La Liga's Miami fixture: Reasons for its collapse and future prospects
The initiative by La Liga to relocate Barcelona's December encounter against Villarreal to Miami in the United States fell apart this week amid intense opposition within Spain. AFP Sport examines the circumstances, causes and potential developments ahead.
Why is La Liga keen on hosting a game overseas?
La Liga has pursued the idea of shifting a fixture to the US since 2018, when they aimed to stage Girona versus Barcelona in Miami.
The current effort marked their nearest success yet, following approval from UEFA, the European football authority, and the Spanish football federation, RFEF.
Nevertheless, with fewer than six weeks remaining before the planned start, La Liga had to shelve the proposal.
Their promoter in the US, Relevent Sports, announced they would cease preparations due to the "uncertainty arising in Spain" concerning the fixture, coupled with insufficient time.
This outcome left La Liga recovering from the setback, as president Javier Tebas lamented the missed "historic chance" to host the inaugural overseas match in a European league.
Tebas sought to emulate the NFL and NBA by exporting their product, penetrating the profitable North American market and enhancing the competition's worth.
Players pivotal in the downfall
La Liga players throughout Spain halting play for the initial 15 seconds of their games last weekend served as a potent demonstration.
This action was coordinated by the Spanish footballers association, AFE, who expressed frustration over the absence of consultation on the arrangements and highlighted a "lack of openness and cooperation".
They argued that relocating the match to the US violated the players collective bargaining agreement, while also intensifying an already demanding workload and travel itinerary.
Prominent Spanish club Real Madrid voiced strong resistance to the idea, claiming it would "compromise" the integrity of the league, and submitted two letters to the national Sports Council, CSD, urging intervention.
Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal described the Miami fixture as a "blemish" on La Liga, and manager Xabi Alonso condemned it repeatedly.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois took issue with the players protest not appearing in La Liga's coverage of last weekends fixtures, labelling the leagues omission as "censorship and manipulation".
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and midfielder Frenkie de Jong also opposed the relocation to Miami.
De Jong conceded it was "unfair competitively" since an away fixture would occur on neutral territory.
What are the implications?
La Liga faces a return to planning stages amid frustration, though over time they may draw encouragement from advancing further this instance. "We shall persist in our efforts," Tebas affirmed.
Yet Villarreal reacted with fury over the "disrespect" shown by the Spanish premier division, which revealed the cancellation during their Champions League clash with Manchester City on Tuesday.
The Yellow Submarine further criticised La Liga's handling of the affair and indicated they might have withdrawn later that week regardless, pointing to logistical challenges for which La Liga provided no solutions.
Villarreal questioned La Liga's capability to organise an overseas fixture. Consequently, other clubs observing may show reduced enthusiasm for involvement in subsequent initiatives, as the leagues reliability suffers a blow.
Clubs should also consider the discontent among various supporter organisations regarding the relocation, alongside disputes over financial benefits.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated his club would profit from the event, whereas Villarreal insisted all proceeds ought to benefit their supporters, perhaps through subsidised travel to Miami or reductions on season tickets for those opting not to journey.
What lies ahead?
La Liga and Tebas remain committed to realising the vision, convinced that international expansion represents the optimal path for growth.
Meanwhile, reports in Spain suggest the league is pursuing legal action against the AFE over the 15 second player stoppage, which they deem a strike.
La Liga could benefit from improving dialogue with fellow football entities to advance their ambitions.
The CSD noted that "suitable regulations" for such fixtures are presently absent, an area FIFA anticipates addressing in forthcoming months.
Presently, Italy and Serie A might pioneer as the first European league to export a game, with AC Milan facing Como in Perth, Australia, during February.
The scrapping of La Liga's Miami plans may influence proceedings in Italy, as supporter group Football Supporters Europe has urged Serie A to abandon their intentions.