Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – La Liga, Spain’s top-tier football league, has officially cancelled its plan to stage the Barcelona vs Villarreal match in Miami in December.
The league announced the decision on Tuesday night, citing “the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks.”
The match was part of La Liga’s long-term effort to expand its reach in the U.S. market. However, the idea faced strong opposition from clubs, players, and institutions.
U.S.-based company Promoter Relevent, which partnered with La Liga on the project, said it had to call off the event because “there is insufficient time to execute an event of this scale properly.” It added, “it would also be irresponsible to begin selling tickets without a confirmed match in place.”
Real Madrid led the protest, sending two formal letters to Spain’s Higher Sports Council (CSD) rejecting the plan.
The club argued that holding a league match abroad would “adulterate the competition” and give certain teams unfair advantages.
Thibaut Courtois, Madrid’s goalkeeper, said: “They (LaLiga) put it in because it’s in their interest to do that and it adulterates the competition, plus it doesn’t comply with the players’ agreement.”
Villarreal was set to be the home team, but critics pointed out that the match would likely feel like a home game for Barcelona, given their large global fanbase.
Fans and players also protested during the latest round of La Liga matches. Supporters held banners reading “Our League, Our Home,” while players stood still for the first few seconds of each game.
La Liga expressed regret over the cancellation, calling the project “a historic and unparalleled opportunity for the international expansion of Spanish soccer.” The league insisted the plan met all regulations and did not harm competition integrity.
Despite the setback, La Liga said it will continue working to grow Spanish football globally, aiming to reach new markets while promoting a modern and competitive vision.
