LaLiga president Javier Tebas has characterized the decision to cancel the overseas match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami as a missed opportunity.
The planned December league match faced significant backlash, with concerns raised regarding its potential impact on the integrity of the competition.
During the recent LaLiga matches, players protested against the proposal by standing still for the initial moments of each game, and on Tuesday, the league confirmed the match was called off “due to the uncertainty that has developed in Spain in recent weeks.”
However, Tebas views this as a regression and strongly criticized the detractors of the initiative.
He expressed on X: “Today, Spanish football has lost a chance to progress, enhance its global profile, and secure its future.”
“The talk of ‘tradition’ comes from a narrow-minded and provincial viewpoint, while the genuine traditions of European football are threatened by decisions made by governing bodies that annually undermine national leagues, the true backbone of the European football industry. This occurs amidst the naivety and inaction of European leaders, who struggle to differentiate what is trivial from what is fundamental.”
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“The ‘integrity of the competition’ is often cited by those who have long questioned that very integrity, exerting pressure on referees and officials, shaping misleading narratives, or employing political and media influence as a strategic tool in sports.”
“I want to extend my gratitude to Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona for their commitment and generosity in supporting a project that aimed solely at promoting the growth of our competition. They considered the larger picture over their own interests.”
“LaLiga will persist in its efforts, with dedication and conviction, to maintain the competitiveness of Spanish football while standing firm against attempts to undermine it, all while respecting its traditions and ensuring its sustainability.”
“Spanish football deserves to embrace the future with ambition rather than fear. We will continue our endeavors. This time, we were very close.”
Although Villarreal would have been listed as the home team, it was likely to feel more like a home game for Barcelona, given their extensive global fanbase.