La Liga has unexpectedly announced that the upcoming fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal, initially planned to be held in Miami, will instead take place at Villarreal’s home ground, Estadio El Madrigal. The decision has prompted a measured response from FC Barcelona.
In an official statement shared on social media, Barcelona confirmed their acceptance of La Liga’s ruling but expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity to showcase Spanish football in the United States.
“FC Barcelona respects and accepts the decision to cancel the match against Villarreal in Miami, which corresponds to Matchday 17 of La Liga, just as the Club had previously respected and accepted the decision to play the game in the United States,” the statement read.
The club emphasized that the match in the U.S. could have served as a valuable platform to grow La Liga’s international presence and revenue potential:
“FC Barcelona regrets the lost opportunity to enhance the competition’s profile in a strategic market with significant potential for growth and for generating revenue for all involved.”
Barcelona also extended appreciation to its U.S.-based supporters:
Related News
“The Club is grateful for the unwavering support and loyalty of our fans in the United States and deeply regrets that they will be deprived of the chance to witness an official match in their own country.”
The match will now be played as originally scheduled in Spain, closing the door — for now — on La Liga’s ambitions to take regular-season games abroad.
