Javier Tebas Expresses Regret as Barcelona Versus Villarreal Fixture Will Remain in Spain
The ambitious plan to host a Spanish La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, USA, this December has been officially canceled. La Liga President Javier Tebas has strongly criticized the development, describing the reversal as a "missed opportunity" for Spanish football's global expansion.
The fixture, which was set to take place on December 20, would have marked the first time a European league match was played for points outside of the continent. The match will now proceed at its original venue, Villarreal's Estadio de la Cerámica.
Uncertainty Cited as Primary Reason for Cancellation
La Liga confirmed that their promotional partner for the planned event decided to call off the organization of the match due to the "uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks." This uncertainty stems from widespread backlash and institutional resistance the initiative faced almost immediately after it was announced.
President Javier Tebas used his social media platform (X) to express his deep regret over the failure to seize what he called a "historic opportunity." He argued that Spanish football had squandered a chance to significantly "develop, to project itself in the world and reinforce its future." Tebas has long championed the internationalization of the league, viewing matches abroad as a critical component of brand growth and increased revenue.
Backlash from Players and Rival Clubs
The concept of taking a domestic league game to the United States had been met with stern resistance from various influential stakeholders within Spanish football.
The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) organized protests the previous weekend, with players from every team participating by standing still for 15 seconds at the start of their respective league matches. Their concern centered on the disruptive nature of the match and the potential impact on player welfare and competitive integrity.
Furthermore, Spanish giants Real Madrid publicly opposed the plan on an institutional level. High-profile players also voiced their disapproval, with Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal stating that holding the game abroad would create "a stain" on the competition. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also asserted that playing the match in Miami would "adulterate the competition," suggesting it would unfairly affect the league table.
Tebas responded sharply to the dissenting voices, particularly those citing a concern for competitive integrity. He stated, "We are appealing to the 'integrity of the competition' from those who have been questioning this same integrity for years, putting pressure on referees and managers, constructing distorted narratives or using political and media pressure as a sporting tool." This pointed critique highlights the deep division and long-standing rivalries that underpinned the debate over the Miami fixture.