After months of anticipation and fierce controversy, La Liga has officially called off its plans to hold a regular-season match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami this December. The move, announced on Tuesday, comes after mounting opposition from players, clubs, and fan groups in Spain, which ultimately created too much "uncertainty" for the event's promoter to proceed.
Why the game was canceled
Player and club pushback: The plan was met with significant backlash from players across the league, who conducted on-field protests during a recent matchday.
Real Madrid was also a vocal opponent, arguing the move compromised the integrity of the competition and gave an unfair advantage to Barcelona.
Logistical challenges: According to event promoter Relevent Sports, the ongoing uncertainty in Spain meant there was "insufficient time" to properly organize an event of this scale and irresponsibly sell tickets
Concerns about competitive integrity: Opponents argued that playing a designated home game for Villarreal in a neutral, far-away venue distorted the competition. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois noted that "playing at home is not the same as playing away" and that Villarreal's home stadium is a tough place to play.
What happens now
The match, originally scheduled for December 20, will now be played in Spain at Villarreal's Estadio de la Cerámica.
La Liga expressed "deep regret" over the cancellation, emphasizing that playing matches abroad is essential for generating new revenue and increasing the league's global reach.
The incident highlights the ongoing conflict between La Liga's international ambitions and the concerns of players and traditional fans regarding sporting integrity and fairness.