LaLiga Cancels Barcelona vs. Villarreal Match Scheduled to Take Place in Miami
LaLiga has announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated match between Barcelona and Villarreal, originally scheduled for December 20 in Miami. The decision comes in light of growing uncertainty surrounding the event, as well as significant player backlash against LaLiga’s move to host a league game outside of Spain.
In a statement released on Tuesday, LaLiga expressed regret over the cancellation, describing the match as a “historic and unparalleled opportunity for the international expansion of Spanish soccer.” The league emphasized that the project had complied with all necessary regulations and would have enhanced the global presence of Spanish clubs in the lucrative U.S. market.
However, the announcement follows intense protests from players across the league. Many voiced their discontent with LaLiga’s decision to stage a match in North America, staging symbolic protests during recent league matches. In one notable demonstration, players refused to kick off for the first few seconds of their games, signaling their opposition to the Miami match. This protest was notably highlighted during the game between Real Oviedo and Espanyol, where LaLiga’s video feed cut away to an exterior shot of the stadium rather than focusing on the protest.
LaLiga’s player union issued a statement condemning the league for its “lack of transparency, dialogue, and coherence” regarding the decision to play a match in the United States. The players’ concerns reflect broader issues within the league, as the decision to host a game abroad was met with resistance from various quarters, including Real Madrid, Barcelona’s chief rival.
The cancellation also alleviates potential logistical challenges for Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, which is slated to host college football playoff games on December 19 and 20. With the Miami Hurricanes currently ranked No. 9 and in contention for the playoffs, the cancellation of the soccer match avoids a scheduling conflict that could have complicated arrangements for both events.
