Spanish League Cancels Barcelona’s Miami Match
The Spanish soccer league has cancelled plans for Barcelona to play a regular-season match against Villarreal in Miami. The game was scheduled for December 20 but faced mounting opposition in Spain.
Decision to Cancel Barcelona’s Miami Match
La Liga announced that the cancellation followed discussions with the match promoter, Relevent Sports. The league cited “uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks” as a significant factor in the decision.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
- The promoter highlighted insufficient time to organize such a large-scale event.
- Concerns were raised about ticket sales without a confirmed match.
- Player and fan opposition has intensified recently, leading to protests during league games.
Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed criticism towards La Liga president Javier Tebas. He described the idea of playing an official match outside Spain as a potential threat to the competition’s integrity.
Concerns from Players and Clubs
Many clubs, including Real Madrid, have argued that playing in Miami could disrupt fairness in the league. Courtois pointed out the challenges of competing away from home, emphasizing that each team should uphold the home-and-away format.
Barcelona and Villarreal initially supported the initiative. Villarreal had plans to facilitate free travel for its fans and offer discounts for those not attending.
Impact on Spanish Soccer
La Liga expressed its disappointment, stating that the match represented a unique opportunity for Spanish soccer’s international growth. The league emphasized the potential for increased visibility and revenue generation in a vital market like the United States.
Future of International Matches
Despite the cancellation, La Liga intends to pursue global expansion efforts. The league highlighted the need for initiatives that ensure financial sustainability and competitiveness against rival leagues like the Premier League.
La Liga maintains a long-term partnership with Relevent Sports, which specializes in international sporting events. This cancellation does not diminish their commitment to promoting Spanish soccer worldwide.
