The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE), along with the captains of every Primera División club, issued a strong statement rejecting the possibility of playing an official league match outside Spain. The proposed fixture, Villarreal vs. Barcelona in Miami, has caused widespread backlash among players. Even those from Barcelona and Villarreal expressed their disapproval, citing a lack of clear information about the project.
This move comes after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) formally suggested on August 11 that UEFA and FIFA approve the relocation of a league game abroad. The reaction from players was immediate: they demand respect, transparency, and inclusion in the decision-making process.
AFE requested that LaLiga provide a detailed report outlining the conditions of this international project. However, LaLiga leadership responded by saying it had no obligation to disclose preliminary plans and would only share updates about permits and authorizations when necessary.
This lack of communication sparked anger among players, who believe that implementing such a significant change without consulting them is a “disrespectful act.” They stressed that moving matches abroad doesn’t only disrupt the sporting calendar, but also directly impacts their working conditions.
Captains’ unified position
Following a high-level meeting, the captains of all 20 LaLiga clubs unanimously supported the union’s stance. In a joint statement, they emphasized: “We are united. We want respect and transparency.” This solidarity reflects the players’ determination to have a voice in structural changes to the competition.
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AFE reiterated that any decision with such far-reaching consequences must be openly discussed with all stakeholders, particularly the players themselves. They underlined that soccer players are the “true protagonists of the game”, and leaving them out of critical conversations undermines the integrity of the sport.
Broader implications for Spanish soccer
The controversy goes beyond one game. If LaLiga successfully stages Villarreal vs. Barcelona in Miami, it could open the door for more matches abroad in the future. While league officials highlight the potential financial benefits and global exposure, players remain firm: no project of this magnitude can move forward without their approval.
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The debate over international league games is not new, but the strong, united response from Spanish footballers sends a clear message. For them, protecting the traditions of the domestic league and ensuring fair labor conditions outweigh the commercial incentives of expanding into foreign markets.
