The Spanish football federation (RFEF) is standing by its decision to move the Villarreal vs Barcelona La Liga fixture to Miami, USA, on December 20, despite strong opposition from Real Madrid and UEFA.
RFEF president Rafael Louzan called the overseas game “good for football,” arguing it is a “reward” for international fans who pay to watch La Liga matches and helps “promote the Spanish La Liga around the world.”
The move follows a similar decision by Italy’s Serie A to play a match in Australia.
However, European governing body UEFA was in “clear opposition,” with president Aleksander Ceferin calling the approved move “regrettable,” though Uefa admitted it lacked the legal framework to stop it.
Real Madrid also expressed concerns, stating the decision would lead to a “before and after” for the world of football.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta welcomed the fixture, noting that a competitive game in Miami, where club legend Lionel Messi now plays, will be a “great show” for the city’s large FC Barcelona following.
