The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has approved the proposal to relocate the La Liga match between Villarreal and Barcelona, scheduled for December 20, 2025, to Miami, Florida. The match is planned to be held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, marking a rare instance of a regular-season La Liga fixture being played outside Spain. This move aligns with La Liga's long-standing efforts to establish a regular-season game in South Florida. However, the relocation still requires final approval from UEFA and FIFA. The decision has faced opposition, notably from Real Madrid, which has formally requested UEFA, FIFA, and the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) to block the match's move to Miami, arguing that it creates an unfair sporting advantage and disrupts competitive balance. Additionally, some fan groups and the Spanish players' union have expressed disapproval of the relocation. The CSD has indicated it lacks the authority to prevent the match from being played in Miami. Meanwhile, Barcelona has reportedly exceeded its budget and is seeking urgent financial guarantees related to the event. The controversy highlights tensions within Spanish football regarding the globalization of the league and the implications for domestic competition.
🚨 El Barça se pasa de gasto y pide un aval de urgencia https://t.co/gTudRp0pTU
✋ El CSD no puede impedir el Villarreal-Barça, tal y como pide el Madrid ✍️ @RamonFuentes74 https://t.co/rkgrIIKY2J
🎙️ Unai Simón: 💬 "Jugar en Miami me parece una falta de respeto a los aficionados" https://t.co/aoRBhB7LeF