Real Madrid Unleashes Scathing Attack on Barcelona and La Liga Over Controversial Miami Match Plans
Real Madrid expressed their "strong opposition" to Barcelona and Villarreal's proposal to stage their December La Liga match in the United States.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) gave approval for plans to move the league encounter to Miami during a Monday, Aug. 12 meeting. However, Barcelona and Villarreal must still await authorization from both UEFA and FIFA before the fixture can officially take place at Hard Rock Stadium.
Despite the arrangements not being finalized, Real Madrid issued a club statement condemning the suggested proposal, arguing it "breaches the fundamental principle of territorial reciprocity" that governs La Liga.
Los Blancos claim Barcelona would gain an "unfair competitive edge" by facing Villarreal at a neutral venue rather than at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
"Unilaterally changing this system breaches equality among competitors, undermines the credibility of outcomes, and establishes an unacceptable precedent that opens pathways to exceptions driven by non-sporting interests, clearly impacting competitive integrity and threatening to corrupt the tournament," Real Madrid stated.
"Should this proposal be executed, its ramifications would be so severe that they would represent a watershed moment for global football."
Real Madrid proceeded to insist such a proposal should only advance with the "complete consensus of all teams" competing in La Liga.
The club confirms it has already submitted appeals to FIFA, UEFA and the Higher Sports Council to reject authorization for the match without the previously mentioned consent from the other 18 clubs in Spain's premier division.
"Real Madrid reaffirms its dedication to honoring the domestic and international regulations that ensure the fairness and proper operation of official tournaments, and will advocate for their enforcement before all relevant authorities," the club declared.
The pointed declaration represents the latest development in the rivalry between arch-enemies Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Real Madrid and La Liga.