Tue Oct 21 17:10:00 UTC 2025: LaLiga Scraps Miami Match Amid Player and Club Opposition
Madrid, Spain – LaLiga has officially cancelled its plan to hold a regular-season match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami this December, citing “uncertainty generated in Spain” as the primary reason. Relevent, LaLiga’s partner in the North American market, made the decision following strong opposition from players, clubs, and fan groups.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks the end of a long-sought-after goal for LaLiga to bring a regular-season game to the United States. The league expressed its disappointment, calling the cancelled project “a historic and unparalleled opportunity for the internationalization of Spanish football.” LaLiga believes the match would have significantly strengthened its global presence in a key market like the U.S.
However, the plan faced mounting resistance. Players protested the lack of transparency and potential disruption to the league’s integrity. Real Madrid voiced strong opposition, appealing to FIFA, UEFA, and Spain’s Sports Ministry (CSD) to block the game. Concerns were raised about the impact on player fatigue and the fairness of the competition.
Barcelona stated they respect the decision, while regretting the missed opportunity. Villarreal coach Marcelino García Toral criticized the timing of the announcement, made during his team’s Champions League match.
This isn’t LaLiga’s first attempt to hold a match overseas. A previous proposal involving Barcelona and Girona in 2018-19 also failed due to opposition. While UEFA reluctantly approved the Miami game, they made it clear their opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country.
The cancellation leaves LaLiga’s future plans for games in the United States uncertain. Serie A is still planning to have their game in Australia this upcoming February.
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