Barcelona and Villareal backing the move but Spanish players’ union slams lack of consultation with key stakeholders
La Liga president Javier Tebas has confirmed that the proposed match between Villarreal and Barcelona in the United States will go ahead, describing it as “practically finalised”. It will be played on 20 December.
Villarreal had originally been due to host the Spanish champions at their home ground, Estadio de la Ceramica, but the match is now scheduled for Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The move was given the green light after Uefa and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) both approved the move. It is understood that it will also require final authorisation from Fifa and Concacaf, the governing body for North and Central America.
Tebas described the decision as a “historic step”, saying it would bring Spanish football closer to its growing international audience.
Villareal confirmed that compensation will be offered to season-ticket holders unable to attend the relocated match.
“We know that playing this game away from home will impact on our season-ticket holders, which is why we are implementing meaningful, concrete measures to compensate them,” said Villarreal president Fernando Roig.
Barcelona have also backed the plan. President Joan Laporta called the fixture “an opportunity to get closer to one of the club’s key strategic markets”.
Laporta said: “As a global club with millions of supporters around the world, this opportunity strengthens our commitment to our international fan base, especially in a key market like the US.”
Opposition to the move has not ceased, with the Spanish players’ union (AFE) criticising the lack of consultation of important stakeholders.
“Holding a domestic competition match outside of Spain entails changes at the sporting level and in relation to workers’ rights,” AFE said in a statement.
“Therefore, we understand that a project of this nature requires consensus and prior agreement with all football stakeholders and, fundamentally, with the main stakeholders, the players.”
