Barcelona vs Villareal – UEFA Clears La Liga Match to be Played in USA

For Barcelona, the trip to Miami is seen as a major marketing opportunity and a step towards globalising La Liga’s brand — but for many supporters, it’s a worrying sign of football drifting further from its roots.

Barcelona’s La Liga game against Villarreal will be played in Miami on December 20 after UEFA officially approved the Spanish federation’s request.

The decision marks the first time a La Liga fixture will be staged outside Spain, despite UEFA’s long-standing opposition to such ventures. The European football body also approved a similar request from Italy, allowing AC Milan to face Como in Perth, Australia.

🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Van Basten: “Why on earth is Villarreal vs Barcelona played in the USA? What are we doing? Is this a comedy show?

“IT’S COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS. And it’s cheating too btw! For me this translates to the complete bankruptcy of La Liga.

“UEFA HAS TO STOP THIS FROM… pic.twitter.com/Y2FCohlZcA

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 7, 2025

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said the decision was made with reluctance. “League matches should be played at home. Anything else would deprive loyal fans of their rights and could distort the competitions,” he said.

“Although it is regrettable that we have had to allow these two matches to take place, this decision is exceptional and must not be seen as a precedent,” he added.

UEFA admitted that while there is “little overall support” for league games abroad, FIFA’s current regulations — which are under review — lack clarity, leaving the body no choice but to approve the applications on an exceptional basis.

“UEFA will actively contribute to the work being undertaken by FIFA to ensure that future regulations protect the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their fans, and their local communities,” the organisation said.