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The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced this Tuesday that, exceptionally, it has approved the request from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for the Villarreal–Barcelona match, corresponding to the seventeenth round of LaLiga EA Sports, to be held in Miami, Florida, United States.
According to the agency EFE, the continental body emphasized that its decision does not set a precedent and explained that the authorization is due to the lack of clarity in FIFA's regulatory framework, which is currently under review.
An exceptional decision, not a change of stance
In a statement, UEFA reiterated its "clear opposition" to domestic league matches being played outside the country, but indicated that, given the ambiguity of international regulations, the Executive Committee decided to reluctantly approve the requests received from the Spanish and Italian federations.
Along with the Spanish request, it was also approved that the AC Milan–Como match in the Italian Serie A be held in Perth, Australia, as it coincides with the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics at the stadium of the Italian city.
Rejection among clubs, players, and fans
The transfer of Villarreal–Barcelona to Miami revives a debate that five years ago reached the courts between LaLiga and the RFEF.
The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE), with the support of the captains from the First Division, has spoken out against the measure, describing it as a "lack of respect for the players" due to the absence of dialogue and information.
Real Madrid also requested UEFA and FIFA not to authorize the transfer, arguing that the initiative "violates the principle of territorial reciprocity" that governs two-legged competitions and "disrupts the competitive balance" by granting undue advantages to the requesting clubs.
For their part, the European fan associations, including the Spanish FASFE, also expressed their opposition to the change of venue. An evolving debate
FIFA recently introduced changes to its Regulations on International Matches to address the authorization of matches outside the territory of the corresponding federation, taking into account competitive balance and the interests of other clubs.
While that regulatory framework is being reviewed, UEFA clarified that national federations must consult beforehand any similar request, and assured that it will actively collaborate with FIFA to protect the relationship between clubs, fans, and local communities.
The dispute between tradition, market, and international regulations returns to the forefront of football debate, with Miami as the setting for a historic and controversial Villarreal–Barcelona match.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Villarreal–Barcelona Match in Miami
Why will the Villarreal–Barcelona match be played in Miami?
The Villarreal–Barcelona match will be held in Miami because UEFA exceptionally approved the request from the Royal Spanish Football Federation. This decision was made due to the lack of clarity in FIFA's regulatory framework, which is currently under review. UEFA emphasized that its decision does not set a precedent and was made with reluctance.
What is UEFA's stance on playing domestic league matches abroad?
UEFA maintains a clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside the country. However, in this specific case, it authorized the match due to the ambiguity in international rules and on the condition that it does not become a regular practice.
What consequences has the decision to play in Miami generated?
The decision has generated backlash from clubs, players, and fans. The Spanish Footballers Association (AFE) and Real Madrid have voiced their opposition, arguing that it disrupts competitive balance and violates the principle of territorial reciprocity. Furthermore, fan associations have also expressed their discontent.
How does this decision impact the debate on the globalization of football?
The transfer of the match to Miami reignites the debate on the globalization of football. This reflects the tensions between football tradition, the global market, and international regulations. While FIFA reviews its rules, UEFA insists that any similar request must be consulted beforehand to protect the connection between clubs, fans, and local communities.
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