Cancelled US La Liga game a ‘lost opportunity’ — Tebas

Spanish league president, Javier Tebas, has said the cancellation of the planned La Liga match between Barcelona and Villarreal in the United States has been described as a missed chance for growth.

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) had approved the move to hold the December 20 fixture in Miami, but the decision was overturned on Tuesday after backlash from players and clubs.

Players protested last weekend by standing still for the first 15 seconds of matches.

“Today, Spanish football has lost an opportunity to advance, project itself globally, and strengthen its future.

“The defence of ‘tradition’ is invoked from a narrow-minded and provincial perspective, while the true traditions of European football are threatened by decisions by the governing institutions, which year after year destroy national leagues.

“La Liga will continue working, with rigour and conviction, to keep Spanish football competitive, standing up to those who seek to destroy it, but always respecting its roots and ensuring its sustainability,” Tebas wrote on X.

Tebas added that Spanish football “deserved to look to the future with ambition, not fear” and that the league will continue to attempt to play matches overseas.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his players were “not happy” with the initial decision, while Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal said an overseas game would be a “stain” on the competition.

The decision to cancel the match in Miami was announced during Villarreal’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at home by Manchester City.

It would have been the first time a European top-flight league match had taken place in the United States, although the Spanish Super Cup has been held in Saudi Arabia in four of the past five seasons.

The Italian football federation followed La Liga in announcing an overseas game, with the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como set to be played in Perth, Australia, in February.

(BBC Sport)

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