UEFA Reluctantly Accepts Barça-Villarreal Game in Miami

UEFA Reluctantly Approves LaLiga Match in Miami

UEFA has given its approval, albeit with reservations, to the proposal to hold a LaLiga match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, the organization announced on Monday. The entity expressed its “clear opposition” to the idea of playing domestic league matches outside their home countries, but added that it had approved two requests: one from LaLiga and another from Serie A, involving AC Milan and Como, citing FIFA’s ambiguous framework. Previously, UEFA had been delaying its decision on whether a Villarreal-Barcelona clash could be held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on the weekend of December 20, while Milan and Como had a similar plan to face each other in Perth, Australia, in February. The final decision on the celebration of these matches will now go to FIFA, which is still in the process of finalizing the new regulations. This decision comes amid strong opposition from fan groups across Europe.

UEFA reiterated today its clear opposition to national league matches being played outside their country of origin.

UEFA

Following its Executive Committee meeting in Tirana, Albania, last month, UEFA conducted additional consultations with stakeholders. This consultation confirmed the widespread lack of support already expressed by fans, other leagues, clubs, players, and European institutions regarding the concept of relocating domestic league matches abroad. However, since the relevant FIFA regulatory framework, currently under review, is not sufficiently clear and detailed, the UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests that were presented to it. UEFA will actively contribute to the ongoing work led by FIFA to ensure that future rules respect the integrity of national competitions and the close link between clubs, their fans and local communities. This decision will be considered a major victory for LaLiga, which has been trying to move a match to the United States since 2017. After the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) backed the proposals earlier this year, UEFA’s approval, albeit with reservations, is considered a significant step. A source from the league explained that Concacaf and the United States Soccer Federation will be notified, explaining that this is the next step to complete the process, but with the expectation that neither will raise objections. Then it will depend on FIFA. There has been no response from FIFA yet. There is significant opposition within Spain, from the Players’ Association (AFE), fan groups, and LaLiga clubs, with Real Madrid stating that it “distorts” the competition. Although none of them can stop the process of bringing the match to the United States immediately, they could raise the issue to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. There is also a possible match clash to resolve. Villarreal-Barcelona is scheduled for the weekend of December 20-21. On Sunday, December 21st, the Miami Dolphins are scheduled to play against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium in the NFL. The game is currently scheduled for the lucrative “Sunday Night Football” time slot. Reconfiguring the stadium to host soccer one day and American football the next, or vice versa, would be a challenge, although sources have reported that it would be possible.