The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) continues to oppose the LaLiga match between Villarreal and Barcelona, which is scheduled to take place in Miami this December.
ADE president David Aganzo emphasized that players cannot endorse these proposals due to insufficient information from the league, stating that he cannot assure the match will proceed at Hard Rock Stadium.
Initially, Aganzo aimed to convene a meeting with LaLiga president Javier Tebas, the captains of the 20 clubs in the top Spanish division, and representatives from both Barcelona and Villarreal this week. However, coordinating a suitable time for all parties proved challenging.
“Tuesday was set for the meeting with Tebas and the clubs,” Aganzo remarked. “We sought transparency and respect for the players.”
“Beyond merely relocating a game, we wanted clarity on the fulfillment of the collective bargaining agreement, details about travel logistics, and working conditions. We need information from LaLiga.”
“If this match is as significant as LaLiga claims, why are no other clubs celebrating it besides Barcelona and Villarreal? I haven’t observed any statements in support.”
“I can’t promise the match will take place. The players are the ones who participate in these games. While football is advancing, the conditions must improve too. We need to safeguard the players.”
In response, LaLiga issued a statement indicating they were unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting but had proposed three alternative dates.
The AFE has emphasized the critical need for an immediate meeting, arguing that the dates proposed by LaLiga were too late, as tickets for the Miami match would likely have already been sold.
It remains unclear what actions the AFE might take moving forward. Although the players’ support isn’t essential for the match to proceed, Aganzo mentioned he had engaged in discussions with political parties regarding potential actions, although he added that the union aims to avoid causing disruption.
One of Aganzo’s main concerns is that relocating a league match to the United States could distort competitive balance, as Barcelona would effectively be playing an away game in a neutral location.
“Absolutely, it does impact the competition,” he asserted. “The players believe that too. Villarreal has a stronger chance at home. Outside of Spain, the top clubs have far more supporters. It will feel as though Barça has home advantage.”
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong expressed understanding regarding the concerns of other clubs about the potential advantage in moving the match, while Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos stated on Wednesday that it would “adulterate” the competition.
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Real Madrid has been one of the strongest opponents of this match, arguing that it will “provide an unfair sporting advantage” to the involved teams and sets an “unacceptable precedent.”
LaLiga has attempted since 2017 to relocate a game to the U.S., but efforts gained traction this month following the European football governing body UEFA’s approval of two requests for matches to be played abroad, including one from Italian clubs AC Milan and Como to compete in Perth, Australia, in February.
UEFA expressed “clear opposition” to the concept of playing domestic league games outside their home countries while acknowledging FIFA’s ambiguous regulations and frameworks permitted the acceptance of these proposals “exceptionally.”
The league subsequently confirmed that Villarreal’s match against Barça would be held in Miami on December 20.