The cancellation of La Liga’s much-anticipated Barcelona vs Villarreal match in Miami has stirred mixed reactions across Spanish football. While league president Javier Tebas lamented the decision as a “missed opportunity,” clubs, players, and fans largely celebrated what they saw as a victory for the integrity of the competition.
The December 20 fixture was set to make history as the first European league match ever played outside the continent, symbolizing La Liga’s efforts to expand its global footprint. However, the plan collapsed after the event’s promoter withdrew due to growing “uncertainty” within Spain over the idea. The match will now proceed as originally scheduled at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Cerámica.
Tebas expressed disappointment on social media, saying Spanish football had failed to “project itself globally and reinforce its future.” He viewed the Miami match as a gateway to new international markets and a chance to strengthen La Liga’s global profile.
Villarreal, however, voiced outrage over how the process was handled. The club condemned the timing of the cancellation announcement—made during their Champions League defeat to Manchester City—and criticized the league’s poor organization. They revealed that they were already considering withdrawing from the project due to unresolved logistical issues.
Resistance to the Miami venture had been growing steadily. The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) staged coordinated protests, with players standing still for 15 seconds at the start of every La Liga match to oppose the plan. Many players, including Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and captain Dani Carvajal, argued that holding the match abroad would “taint” the competition’s integrity.
Government authorities also weighed in. Spain’s Sports Council president, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes, said La Liga had failed to engage in the necessary dialogue before pursuing such a significant initiative. He emphasized that all stakeholders—including clubs, players, and fans—should have been consulted and stressed the importance of transparency and proper regulation for any future attempts.
Meanwhile, Football Supporters Europe hailed the cancellation as a “seismic victory” for fans worldwide, warning Italy’s Serie A to reconsider its own plans to play a match in Australia.
While Tebas insists the decision marks a setback for La Liga’s international ambitions, many within Spanish football believe it safeguards the sport’s authenticity and keeps the heart of the game firmly rooted in Spain.
