Villarreal vs Barcelona Could Be Played in Miami Amid Growing Backlash
It’s not every day that a top-tier European league game is set to cross the Atlantic, but that’s exactly what’s on the table right now. La Liga has been working behind the scenes to make history by staging a league fixture in the United States — and the match in question is no small one. The December showdown between Villarreal and Barcelona, originally scheduled for December 21 at La Cerámica in Spain, has been proposed to take place instead at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
The idea moved a step closer when the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) gave its approval and announced that it would forward the request to UEFA, which would then seek FIFA’s authorization. If given the green light, it would mark the first time a European top-flight league match is officially played on U.S. soil.
Also Read:- Commonwealth Bank Profits Surge to $10.25b Amid Economic Recovery
- Disney+ Pulls the Plug on “Goosebumps” After Two Seasons
However, the reaction in Spain has been far from universally positive. Supporters’ groups, led by FASFE — the Federation of Shareholders and Members of Spanish Football — have condemned the plan as “shameful.” Their main argument is that shifting a domestic league match abroad undermines the integrity of the competition and robs local season ticket holders of a game they’ve already paid to attend. Calls have even been made for Spain’s High Sports Council, a government body, to step in and stop the move.
The controversy doesn’t end with the fans. According to reports, La Liga’s own club captains — including Marc-André ter Stegen of Barcelona and Dani Parejo of Villarreal — were only informed of the proposal after it became public. The Spanish Players’ Association (AFE) has voiced serious concerns, not necessarily about the idea of playing abroad in principle, but about the lack of information given to them beforehand. They’ve requested details on rest periods, playing conditions in Miami, insurance coverage, and the financial distribution from TV rights. Without these assurances, the AFE has hinted it could veto the plan entirely.
The situation has created tension between La Liga officials, the RFEF, and the players’ union. Meetings have reportedly been tense, with the AFE claiming that no proper consultation was made before the vote to advance the proposal. As it stands, the decision now lies with UEFA and FIFA, who must assess whether to approve the move.
Supporters and critics alike are watching closely. For some, this is an exciting chance to grow La Liga’s global reach, especially in the massive U.S. market. For others, it’s a worrying precedent — one that could open the door to domestic leagues selling off key fixtures to foreign venues at the expense of loyal local fans. Whether Villarreal vs Barcelona will indeed light up the Miami night in December or remain on Spanish soil is a question still hanging in the air, and the clock is ticking on the decision.
Read More:
0 Comments