UEFA has reluctantly approved LaLiga’s proposal to stage the Barcelona vs Villarreal league match in Miami, the governing body announced on Monday.
The decision, which also includes approval for AC Milan vs Como to be played in Perth, Australia, comes despite UEFA’s “clear opposition” to domestic league games being moved abroad.
“UEFA has today reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country,” the organization stated.
Following an Executive Committee meeting in Tirana, Albania, UEFA engaged in additional consultations with stakeholders. The outcome confirmed;
“The widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions around the concept of domestic league matches being relocated abroad.”
The move has ignited anger among supporters’ groups across Europe, who view it as a commercial grab that threatens local fan culture.
Why UEFA Approved the Plan
UEFA explained that its decision was influenced by FIFA’s vague regulatory framework, which is currently under review amid resistance and backlash.
“Given that the relevant FIFA regulatory framework, currently under review, is not clear and detailed enough, the UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it,” UEFA said.
“UEFA will actively contribute to the ongoing work led by FIFA to ensure that future rules uphold the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their supporters and local communities,” it added.
Next Steps: FIFA to Have the Final Say
The match between Barcelona and Villarreal is scheduled for the weekend of December 20–21 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
According to reports, “Concacaf and the United States Soccer Federation will now be notified,” confirming this as the next step in the approval process.
Both bodies are not expected to raise objections.
Ultimately, FIFA will make the final decision, as it continues drafting updated regulations on relocating domestic fixtures abroad.
Political and Logistical Hurdles Remain
The decision marks a major victory for LaLiga, which has pushed to host a match in the United States since 2017.
Earlier this year, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) backed the plan. However, there is fierce opposition within Spain.
The Players’ Association (AFE), supporters’ groups, and several LaLiga clubs, including Real Madrid have strongly disapproval. Madrid argued that staging matches abroad “distorts the competition.”
While these groups cannot immediately stop the process, they may escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Additionally, a scheduling conflict looms. On Sunday, Dec. 21, the Miami Dolphins are set to host the Cincinnati Bengals in a high-profile NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Switching between a soccer pitch and American football setup in less than 24 hours poses significant logistical challenges, though reports suggests it remains “possible.”
Serie A Joins the Experiment
LaLiga is not alone in this push. Serie A’s AC Milan and Como have submitted plans to face each other in Perth, Australia, in February 2026, as part of their league calendar.
Both matches will serve as test cases for future overseas league games, potentially reshaping the global football calendar if FIFA’s upcoming regulations permit such moves on a regular basis.
A New Era or a Dangerous Precedent?
The Barcelona–Villarreal clash in Miami, if approved by FIFA, would be the first-ever official LaLiga match played on U.S. soil.
Supporters of the idea believe it will boost LaLiga’s global reach and tap into the lucrative North American market ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Critics, however, argue it sets a dangerous precedent, prioritizing commercial gain over sporting integrity and the bond between clubs and their local communities.
UEFA’s reluctant green light for Barcelona vs Villarreal in Miami is a turning point in the globalization of domestic football.
Whether this is the beginning of a new era or a step too far will now depend on FIFA’s next move, and the response from fans who feel left behind.
Key Fixture Information
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Fixture: Barcelona vs Villarreal
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Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA
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Date: Weekend of December 20–21, 2025
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UEFA: Approved (Reluctantly)
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FIFA: Final Decision Pending
