LaLiga has canceled plans to host a historic match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, originally scheduled for December 20. This ruling will significantly alter the way LaLiga hosts international matches in the future. It would have marked the first time a European league match had been played abroad. U.S.-based organizers Relevent Sports raised several red flags about the event. They told LaLiga they needed to postpone it because there was not enough time for it to be properly executed.
LaLiga’s unilateral decision to make this change received a strong response from clubs and players, in favor and against. On Saturday, FC Barcelona released a statement confirming the cancellation. They did say that they were disappointed to have missed the opportunity to increase the league’s footprint within the United States. The club’s lawyers argued that it was unfair to change the rules in the middle of the season without consulting with all parties beforehand.
“FC Barcelona respects and abides by the decision to cancel the match against Villarreal in Miami,” – FC Barcelona
In their response, Barcelona stressed the importance of maintaining competitive integrity. They highlighted that the challenges of playing away games in LaLiga are significant. The team pointed to their last two matches, home and away to Real Sociedad and Getafe, as proof of these challenges.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois weighed in on the criticism of LaLiga’s operational decision-making. He argued that the league operates without sufficient input from its stakeholders, stating that “LaLiga does whatever it wants because it suits them. This decision distorts the competition.”
“LaLiga does whatever it wants because it suits them. This decision distorts the competition.” – Thibaut Courtois
The cancellation comes after UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin approved the move to Miami on October 6, describing it as “regrettable” and asserting that it “shall not be seen as setting a precedent.” This renders largely moot a primary legislative concern about the implications of staging matches internationally. These kinds of choices would shatter the competitive balance between the leagues.
In recognition of that decision, LaLiga admitted that the uncertainty that has surrounded Spain in recent weeks played a big part in the cancellation. We are glad to hear that the league is ready to take steps to make sure any future events are better planned, guaranteed and delivered.
“Following discussions with the promoter of the official LaLiga match in Miami, the latter has announced its decision to cancel the event due to the uncertainty surrounding Spain in recent weeks.” – LaLiga
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