teams like Girona, Atlético Madrid, and Villarreal. These initiatives faced similar opposition from RFEF and FIFA.
The relationship between LaLiga and the RFEF has reportedly improved since those earlier initiatives. While FIFA remains cautious, the move toward staging domestic matches internationally has gained momentum. Notably, US event promoter Relevent, founded by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, settled a lawsuit with FIFA and the US Soccer Federation over restrictions on foreign league matches, potentially easing barriers for such international fixtures.