LaLiga has received a proposal from FC Barcelona and Villarreal to hold Matchday 17 in the US, at the Hard Rock Stadium on December 20th of 2025. The Royal Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) has accepted this proposal and forwarded it to UEFA for consideration. In response, Real Madrid wasted no time expressing their clear dissatisfaction. They issued a strong statement to assert their position on the matter.
While this proposal has been widely criticized, it is not unprecedented. In 2018, LaLiga president Javier Tebas proposed playing certain games abroad to internationalize the league. However, at that time, Luis Rubiales, then president of the RFEF, rejected the idea. The latest attempt occurred in October 2024, when Barcelona and Atletico Madrid agreed to play a game in Miami that December. Unfortunately, Dana’s catastrophe in Valencia halted that effort.
According to RAC1, the potential game between Barcelona and Villarreal in the US could generate significant profits, estimated between 5 and 6 million euros (approximately $5.8 to $7 million). Villarreal‘s president, Fernando Roig, stated that team members might travel to Miami and attend the game for free. However, the Association of Spanish Soccer Players (AFE) opposes the proposal, questioning the criteria used to choose this specific matchup.
What did Real Madrid say about Barcelona and Villarreal’s joint proposal?
In a statement published on their official website, Real Madrid expressed total disagreement with the recent proposal. “The measure, promoted without information or prior consultation to the participating clubs in this competition, violates the essential principle of territorial reciprocity that governs in double return league competitions (one party at home and the other in that of the opposite team), altering the competitive balance and giving an undue sports advantage to the applicant clubs.”
Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona controls the ball whilst under pressure from Gerard Moreno of Villarreal CF during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF.
Following the rejection, Real Madrid took decisive action on three fronts. First, they submitted an official request to FIFA, seeking assurance of adherence to international soccer regulations. Next, they urged UEFA to uphold its policies that prohibit games outside national territory. Finally, the team approached the Superior Sports Council, urging them to deny administrative authorization for this commitment.
see also
Bad news for Barcelona: Yamal, Lewandowski and Flick hit with strong sanctions by UEFA
Contrary to popular belief, FIFA has not yet implemented any official changes that permit league games to be played beyond a country’s national borders. However, the organization has exhibited increased flexibility, signaling a willingness to entertain such events. This potential hinges on meeting specific approval requirements, meaning the organization does not automatically accept these games.
