Villareal and Barcelona are set to face each other in the United States on 20 December
The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) is not backing down from its opposition to La Liga’s decision to stage December’s Villarreal-Barcelona match in Miami.
The fixture is significant because it will be the first European competitive league game played overseas. The move has faced serious criticism from supporters and footballing organisations across the continent.
La Liga insists its plans are important for the future of the game, but AFE president David Aganzo refused to accept that, while also calling out the league for putting player welfare at risk.
“If it’s as special as La Liga say, why is no other club celebrating it other than Barcelona and Villarreal?” Aganzo asked. “I have not seen any statements celebrating it.
“I can’t guarantee it will go ahead. It’s the players that play these games. Football is improving, but the conditions have to as well. We have to protect the players.”
Aganzo said he had requested a meeting with La Liga and the captains of all 20 clubs in the Spanish top flight on Tuesday, to discuss the issue, but La Liga representatives claimed they were unable to attend.
“We wanted some transparency and respect towards the players,” said Aganzo.
“More than just taking a game to another country, we wanted to know if the collective bargaining agreement was being fulfilled.
“We need to know the details surrounding the journey, the working conditions. We want information from La Liga.”
Besides player welfare, another major reason that opponents of the move are citing is that it will distort the balance of the competition and potentially give some sides an unfair advantage. At the elite level, even a tiny advantage can make a huge difference.
“Of course it [distorts the competition],” said Aganzo. “The players also think that.
“Villarreal have a better chance at home. Outside Spain, the top clubs have much more fans. It will be as if Barcelona are at home.”
