LaLiga players have initiated protests against the league’s decision to host a regular-season match in Miami. However, the first protest on Friday was not broadcast live as anticipated.
The global television feed for the matchup between Real Oviedo and Espanyol cut away to the outside of the stadium during the first 25 seconds of the game, as players halted play for 15 seconds in protest against plans to shift a game to the U.S.
This match took place shortly after the Spanish soccer players’ union declared that protests would be held immediately after kickoff in the ninth round of matches from Friday through Monday.
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The union issued a statement claiming that the “players will protest symbolically to express their discontent over LaLiga’s lack of transparency, communication, and consistency regarding the idea of playing a game in the United States.”
Last week, LaLiga officially announced plans to hold the match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami on December 20.
The union stated that captains from all 20 top-flight teams were united in their stance on the protest, but they noted that they had not called upon the players from Barcelona and Villarreal to participate, despite acknowledging that “they share the core concerns of the protest.”
On Saturday, Barcelona will host Girona, while Villarreal will face Real Betis.
Earlier on Friday, Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick and his squad expressed their dissatisfaction over traveling 7,200 kilometers (4,500 miles) for a regular-season match. “My players are unhappy, I am unhappy, but LaLiga has made the decision for us to play this game,” Flick remarked during a press conference when questioned about the decision.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta defended the initiative, describing it as a chance to expand their footprint in the American sports market.
For Flick and the players, however, the added travel represents a challenge before a brief winter break. Barcelona is also scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup commencing on January 7.
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong also voiced his concerns about playing in the U.S., citing the already heavy demands on players’ schedules due to extensive travel.
Similarly, Villarreal is competing in the Champions League as well. LaLiga president Javier Tebas has championed the game abroad as essential for increasing “mid- to long-term revenues” and enhancing the value of the league’s television rights, which are currently lower than those of England’s Premier League.
Tebas also stated that the league intends to make international matches an annual occurrence.
The match is set to take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
The league has arranged charter flights to transport 2,000 to 3,000 Villarreal fans to Florida, as they will be the home team.