Spanish Federation Approves Villarreal, Barcelona Miami Match

Villarreal plans to play its December 20 La Liga home match against Barcelona in Miami, pending final approval from UEFA and FIFA, marking the first time a Spanish league game would be held outside Spain. The Spanish Football Federation has already approved the request, and Villarreal president Fernando Roig emphasized this as a historic milestone and a significant opportunity to expand the club’s brand in the U.S. To support fans amid the move, Villarreal promises free flights and tickets to those who wish to travel to Miami, while offering a 20% discount on season tickets to those who cannot attend. The club also pledged to reinvest all revenue from the match back into its fan base, addressing concerns about inconvenience and fan opposition, which has been voiced by various supporters’ groups. This initiative aligns with La Liga’s broader goal to promote soccer internationally, despite criticism from some players and fans about moving domestic league matches abroad. Roig expressed enthusiasm about the potential for growth and the historic nature of the event, positioning Villarreal as a pioneer in this transatlantic venture.