La Liga Scraps Miami Match After Player Backlash
La Liga has cancelled plans to stage Villarreal’s league clash with Barcelona in Miami, Florida, on 20 December, ending what would have been the first European top-flight match played outside the continent.
The decision follows weeks of protests from players and clubs, who accused the league of acting without proper consultation. Teams across Spain staged symbolic demonstrations last weekend, standing still for the first 15 seconds of their respective matches.
Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois was among the most outspoken critics, arguing: “La Liga does whatever it wants because it suits them. This decision distorts the competition.”
On Tuesday, 21 October, promoters issued a statement, citing “insufficient time” and “uncertainty in Spain” as reasons for withdrawing, while La Liga said it “deeply regrets” the setback to its international ambitions.
Barcelona accepted the decision but lamented the missed opportunity to expand the league’s profile in the United States, stating that it “regrets deeply” that American fans were denied an official fixture at home.
Villarreal manager Marcelino also condemned the timing of the announcement, made during his side’s Champions League 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, calling it “an absolute lack of respect.”
The match will now take place at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica in Spain.
Image Credit: Source
