Barcelona Makes History as La Liga Defies Controversial UEFA Ruling
FC Barcelona and Villarreal are set to make history by competing in the inaugural La Liga fixture on American territory at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 20, as announced by the league on Wednesday.
This marks an unprecedented moment as a La Liga encounter will occur beyond Spain's borders for the very first time. The initiative to stage a competitive fixture in America has been developing for an extended period. Rather than taking place at Villarreal's home venue Estadio de la Cerámica, the Miami Dolphins' stadium will serve as the backdrop for this groundbreaking encounter.
La Liga issued an official announcement on Wednesday confirming this decision, with both club presidents expressing their enthusiasm about this landmark occasion for Spanish football.
"We're eager to reconnect with all our supporters in the United States and express our gratitude to La Liga for providing this chance to engage with one of the club's key strategic territories," stated Barcelona president Joan Laporta. "We've been touring the country for numerous years and have consistently experienced the enthusiasm that Barcelona generates.
"For Villarreal, this represents a landmark chance to continue our growth and gain exposure in such a significant nation as the United States," commented Villarreal president Fernando Roig Alfonso. "Through this venture, we'll connect with supporters from various regions globally and can further develop both the club's and La Liga's presence. We're optimistic this will prove to be an exceptional experience."
Tebas: A Historic Step
Following UEFA's reluctant approval of La Liga's ambition to stage a match abroad just two days prior, Javier Tebas's vision came to fruition.
Tebas, La Liga's president, addressed the Sports Summit 2025 conference on Wednesday in the United States, where he revealed the date for the first-ever La Liga match in America. The league's official announcement followed shortly after.
"Through this fixture, we achieve a momentous milestone that elevates La Liga and Spanish football to unprecedented heights," Tebas declared in the statement.
The prospect of staging a La Liga match in America has faced significant opposition and criticism in Spain since its initial proposal in 2018. Tebas ensured he acknowledged these concerns in his statement.
"We acknowledge and honor the reservations this decision may create, but it's crucial to view it in perspective: this represents just one match out of the 380 that comprise the season. This fixture specifically aims to bring our football closer to an international audience while maintaining our dedication to those who attend matches at Spanish stadiums every matchday."
However, criticism of the Miami fixture hasn't come solely from supporters—players have also voiced their opposition. The Spanish Association of Soccer Players [AFE] issued a statement endorsed by all 20 team captains condemning the match in August.
Following La Liga's official confirmation of the game, AFE arranged a meeting with the league and all 20 captains to address the matter, according to SPORT.