Real Madrid Opposes Barcelona’s Proposed La Liga Match in Miami
Real Madrid has publicly opposed the idea of hosting a regular-season La Liga match in the United States, rejecting a proposal to have Barcelona face Villarreal on December 20 at Hard Rock Stadium, home of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. The club warned that such a move could mark “a turning point in the world of football.”
In a statement released Tuesday, Madrid claimed the decision—made without consulting all participating clubs—would undermine the integrity and legitimacy of the competition. The club argued that the plan violates the principle of territorial reciprocity in two-legged league formats, giving an “undue sporting advantage” to the teams involved.
Villarreal Offers Incentives
Villarreal, on the other hand, supports the proposal, promising free travel and match tickets for its season-ticket holders should the game be approved. If confirmed, this would be the first time in La Liga history that a regular-season match is played outside Spain.Fears of a Dangerous Precedent
Real Madrid stated that the move could set an “unacceptable precedent” that prioritizes **non-sporting interests** over fair play, potentially “adulterating the competition.”The fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) also voiced strong opposition, stressing that moving domestic games abroad “strikes at the heart of the relationship between fans and their teams.” The organization is coordinating with clubs, stakeholders, and supporter groups to resist the proposal.
If approved, the match would be a landmark event for La Liga—but one that could redefine the balance between tradition, competition, and global market ambitions.
