Real Madrid opposes the holding of the Barça-Villarreal game in Miami.

Reuters and AP

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, August 13, 2025, p. a11

Madrid. Real Madrid rejected plans to hold a Spanish league match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami and warned that the consequences would mark a turning point for world football. It also revealed that it has already urged FIFA, UEFA, and the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) to intervene.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approved on Monday the December 20 match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which could become the first LaLiga match held abroad.

In contrast, Villarreal promised free travel and tickets for season ticket holders if their match against Barcelona is approved, which would be a first for the tournament.

"If this happens, we would be the first Spanish team to go abroad to play a major official match. What the club gains here is the expansion of the brand, the sponsors, and the opportunity to look toward the future of opening up to the market. The money, as such, will be dedicated to the fans," said Yellow Submarine president Fernando Roig at a press conference.

Madrid accused the RFEF of making its decision "without prior information or consultation with the participating clubs" and argued that holding the match "violates the essential principle of territorial reciprocity" that governs two-legged league formats. The Merengues also asserted that the measure is "altering the competitive balance" and granting "an undue sporting advantage to the requesting clubs."

The plan still requires approval from UEFA, US Soccer, CONCACAF, and ultimately FIFA before LaLiga president Javier Tebas can realize his long-held dream of bringing Spanish soccer to the United States.

Hosting a match abroad has long been part of LaLiga's goal to promote soccer and its brand in other countries. The league first attempted to host a match in the United States between Barça and Girona in 2018, but the idea was scrapped following criticism from some players, fans, and clubs.

The attempt to play in the United States is part of LaLiga's long-term partnership with Relevent Sports, a sports and entertainment group that is part of Stephen Ross's portfolio of companies, including Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open tennis tournament.

FIFA moved last year toward ending decades of football tradition by ordering a review of its policy that blocks domestic league matches from being played in other countries.

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La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, August 13, 2025, p. a11