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LaLiga’s long-standing ambition to take an official league match to the United States has once again hit turbulence, with growing opposition threatening to derail December’s planned Villarreal–Barcelona clash in Miami.
What began as a bold marketing initiative has turned into a dispute between league officials and the players’ union, with the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) accusing LaLiga of excluding players from key discussions.
AFE president David Aganzo has emerged as the leading critic of the project, denouncing the lack of transparency around logistics, working conditions, and contractual terms. Aganzo said this week. “It’s the players who play these games, football is improving, but the conditions have to as well. We have to protect the players."”
Since LaLiga first floated the idea of staging matches abroad in 2017, the proposal has repeatedly faced resistance at home and abroad. League president Javier Tebas has remained the driving force behind the push, determined to see a match on American soil despite backlash from players, fans, and rival clubs.
For many, the move raises questions of fairness. Villarreal would lose their home advantage, while Barcelona’s vast global fanbase could make the neutral venue feel like a home fixture. “Outside Spain, it’ll be like Barça are at home,” said Aganzo.
Divisions have even appeared among players. Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has expressed understanding for smaller clubs who feel disadvantaged, while Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos called the idea an “adulteration” of the competition.
The AFE formally reiterated its opposition this week, insisting the Miami fixture cannot proceed without adequate consultation. Aganzo said the union cannot support the proposals due to “the lack of information provided by the league so far,” adding that he cannot guarantee the game will be played at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
While the AFE has limited formal power to stop the fixture, Aganzo said the union is exploring political avenues, though he stressed, “we don’t want to ruin everything.”
The union’s core argument remains that moving a competitive fixture abroad skews the fairness of the league.
Despite the resistance, LaLiga remains intent on proceeding, having already announced the Villarreal–Barcelona fixture for December 20 in Miami.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Ibrahima Toure, Pexels / Anil Sharma
