Villarreal-Barcelona Miami Match Canceled; Legal Fight Looms

LaLiga and promoter Relevent Sports canceled the planned Dec. 20 Villarreal–Barcelona regular-season match in Miami, citing uncertainty in Spain, insufficient time and a lack of guarantees after widespread domestic backlash. The Spanish players' union AFE organised symbolic protests — players stood still for the first 15 seconds of matches — to protest a lack of consultation; LaLiga says those actions amounted to an illegal strike and says it will file a formal legal complaint, a charge the AFE rejects. Real Madrid mounted a behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign, including complaints to Spanish and international bodies, that sources say helped sink the proposal. UEFA had given reluctant approval and the Spanish federation had backed the plan, but objections on integrity and tradition from clubs, players and coaches amplified the political and legal fallout. Barcelona said it accepts and respects the decision, while Villarreal and other clubs condemned the timing and tone of the cancellation. The episode leaves LaLiga's U.S. expansion plans in doubt and has sharpened tensions between the league, clubs, players and promoters as further legal and institutional battles loom.